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Thirteen days after Western
Christmas, on January 7th, the Russian Orthodox
Church celebrates its Christmas, in accordance
with the old Julian calendar. It's a day of both
solemn ritual and joyous celebration. After
the 1917 Revolution, Christmas was banned
throughout Russia, along with other religious
celebrations. It wasn't until 75 years later, in
1992, that the holiday was openly observed.
Today, it's once again celebrated in grand
fashion, with the faithful participating in an
all-night Mass in incense-filled Cathedrals
amidst the company of the painted icons of Saints.
Christmas is one of the most joyous
traditions for the celebration of Eve comes from the
Russian tradition. On the Eve of Christmas, it is
traditional for all family members to gather to share a
special meal. The various foods and customs surrounding
this meal differed in Holy Russia from village to village
and from family to family, but certain aspects remained
the same.
An old Russian tradition, whose roots are
in the Orthodox faith, is the Christmas Eve fast and meal. The fast,
typically, lasts until after the evening worship service or until the
first star appears. The dinner that follows is very much a celebration,
although, meat is not permitted.
Kutya,
a type of porridge, is the primary dish. It is very symbolic with its
ingredients being various grains for hope and honey and poppy seed for
happiness and peace.
Irina
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