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Russian Orthodox Christmas
Celebrating January 7th
Why January 7th? Understanding the Calendar
Russian Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7th—not because it’s a different Christmas, but because the Russian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar for religious holidays, while most of the world uses the Gregorian calendar.
The Two Calendars
Julian Calendar:
- Created by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE
- Used throughout Europe for over 1,500 years
- The Russian Orthodox Church still follows this calendar for religious celebrations
- On this calendar, Christmas falls on December 25th
Gregorian Calendar:
- Introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582
- More astronomically accurate than the Julian calendar
- Adopted by most Western European countries starting in 1582
- The calendar we use today in most of the world
The Russian Calendar Change
After the Russian Revolution of 1917, the new Soviet government adopted the Gregorian calendar for civil use. However, the Russian Orthodox Church refused to change and continued following the Julian calendar for religious observances.
The Result: In the 21st century, there is a 13-day difference between the two calendars. December 25th on the Julian calendar equals January 7th on the Gregorian calendar.
Interesting Note: In the year 2100, the difference will become 14 days, which would shift Russian Orthodox Christmas to January 8th!
What This Means
- Russian Orthodox Christians are celebrating the same event—the birth of Jesus Christ
- They’re following the same date (December 25th) but on a different calendar
- It’s not a “different” Christmas—just celebrated on a different day of the modern calendar
- Other Orthodox churches (Greek, Romanian, Bulgarian) use the Gregorian calendar and celebrate on December 25th
Historical Context: Christianity in Russia
Ancient Roots
Christmas celebrations in Russia date back over 1,000 years to when Russia adopted Christianity in the late 10th century under Prince Vladimir. Before Christianity, Russia was a pagan culture with its own Slavic gods.
Ancient Slavic Winter Traditions:
Many current Christmas traditions have roots in pre-Christian Slavic customs:
- Koliada: An ancient winter festival celebrating the return of the sun
- Honoring ancestors: Belief that spirits of ancestors return during winter solstice
- Bonfires: Symbolized the return of the sun and victory of light over darkness
- Fortune-telling: Believed the veil between worlds was thinnest during winter
When Christianity arrived, these traditions blended with Christian observances, creating the unique Russian Christmas we know today.
The Soviet Era (1917-1991)
Christmas Under Communism
The Soviet period dramatically impacted Christmas celebrations:
- 1929: Christmas officially banned as a religious holiday
- Church persecution: Many churches were closed or destroyed; priests were arrested
- Secret celebrations: Faithful Christians continued celebrating privately, risking punishment
- Transfer to New Year: Christmas traditions moved to the secular New Year holiday
- Ded Moroz: “Grandfather Frost” replaced religious Christmas figures
- New Year’s Tree: Christmas trees became “New Year’s trees”
Post-Soviet Revival (1991-Present)
After the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991:
- Christmas was reinstated as an official holiday
- Churches reopened and were rebuilt
- Religious freedom was restored
- However, New Year’s Eve remained the bigger celebration
- Christmas is now primarily a religious holiday for believers, not a commercial event
- Official winter holidays run from December 31 through January 10
Important Context for Teachers: Russian Christmas today is more religious and private than commercial Western Christmas. Many Russians—even non-religious ones—celebrate New Year’s with more enthusiasm, as it became the secular family holiday during Soviet times.
The Nativity Fast: Preparation for Christmas
Unlike Western Christmas traditions that focus on Advent, Russian Orthodox Christians observe a 40-day Nativity Fast (sometimes called Philip’s Fast) from November 28 through January 6.
Purpose of the Fast
- Spiritual preparation: Purifying body and soul for the celebration of Christ’s birth
- Prayer and reflection: Increased time for prayer and spiritual contemplation
- Self-discipline: Practice of controlling physical desires
- Anticipation: Building joy and expectation for the Christmas celebration
What Fasting Means:
During the Nativity Fast, observant Orthodox Christians:
- Abstain from meat, dairy products, and eggs
- May eat fish on certain days (Saturdays, Sundays, and feast days)
- Follow a vegan diet most days
- Attend more church services
- Practice increased charity and kindness
Note: Fasting rules vary based on individual health, age, and spiritual guidance from priests. Children, elderly, and those with health conditions may follow modified fasting.
Christmas Eve (Sochelnik) – January 6
The final day of the fast is called Sochelnik (from “sochivo”—the special food eaten by monks).
The First Star Tradition ⭐
One of the most beautiful Russian Christmas customs:
- On Christmas Eve, nothing is eaten or drunk until the first star appears in the sky
- The star symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Wise Men to Jesus
- Families watch the sky together, creating anticipation
- When the star appears, the Holy Supper begins
- In cloudy weather, families begin at 6:00 PM (traditional time)
This tradition connects faith with nature, creating a moment of stillness and unity.
The Holy Supper: Christmas Eve Meal
After the first star appears, families gather for the Holy Supper (Сочельник)—a meal rich with symbolism and tradition.
Table Preparation and Symbolism
Setting the Table:
- White tablecloth: Symbolizes Christ’s swaddling clothes
- Hay or straw: Placed under the tablecloth or on the table as a reminder of the manger where Jesus was born
- Tall white candle: Placed in the center, representing Christ as the “Light of the World”
- Icon corner: A place of honor with religious icons
- Extra place setting: Sometimes set for departed family members or unexpected guests
The Twelve Dishes
The Holy Supper traditionally consists of twelve dishes, representing the twelve Apostles. All dishes are Lenten (no meat or dairy):
Traditional Holy Supper Foods:
- Sochivo or Kutya: Sweet porridge made of wheat berries, poppy seeds, honey, and sometimes nuts—the main dish
- Mushroom soup with zaprashka or sauerkraut soup
- Lenten bread (Pagach): Special bread without eggs or butter
- Baked or pickled fish: Often carp or herring
- Bobal’ki: Small biscuits served with sauerkraut or poppy seed sauce with honey
- Kidney beans: Cooked slowly with garlic, shredded potatoes
- Peas or pea dishes
- Parsley potatoes: Boiled potatoes with parsley and oil
- Sauerkraut and mushrooms
- Pickled vegetables: Gherkins, tomatoes, mushrooms
- Dried fruits and nuts: Oranges, figs, dates
- Vzvar: Sweet drink made from dried fruits and honey boiled in water
Note: Specific dishes vary by region and family tradition. The important element is having twelve meatless dishes.
Beginning the Meal
The Ritual:
- Father (head of household) leads family in the Lord’s Prayer
- Prayers of thanksgiving for blessings of the past year
- Traditional greeting: “Christ is born!”
- Response: “Glorify Him!”
- Mother makes the sign of the cross with honey on each person’s forehead, saying: “In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, may you have sweetness and many good things in life and in the new year”
- Lenten bread is broken and shared
- Each piece is dipped first in honey (symbolizing life’s sweetness), then in chopped garlic (symbolizing life’s bitterness)
After the Meal
- Traditionally, no dishes are washed on Christmas Eve
- The table remains set overnight
- Families attend midnight church services
- Gifts may be exchanged (though often saved for New Year’s)
Midnight Church Services and Christmas Day
Christmas Eve Services (January 6)
Russian Orthodox Christmas services are elaborate and deeply spiritual:
Royal Hours and Vespers:
- Special services held throughout Christmas Eve
- Readings from Old and New Testaments
- Prophesies of Christ’s birth are read
- Combined with Divine Liturgy in the evening
- Marks the official end of the Nativity Fast
The Midnight Vigil and Divine Liturgy
The highlight of Orthodox Christmas is the service that begins late on January 6 and continues past midnight into January 7:
The Experience:
- Solemn vigil: Begins around 11 PM on January 6
- Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom: Begins at midnight
- Church atmosphere: Filled with icons, candles, and evergreens
- Incense: Fragrant clouds symbolizing prayers rising to heaven
- Choir: Ancient hymns chanted in Old Church Slavonic
- Candlelight procession: Worshippers hold lit candles
- Reading of the Nativity Gospel: Proclaiming Christ’s birth
- The Eucharist: Holy Communion offered to the faithful
- Duration: Services can last 3-4 hours
Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Moscow
The most prominent service is led by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior:
- Government officials and dignitaries attend
- Broadcast live on national television
- Millions watch from home
- Priests wear gold-embroidered vestments
- Procession with banners, crosses, and candles
- Spectacular display of Orthodox liturgical tradition
Christmas Day (January 7)
After the midnight services:
- Families return home in early morning hours
- The fast is officially over—rich foods can now be eaten
- Christmas Day liturgy held in the morning
- Family gatherings with festive meals
- Visiting friends and relatives
- Exchanging greetings: “Christ is born!” / “Glorify Him!”
Christmas Festivities and Folk Traditions
Svyatki (Holy Days) – January 7-19
The twelve days following Christmas are called Svyatki (from “sviatoi” meaning “holy”)—a time of celebration, joy, and ancient customs.
Traditional Svyatki Activities:
- Rich feasting: After 40 days of fasting, elaborate meals with meat, dairy, sweets
- Visiting: Going house to house greeting friends and neighbors
- Games and entertainment: Sledding, ice skating, outdoor winter fun
- Storytelling: Sharing folktales and family stories
- No work: Time dedicated to rest and celebration
Kolyada: Christmas Caroling
This ancient tradition continues today:
- Groups of singers (often young people) go door-to-door
- Dressed in colorful costumes, sometimes with masks
- Perform kolyadki—traditional Christmas carols
- Songs blend religious themes with folk tales
- Carolers are rewarded with treats: sweets, fruits, coins, or food
- Symbolizes spreading goodwill and blessings
- Roots in pre-Christian Slavic tradition honoring the sun’s return
Fortune-Telling and Divination
Christmastide Divination:
Ancient belief that the veil between worlds is thinnest during Svyatki, making it the most powerful time for fortune-telling:
- Young women traditionally practiced divination to see their future husbands
- Methods involved mirrors, candles, and water
- Often done at midnight in darkened rooms
- Girls’ party atmosphere with scary stories
- Tales of what could go wrong: devils in mirrors, supernatural encounters
- Both thrilling and frightening tradition
Modern Context: While less common today, some still practice divination traditions, especially in rural areas. It’s now mostly done for fun rather than serious belief.
Christmas Festivals and Markets
Modern Russian cities celebrate with public events:
- Moscow celebrations: Centered on Vasilevsky Spusk and Tverskoy Boulevard
- Theatrical performances: Christmas tales for children
- Street musicians: Playing traditional Russian songs
- Folklore ensembles: Performing traditional ditties and songs
- Christmas fairs: Selling Russian crafts, matryoshka dolls, birch bark baskets
- Traditional foods: Hot pies (pirozhki), blini (pancakes), kvass, mead
- Bell ringing: Churches throughout Russia ring bells in celebration
Christmas Day Feast: Breaking the Fast
After midnight on January 7, the 40-day fast ends and rich, festive foods return to the table.
Traditional Christmas Day Foods
Main Dishes:
- Roast Piglet or Suckling Pig: Traditional centerpiece
- Roast Goose or Duck with Apples: Classic holiday poultry
- Ham and Sausages: Various cured meats
- Lamb with Buckwheat: Hearty winter dish
- Fish dishes: Often sturgeon or salmon
- Pelmeni: Meat-filled dumplings (Russian specialty)
Side Dishes and Accompaniments:
- Blini: Russian pancakes, symbol of the sun
- Buckwheat Kasha: Traditional grain dish
- Beetroot Soup (Borscht): Made with meat broth now that fast is over
- Various Salads: Including the famous Olivier salad
- Pickled vegetables: Mushrooms, cucumbers, tomatoes
- Pirozhki: Savory filled pastries
Sweets and Desserts:
- Pryaniki: Spiced honey cookies
- Various pastries and pies
- Fresh fruits: Oranges (exotic treat in winter)
- Nuts and candies
- Kissel: Fruit jelly dessert
- Tea: Served from traditional samovar
The Feast Atmosphere
After 40 days of fasting, the Christmas feast is especially meaningful:
- Extended family gathers together
- Multiple courses served over hours
- Abundance symbolizes God’s blessings
- Toasts and prayers offered
- Traditional songs sung
- Stories shared among generations
Epiphany: The Ice Plunge and Jordan Blessing
The Christmas season officially ends with Epiphany (Богоявление, Bogoyavlenie) on January 19th, commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River.
Significance of Epiphany
- One of the most significant holy days in Russian Orthodox Church
- Emphasizes themes of purification and spiritual renewal
- Celebrates the manifestation of the Holy Trinity
- Marks the end of the Svyatki period
The Great Blessing of Waters
Church Ceremony:
- Priests perform special blessings of water
- Large outdoor processions to rivers, lakes, or seas
- Cross-shaped hole cut in ice (called a “Jordan”)
- Priest submerges a cross three times into the water
- Water is blessed and becomes “holy water”
- People collect blessed water to take home
- Believed to have healing and protective properties
- Used throughout the year for blessings and healing
The Ice Plunge Tradition
The Ritual:
After the blessing, many people plunge into the icy water—a dramatic and powerful tradition:
- The Plunge: People immerse themselves three times in freezing water (often through the cross-shaped hole in ice)
- Temperature: Water can be near 0°C (32°F) or colder
- Preparation: Some prepare by cold water training; others jump in spontaneously
- Spiritual Significance: Symbolizes purification, renewal, and spiritual cleansing
- Physical Benefits: Believers say it promotes health and cleanses sins
- Not Required: This is voluntary—many Orthodox Christians observe Epiphany without plunging
Modern Epiphany Celebrations
- Thousands participate in ice plunges across Russia
- Major cities set up designated plunge sites with emergency services present
- Festive atmosphere with music and community gathering
- Some people wear swimsuits; traditional participants wear white
- Increasingly popular even among non-religious Russians
- Emergency medical personnel on site for safety
Safety Note for Teachers: While dramatic and interesting, emphasize this is a tradition practiced by adults who are prepared. It’s not safe for children or unprepared individuals to plunge into icy water.
Ded Moroz, New Year’s, and the Soviet Legacy
Understanding Russian Christmas requires understanding the unique relationship between Christmas and New Year’s celebrations—a legacy of Soviet times.
Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost)
Who is Ded Moroz?
- Literally means “Grandfather Frost”
- Traditional Slavic figure associated with winter
- Not the same as Santa Claus—predates him
- Originally a stern winter spirit from folklore
- Transformed into a gift-giver in the 19th century
How He Looks:
- Long white beard
- Long fur coat (usually blue, silver, or red)
- Tall furry hat
- Carries a magical staff
- Accompanied by his granddaughter, Snegurochka (Snow Maiden)
The Soviet Transfer: Christmas to New Year’s
What Happened During Soviet Times:
When Christmas was banned in 1929, the Soviet government didn’t want to eliminate beloved traditions—they transferred them to the secular New Year’s holiday:
- Christmas Trees → New Year’s Trees: Decorated fir trees became symbols of New Year’s
- Ded Moroz: Became the New Year’s gift-bringer instead of Christmas
- Gift-giving: Moved to New Year’s Eve/Day
- Family gatherings: Big celebrations on December 31/January 1
- Children’s parties: Shifted to New Year’s
Why this matters: Even after Christmas was reinstated in 1991, these traditions stayed with New Year’s. Most Russians—even religious ones—celebrate New Year’s more elaborately than Christmas.
New Year’s Eve Today
New Year’s remains the biggest holiday in Russia:
- December 31st: Major celebration with family and friends
- Lavish feast: Even bigger than Christmas dinner for many families
- Olivier salad: Essential New Year’s dish
- Champagne toast: At midnight as Kremlin clock strikes twelve
- New Year’s Tree: Decorated similarly to Western Christmas trees
- Gift exchange: Children receive presents from Ded Moroz
- Fireworks: Massive displays across Russia
- TV tradition: Watching “The Irony of Fate” (1975 romantic comedy shown every New Year’s Eve)
The Relationship Between Christmas and New Year’s
Today’s Reality:
- New Year’s (Dec 31/Jan 1): Secular, commercial, family-oriented, gift-giving, big parties
- Orthodox Christmas (Jan 7): Religious, spiritual, church services, Holy Supper, quieter celebration
- Many Russians celebrate both
- Official holidays run continuously from Dec 31 through Jan 10
- Some traditions appear in both celebrations
- Christmas is gaining prominence post-Soviet era but hasn’t overtaken New Year’s
Teaching About Russian Orthodox Christmas: Cultural Sensitivity
✅ DO:
- Explain this is the same Christmas (Jesus’s birth) celebrated on a different calendar
- Emphasize the deep spiritual and religious significance
- Acknowledge the historical persecution of Christians during Soviet times
- Respect the fasting period as a serious spiritual discipline
- Recognize this is primarily a religious, not commercial, holiday
- Explain how ancient Slavic and Christian traditions blended
- Invite Russian Orthodox families to share (with their permission)
- Acknowledge that not all Russians celebrate Orthodox Christmas
- Explain the calendar difference clearly so students understand
❌ DON’T:
- Say this is a “different” Christmas—it’s the same holy day on a different calendar
- Assume all Russian-heritage students are Orthodox Christian
- Present this as exotic or strange
- Make light of Soviet persecution of religious believers
- Trivialize the fasting practices
- Focus only on Ded Moroz without explaining the religious context
- Conflate Russian cultural traditions with Orthodox religious practices
- Ignore the complexity of post-Soviet religious revival
Important Context for Educators
Understanding Russian Diversity:
- Russia is multi-ethnic and multi-religious
- Not all Russians are Orthodox Christian (significant Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish populations)
- Many Russians are non-religious due to Soviet legacy
- Some Russians celebrate Christmas on December 25 (Catholics, Protestants)
- Orthodox practice varies—some are very devout, others culturally Orthodox
- Russian immigrants in the U.S. may have adapted traditions
Addressing Sensitive Topics
Teaching About Soviet Persecution:
When discussing Soviet-era Christmas bans:
- Use age-appropriate language
- Focus on resilience: people kept faith despite difficulties
- Emphasize religious freedom as a universal human right
- Connect to American values of religious liberty
- Acknowledge that many Russians preserved traditions secretly
- Celebrate the revival of religious freedom after 1991
Age-Appropriate Teaching Approaches
Grades K-1:
- Simple concept: “Some people celebrate Christmas in January because they use a different calendar”
- Focus on the First Star tradition—waiting and watching together
- The special Christmas Eve dinner with twelve dishes
- Beautiful church services with candles and singing
- Compare: Russian Christmas vs. their family’s winter traditions
- Activity: Make paper stars, learn about waiting traditions
Grades 2-3:
- Explain Julian vs. Gregorian calendars in simple terms
- Discuss the 40-day fast and preparing for celebration
- Learn about the Holy Supper symbolism (hay, white cloth, candle)
- Explore Kolyada caroling traditions
- Compare Ded Moroz and Santa Claus
- Understand why New Year’s is bigger than Christmas in Russia
- Activity: Learn a simple Russian carol, create Orthodox-style icons
Grades 4-5:
- Study calendar systems and why they differ
- Explore how Christianity blended with Slavic traditions
- Discuss Soviet persecution and secret celebrations (age-appropriate)
- Understand religious freedom and its importance
- Compare Orthodox liturgy to other Christian traditions
- Study Epiphany and ice plunge traditions
- Research project: How different cultures calculate religious holidays
- Critical thinking: Why did Christmas traditions move to New Year’s?
- Connect to social studies: Russian history, Soviet era, religious revival
Cross-Curricular Activity Ideas
Social Studies
- Calendar Systems: Compare Julian and Gregorian calendars
- Russian History: Study pre-Christian Slavic culture, conversion to Christianity
- Soviet Era: Age-appropriate discussion of religious persecution and resilience
- Geography: Map Russia, identify major Orthodox churches and cathedrals
- Religious Freedom: Connect to American values and First Amendment
Language Arts
- Vocabulary: Learn Russian Christmas terms with Cyrillic alphabet
- Comparative Literature: Read Russian Christmas stories and folktales
- Research Writing: Report on Orthodox Christian traditions
- Cultural Comparison: Compare Christmas celebrations worldwide
Math
- Calendar Calculations: Why is there a 13-day difference?
- Number Patterns: Twelve dishes, 40-day fast, twelve Apostles
- Time Zones: When is midnight in Moscow?
- Measurements: Temperature conversions (ice plunge)
Science
- Astronomy: Star of Bethlehem, watching for first star
- Calendar Science: How calendars track Earth’s orbit
- Winter Science: Ice formation, freezing temperatures
- Body Response: What happens when body enters icy water (ice plunge)
Art
- Icon Painting: Study Byzantine/Orthodox icon tradition
- Church Architecture: Explore onion domes and Orthodox church design
- Folk Art: Russian crafts, matryoshka dolls, decorative traditions
- Illuminated Manuscripts: Old Church Slavonic texts
Music
- Orthodox Liturgical Music: Listen to Russian Orthodox choirs
- Kolyadki: Learn traditional carols
- Bell Ringing: Study Russian church bell traditions
Discussion Questions by Grade Level
K-2nd Grade:
- “Why do you think families wait for the first star to appear before eating?”
- “How would it feel to fast for 40 days and then have a big feast?”
- “What do you think churches look like at midnight with all the candles?”
- “Why is hay under the tablecloth special?”
3rd-5th Grade:
- “Why would people keep celebrating Christmas secretly even when it was dangerous?”
- “How did ancient Slavic traditions blend with Christian celebrations?”
- “Why do you think the Russian Orthodox Church kept the old calendar?”
- “What does it mean that Christmas is more religious and New Year’s more festive in Russia?”
- “How do calendar systems affect how we celebrate holidays?”
- “Why is religious freedom important?”
- “How do you think traditions survived 70 years of being banned?”
Key Takeaways for Teachers
- Same Christmas, Different Calendar: Russian Orthodox Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25th of the Julian calendar, which equals January 7th on our Gregorian calendar.
- Deeply Religious: Unlike commercial Western Christmas, Russian Orthodox Christmas is primarily a spiritual, church-centered celebration focused on faith and tradition.
- Ancient Blending: Current traditions beautifully blend ancient Slavic winter celebrations with Orthodox Christian observances—over 1,000 years of cultural synthesis.
- Resilience Through Persecution: Russian Christians maintained their faith secretly during 70 years of Soviet oppression, demonstrating remarkable courage and commitment.
- The Soviet Legacy: Many Christmas traditions moved to New Year’s during Soviet times and stayed there—making New Year’s the bigger secular celebration even today.
- Fasting and Feasting: The 40-day Nativity Fast followed by Christmas feasting creates a powerful rhythm of discipline and celebration.
- Community and Liturgy: Midnight church services lasting hours, filled with candles, incense, and ancient chants, are central to the celebration.
- Living Traditions: From the First Star custom to Epiphany ice plunges, these aren’t museum pieces—they’re actively practiced today.
