Have you ever wondered how Easter is celebrated in the world’s largest nation? For one, Orthodox Easter Day is one of the most important holidays in Russia. In fact, the holiday has been a big thing ever since the Soviet era.
Well, the Russian Easter celebrations go beyond the decorations or the chocolate eggs, and egg hunts. It is more of a cultural and spiritual event. It brings with it centuries of tradition and religious devotion. Without further ado, here are ten things you might not know happen during Easter celebrations in Russia.
Easter Follows a Different Calendar
One of the first things you should know is that Russian Easter usually doesn’t align with the Western celebration. There is actually a reason behind this; the Russian Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar. This means Easter falls one or more weeks later than the Catholic or Protestant date.
Additionally, the date is usually determined by the first full moon after the spring equinox. The implications are that the holiday changes annually. In other words, if you’re planning to experience Easter in Russia firsthand then you ought to factor this into your plan.
Easter is known as Paskha
The Russian word for Easter is Paskha. This name is said to have originated from the Jewish holiday of Pesach. Historically this particular one commemorated the liberation of Jews from Egyptian slavery. However, other sources suggest that the name originated from the Greek phrase “I suffer.” According to Christian tradition, the term refers to moving from earth to heaven and from death to eternity with Christ.
The Spiritual Discipline of Great Lent
The Easter feast is always preceded by the Great Lent. This is a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and self-discipline. Russians who observe this tradition refrain from eating meat, dairy, and eggs. Some also avoid oil and fish. Traditionally, this fasting is seen as a way to cleansing your body and the soul.
The believers use this time to focus on personal growth. It is a time to prepare spiritually for the joy of resurrection. The Russians observe the Great Lent because this is a period of sacrifice and renewal.
Holy Week and Clean Thursday
During the last week before the holiday, the Russians are expected to do all their pre-Easter chores. This is referred to as the Holy Week. On the Thursday of that week, “Clean Thursday” you will find families washing, scrubbing, and decluttering their homes. Of course it is all about ensuring that everything sparkles for Easter Sunday!
It is perhaps worth noting that this custom extends beyond the physical. It is symbolic of purifying the heart and mind. Many believers attend church services where they will light candles, and pray for forgiveness. It is also common for people to bathe or visit the Russian banya (steam bath). Again, this reinforces that sense of cleansing.
Palm Sunday with Willow Branches
Palm trees don’t grow in Russia but the Russians found a hack for this. They use willow branches instead of palm leaves to celebrate Palm Sunday. The branches are first blessed in church. Then, they are taken home to be displayed in vases of water. The blooming of the buds symbolizes rebirth, hope, and the start of spring.
The presence of these branches in a home during the Easter season is thought to bring blessings and protection. There is also that sight of blooming willows on every street corner not to mention in every household. This adds a natural beauty to that amazing Easter spirit in Russia.
The Midnight Easter Vigil
Perhaps the most moving and unforgettable moment of Russian Easter is the midnight vigil. This takes place on Holy Saturday. During this ceremony, the service begins in solemn silence after the lights are off. At midnight, the priest announces: “Christ is risen!” and the congregation responds: “Indeed, He is risen!”
This transition from darkness to light powerfully symbolizes resurrection and new beginnings. Even people who don’t regularly attend church often take part in this midnight service. Virtually everyone wants to witness the emotion, music, and spiritual intensity of the night.
The Art of Egg Painting
Forget chocolate eggs. Easter eggs in Russia are painted and decorated by hand. This carries deep symbolism. Now, traditionally eggs were dyed red using onion skins, which represent the blood of Christ and new life. Nonetheless, today, families are adopting modern dyes, stickers, and ornaments. They make these eggs colorful and creative.
After decorations, family members, friends, and neighbors exchange their eggs as a form of gifts of love and friendship. The eggs are then taken to church to be blessed along with Easter foods. These carry a strong message of renewal. No wonder they are one of the most cherished symbols of Russian Easter traditions.
The Easter Greeting Tradition
Russians hardly ever stay at home on this day. Easter is a day spent visiting family and friends. This is the time to eat celebratory meals, and send some warm greetings. You will find loved ones giving each other adorned eggs along with three cheek kisses as a form of greeting.
Instead of saying “Happy Easter,” people usually say: “Christ is risen!” The proper reply is always: “Indeed, He is risen!”
Fun and Games with Eggs
Easter in Russia is not only spiritual but also a time to play some traditional egg games. One of them is what’s known as egg-rolling. This is simply where eggs are rolled down a slope, and the one that travels the farthest without breaking is declared the champion.
The egg-cracking contest is another game that’s popular. In this game, competitors tap their eggs against one another. And, the winner is the one whose egg stays intact the longest. These egg games bring laughter to families and loved ones. They pretty much keep the children engaged while adults enjoy the feast.
Easter Season Lasts 40 Days
Easter celebrations do not end on Sunday in Russia. The joy of Christ’s resurrection continues for another 40 days, until the Feast of Ascension. During this time, believers continue to greet one another with “Christ is risen!”. The churches remain filled with songs of celebration.
There is also Radonitsa, a day of remembrance for departed loved ones. This is observed on the second Tuesday after Easter. At this time, families bring eggs and food to cemeteries. Here they share the Easter joy with ancestors with a belief in eternal life.
Wrapping up
Celebrating Easter in Russia is more like stepping into a world where ancient traditions and some modernity intertwine. It represents a time of reflection, renewal, and connection with God, family, and community. So, the next time you hear “Christ is risen!” don’t hesitate to respond with “Indeed, He is risen!”
