Most Russians celebrate New Year’s Eve with family and close friends. New year’s celebration in Russia comes from the celebration of Christmas. Big holiday in Russia is Christmas before Communist Party have banned the religious festivities. Russians celebrate the New Year as much as possible as Christmas, but exclude the religious aspect. Its compensation because forbidden to celebrate Christmas.
Even after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the New Year remained celebrated in Russia and has become one of the most important traditions in Russia. Russians believe that the first guests who come on January 1 (especially unexpected guests) are male, then that year will be a good year. So what Symbols and Tradition of New Year in Russia? Read also Tradition of Christmas Celebration in Russia.
Tradition of New Year in Russia
The celebration usually begins an hour or two before midnight. The common tradition people do is “say goodbye to the old year” keeping in mind the important events that occurred twelve months earlier. At 2345, the Russians watched the presidential speech on television or watched the new year’s television show. Russians also have a tradition of listening to the Kremlin clock twelve times on the radio or television. For the last twelve seconds before the turn of the year, people keep silent while wishing for a new year in the heart. After the turn of the year, Russians drink champagne and dinner, or watch a concert on television. December 30 and December 31 is a working day in Russia. There are also some Russians who celebrate by holding a small party at the office. You can read Decoration of Christmas Celebration in Russia
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Kremlin
Kremlin is a historic fortress in the center of Moscow built from brick in the 15th century. It is bordered by the river Moscow on the south, the Cathedral of Saint Basil and the red square in the east, and the Alexander Park in the west. The length of the wall is more than 2 km, height up to 19 m, width 3.5 – 6,5 m, width 27,5 ha.
The Kremlin has 20 towers. The most famous of these is the Spasskaya Tower (67.3 m high) with a 6 m diameter center clock. There are old legacy like churches with Russian cemeteries burial places. There is also an army hall where there are various heritage items including horse-drawn carriages, crowns, clothing, jewelry and weapons belonging to the Czar.
Kremlin used to be the residence of the Russian tsars, but now it is the place of the President’s office.
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New Year as Christmas Day
Previously in the soviet union, religious practice was once banned. In the late 1920s, Russians stopped celebrating Christmas, at least officially. But in 1935, the New Year as winter holiday was replacing the Christmas celebrations. Without thinking, the Christmas tree became the official symbol of the New Year. Today, the tree symbolizes winter, while the star at its peak turns from the symbol of Bethlehem to the symbol of the Soviet Union, let alone the ruby star already worn over the Kremlin.
The Soviet government sought to promote a culture that was originally a family vacation into a public holiday. Soviet citizens attended national celebrations at cultural venues or public places. Meanwhile, the children gather at stadiums, kindergartens, even in military bases to follow ‘yolka’, ie concerts. They has costumed performances, participate in various competitions, and receive prizes. The New Year became the favorite holiday for the Soviet children.
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The Story of Yolka
The ideological purpose at that time was inspiring the text of ‘yolka’. Its must reflect the achievements of the Soviet Union that can be understood by children. For example, the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957 marked the ‘space period’ on the stage of the show. The storyline is always simple and clear. The antagonists try to prevent children from celebrating the New Year’s holiday. Then the good ones will come. So the situation will stabilize just before the clock touches midnight.
Ded Moroz and his aides are Good figures in this story. Meanwhile, evil troops can be various characters from fairy tales and legends. Such as Koshey Bessmertniy, Baba Yaga, pirates, and thieves. Read also Benefits Learn Russian at an Early Age
The ‘Yolka’ held at the Kremlin Congress Palace, was the most coveted New Year’s party for Soviet children. The show attend by only the children with the best achievements. Also the children of important figures can attend that show. The show is believed to be the most colorful ‘yolka’ and presents the best gift for children. Children invited to this elite party will tell their classmates about the taste of candy and gifts they have received for a long time.
The interesting feature of the ‘yolka’ is that parents can not be present. The goal of multiplying seats for children. At the entrance of the palace, clowns and people wearing rabbit and squirrel costumes greeted the children. They also escorted to leave coats, and invited to dance. The tradition is still preserved to this day. After the show, the children leave the Palace of Congress and parade. Its like the suitcases on the wheels running the airport when their parents pick them up. See also Bear as Culture Symbol in Russia
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‘Yolka’ Modern
Religion has been re-practiced in modern Russia. Beyond the fact that about 80 percent of Russians claim to embrace Orthodox Christianity, ‘yolka’ remains a secular celebration. Celebration of Orthodox Christmas is on January 7. While the show for children begins in late December, when Orthodox Christians should fast. Although which means “fasting” from all entertainment.
‘Yolka’ is still in demand by a large number of spectators. Its one of the symbols and tradition of new year in Russia New Year’s show tickets are available to the public. Parents can choose performances based on their tastes and financial abilities. Such as fairy tales, ice shows, or even scientific experiments at the Moscow Polytechnic Museum. Children can visit tens of yolkas throughout the New Year holidays. Maybe you will interest with Popular phrases When Dating Russian