New Year’s is Russia’s biggest holiday. Yes, it is bigger than Christmas for many families! It is that time of the year to blend some folklore, some TV moments, and an all-night feast that goes well past midnight. Here is an interesting fact about the Russian New Year that you might not know, though.The Russian New Year holiday is now celebrated on the evening of December 31st and January 1st but this hasn’t always been the case. Originally, the Russians observed their New Years in March, but the holiday was later shifted to January 1st by Peter the Great in 1699. The practice has continued and endured to date.
If you ever wonder how Russians welcome the New Year, this guide, you are in the right place! We will walk you through some of the biggest traditions that define this special occasion.
Decoration of the Yolka (The New Year Tree)
For starters, at the heart of every New Year decoration in a Russian home, there is the New Year Tree. This is referred to as the “Novogodnaya Yolka.” Well, it’s just like Christmas as we are all used to it. It has a special place in Russian hearts as the symbol of New Year’s joy. According to Russian history, religious holidays were suppressed and Christmas trees vanished from public life during the early Soviet era.
In 1935, the tree was officially “rehabilitated” as a secular New Year emblem. From then on, the tradition flourished again in homes, schools, and theaters.
Unlike the Christmas stockings seen in Western cultures, Russians focus on this tree as the centerpiece for presenting their presents. It doesn’t just spice the festive atmosphere. The decorating process of the New Year’s Tree sets the stage for some joyful merrymaking!
The Arrival of Ded Moroz and Snegurochka
Forget the solo flight of Santa Claus!
In Russia, the gift-giving is handled by a majestic duo you need to meet. The coming of Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) and his granddaughter Snegurochka (the Snow Maiden) is usually one of the highlights of a Russian New Year. Their arrival is always a national event. It is even broadcast on television and celebrated at city squares across the country.
The Ded Moroz is always in a long fur-trimmed coat often blue or red, and sometimes arrives in a sleigh pulled by a troika (three horses abreast). These two are a symbol of winter magic and goodwill. Just like Santa, they deliver gifts to children and spread joy during the festive season. The gifts are usually placed under the New Year tree. In many families, children perform a poem or song to “earn” a present from these two.
This is one of those traditions that feels like it is straight out of a storybook!
The Feast Novogodniy Stol (New Year’s Table)
Every household in Russia prepares the New Year’s Table also known as the Novogodniy Stol. This is typically done as the clock ticks towards midnight. Well, the Novogodniy Stol is a lavish, multi-course feast designed to ensure prosperity for the twelve months ahead. The idea here is to create a table overflowing with delicious food. Yes, it should be so much that it would be impossible to eat it all in one night.
This is to symbolize the wish for a year without hunger or want.
Some of the must-have dishes on this table include the famous Olivier salad. This is a hearty mix of diced potatoes, carrots, peas, pickles, boiled eggs, and bologna, all bound in mayonnaise. Another cherished dish is “Selyodka pod shuboy,” known as herring under a fur coat.
This is a layered salad made with herring, potatoes, carrots, beets, and mayonnaise that reflects both tradition and flavor. The centerpiece is often a roasted goose or duck. It fills the home with an incredible aroma!
Let’s just say that the feast is all about the sensory experience of family, history, and shared optimism for the new year ahead.
The First Footprint
The “first foot” tradition is a fascinating and slightly mysterious custom that adds an intriguing touch to Russian New Year’s fortune. Well, Russians believe they invite good luck by welcoming the right “first foot”. The belief is that the very first guest to cross the threshold of a home after midnight has a bearing on the fortune of the household for the entire year.
So, the ideal first guest is supposed to be a kind, successful, and cheerful man. Often, it is preferred that they come holding a symbolic gift like bread (for prosperity) or salt (for wealth).
The belief is that as he steps into the home, he brings with him his positive energy and good fortune for all who live there. Conversely, inviting misfortune is considered a very real possibility. Especially if the first visitor is someone with a negative disposition.
This custom emphasizes the importance of starting the year with positive energy and goodwill.
New Year Celebration Extends Beyond the Ordinary
The Russian New Year celebration is not just about a single night of festivity. It is a long season experience that extends into the first days of January. Russians enjoy an extended holiday period lasting until about January 10. This is to allow families to visit, relax, and continue festivities.
It is the time to enjoy some Soviet-era movies like The Irony of Fate that are watched on repeat. This nurtures a sense of community. This is also the time to enjoy snowy walks. There are also lots of friendly gatherings, and heartfelt storytelling. This long holiday period exemplifies the importance Russians place on togetherness. This also signifies the cultural richness that accompanies the New Year.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the Russian New Year is so much more than a change in the calendar. This is a time for a profound cultural experience built on a foundation of light, hope, and unwavering togetherness. These customs invite you to celebrate a new chapter in life with heartfelt wishes around your loved ones. The Russian New Year celebrations are here to remind us of the power that culture has, especially when it comes to bringing people closer and inspiring a brighter tomorrow.
