Merry Christmas/S Rozhdestvom!

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.

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 (kutia), 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.
Christmas statistics in 2013:
ReplyDeleteAccording to Main Directorate of Internal Affairs of the city of Moscow, from 6 to 7 January festive ceremonies on the occasion of the celebration of Christmas took place in 348 Moscow Orthodox churches and temples. More than 280 people took part in celebration.