New Year is a holiday celebrated in many cultures. In Russia it occurs on the 1st of January (New Years Day). But there is also Chinese New Year, Islamic New Year, for example. They are celebrated on other days. As far as you understand, today we are going to talk about Russian New Year and its peculiarities.
What happens in December?
Most Russian cities are beautifully decorated at the beginning of December, and people start to decorate their homes, too. Families buy fir-trees (or Christmas trees) and decorate them with socks, sweets, lights, balls, candles and even flowers. Beautifully wrapped presents are placed under the tree. They put wreaths (венок) and strings of lights (гирлянды) on the doors and walls and everywhere.
How do people celebrate?
New Year is a traditional family holiday. It is usually celebrated with members of family. Of course, teenagers and young people prefer spending this wonderful time with their friends, having parties, but still they usually enjoy the beginning of the holiday with their families.
Festive dinner
Really, it’s the most important part of the holiday. People buy a lot of food beforehand and the food they normally can’t afford. Russian festive dinner has a lot of different dishes. There is always a huge variety of salads. For example, Russian salad (peas, pickled cucumbers, potatoes, chicken or sausage), crab salad, cheese salad, several kinds of fish salads and some more. Sandwiches with caviar are extremely popular. They are a symbol of New Year celebration, I think. Also there are huge plates with different kinds of sausage and cheese. And a cake for a dessert. And sweets. You should be brave and hungry when you sit at the table.
When does it all start?
Usually at 9 or 10pm on the 31st of January. People start eating and say goodbye to the previous year. Also they remember all the good and bad things that were happening during the year. Some Russians write a to-do-list for the following year (but, of course, it’s usually young people who do that).
What happens at midnight?
The Russians gather at the table with a decorated fir-tree (Christmas tree) somewhere near, watch the speech of the President. I think at least 90% of us do that. At midnight there is always a wonderful fireworks display. Then they drink champagne, congratulate each other and wish each other happy new year. We really hope that all bad things will remain in the previous year.
What happens later?
After that young people usually go out, some of them go the city centre, some of them visit their friends, some just walk. Most of Russians go to bed in the morning and after some sleep continue eating all the tasty things they have.
Who brings presents to good children?
Father Frost (or grandfather Frost, or Ded Moroz). It is a tall old man with a long beard and a staff (посох). He is usually accompanied by his granddaughter Snegurochka. They are both kind and give wonderful presents to children.
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See you!
