The Old New Year in Russia is like the last chord in a series of long January holidays. Therefore, many believe that it should be celebrated no worse than the main ones. Moreover, there are a number of traditions, how exactly you can and should celebrate the New Year according to the old calendar.
The tradition of celebrating the old New Year began in Russia since 1918. At this moment, a change in chronology took place in Russia. Despite the fact that Russians consider this tradition exclusively theirs, several other states around the world celebrate this holiday. For example, there is a tradition to celebrate the old New Year in Serbia and Montenegro, as well as in Latvia, Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Greece..
Traditions of celebrating the old New Year
It is on the old New Year that it is customary to actively carol. When it comes to rural areas, young people dress up in national costumes, lead round dances, and visit neighbors and friends. However, the tradition of caroling is gradually spreading to cities. So today, to meet on the streets of even a metropolis a group of young people in interesting unusual costumes is quite an ordinary option.
If you are far from the traditions of caroling, you can replace them with alternative methods. So, for example, you can get together with the whole family and go downhill skiing, make snowmen and play snowballs.
Of course, the feast is an integral part of the celebration. The atmosphere must be warm and homely. As for the dishes, it is imperative to serve a variety of options - hearty and tasty. Traditionally, kutya, dumplings and pork dishes are prepared for the old New Year.
The tradition of opening champagne to the chimes is preserved in the old New Year. The only thing that can beat the clock for you is only on a previously prepared video recording. Desires are no longer thought of, but toasts can be made - after all, wishes for good, love, good luck, ill health and happiness will never be superfluous.
Modern TV channels also pay tribute to traditions and try to repeat the program on December 31 and on the old New Year. Of course, in a stripped-down version, but still.
Fortune telling for the old New Year
Fortune-telling is another of the constant traditions for the old New Year. And absolutely everyone is guessing - from young people to the elderly. The topics are different. For young people - the search for their betrothed, for adults - questions about the fate of loved ones and children.
Guessing is best in close company. This is both more interesting and more fun.
Signs for the old New Year
Despite the fact that New Year is a secular holiday, it also has a reference to religious roots. So, for example, since it was on this day, according to the Gospel, that Christ was circumcised, so there is no need to cut anything.
The villagers go out into the garden that day and shake off the snow from the trees. It is believed that this kind of ritual protects vegetation from worms and other pests.
Celebrating the old New Year is fun and interesting. Do not try to find any sacred meaning in this. Just enjoy the moment. After all, not everyone has a chance to celebrate the most important holiday of the year once again.
