Language/Russian/Culture/National-Holidays
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National Holidays[edit | edit source]
In this lesson, you will learn about the most important national holidays in Russia. Russian culture is rich in traditions and celebrations. As a consequence these holidays play a significant role in the lives of Russian people. Understanding and appreciating these holidays will not only broaden your knowledge of Russian culture but also help you connect with native speakers on a deeper level. Let's dive into the fascinating world of Russian national holidays!
New Year's Day[edit | edit source]
New Year's Day is one of the most beloved holidays in Russia. It is celebrated on January 1st and marks the beginning of the New Year according to the Gregorian calendar. In Russia, New Year's Eve is the main event, where families and friends gather to celebrate together. Celebrations often include a festive dinner, exchanging gifts, and watching the President's New Year's address on television. At midnight, people toast with champagne and fireworks light up the sky. Ded Maróz (Grandfather Frost) and his granddaughter Snegúrachka (Snow Maiden) are the traditional figures who bring gifts to children.
Here are some key vocabulary words related to New Year's Day:
| Russian | Pronunciation | English | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Но́вый год | Nóvyi got | New Year | If we put aside what has happened over the past 30 years, this is still a Soviet holiday. In the 20s-30s of the 20th century, celebrating Christmas was prohibited, but people continued to do it secretly. Then the government came up with this official alternative. Renewed New Year`s traditions and characters have appeared; all that remains from Christmas is the Christmas tree. Since then, the New Year is the most important and only holiday for the majority of Russians and other post-Soviet countries, because this holiday unites everyone. |
| Нового́дняя ночь | Navagódnyaya noch | New Year night | This is a magic night, Dec,31 - Jan,1. Night of Miracles, most Russians believe this. At exactly twelve o'clock at night you can make a wish and it will definitely come true in the New Year ( you have only one minute for this!!), but this wish cannot be said to anyone, so the Russians are silent for the first minute of the year :)) Then they drink champagne and congratulate their relatives and friends. Often the celebration continues into the morning. |
| Нового́дние пра́здники | Navagódniye prázníki | New Year holidays | Typically lasts from December 31 to January 8-10. During these days many organizations, banks and companies are not working, which is causing some problems. |
| Ёлка | Yólkah | Christmas tree | A regular Christian tree. A small spruce at home and a large one in squares, decorated with colored glass balls, ribbons and toys. The smell of a Christmas tree, tangerines and salads are the standard smells of the Russian New Year :))
The song about this little spruce, as the Russian equivalent of “Jingle Bells”, sounds from everywhere these days. The New Year was first celebrated on January 1 in 1700y (before that, 200 years ago it was celebrated on September 1 according to the Byzantine tradition). Tsar Peter ordered to place spruce trees near houses, but then they forgot about it. They began to place spruce trees in front of taverns or pubs, the expression "to be under spruce" has come to mean "to be drunk". In the 19th century, Russian emperors usually married with German princesses and they brought with them the tradition of decorating the Christmas tree and organizing a holiday for children. Hence second meaning of the word "Ёлка" is New Year's performances for children. |
| Дед Моро́з | Ded Maróz | Grandfather Frost | Unlike Santa, he is a completely non-religious character. This is a character of many Russian fairy tales revived during Soviet times. Since Ded Maroz is a Russian grandfather, he is an old white man with a very long white beard, dressed in a red or blue long coat with white fur, the personification of winter. He is a powerful wizard, strict, but fair. He is always a positive character and gives gifts to good children. Does it remind you of someone? Oh no, it's not Gandalf :)) |
| Снегу́рочка | Snegúrachka | Snow Maiden | A young girl made of ice, personification of frozen water. Since Ded Maroz is a very old grandfather, she is considered his granddaughter (without any intermediate parents). She is also a character of many Russian fairy tales collected and written down in the 19th century. But these were sad fairy tales with a “bad” ending, because she must die (melt), otherwise Spring will not begin. But don't worry, no one dies in modern fairy tales :) And women and girls got their own character. |
Victory Day[edit | edit source]
Victory Day, also known as День Победы (Den' Pabedy) in Russian, is celebrated on May 9th to commemorate the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in World War II. This holiday holds great significance for Russian people, as it honors the millions of lives lost during the war. The celebrations include military parades, fireworks, concerts, and the laying of wreaths at war memorials. It is a day of remembrance and gratitude, and people often wear St. George ribbons, a symbol of victory and bravery.
Here are some key vocabulary words related to Victory Day:
| Russian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| День Побе́ды | Den' Pabédy | Victory Day |
| Пара́д Побе́ды | Parád Pabédy | Victory Parade |
| Вое́нный парад | Vayénnyi parád | Military parade |
| Ве́чный ого́нь | Véchnyi agón' | Eternal flame |
International Women's Day[edit | edit source]
International Women's Day, known as Международный женский день (Mezhdunarodnyy zhenskiy den') in Russian, is celebrated on March 8th. It is a day to honor and appreciate women's achievements and contributions to society. On this day, men give flowers and gifts to the women in their lives, including mothers, wives, daughters, and colleagues. It is also common for women to receive special discounts and offers at stores and restaurants. International Women's Day is an important holiday in Russia, emphasizing gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Here are some key vocabulary words related to International Women's Day:
| Russian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Междунаро́дный же́нский день | Mezhdunaródnyi zhénskiy den' | International Women's Day |
| 8 (восьмо́е) ма́рта | Vas`móe mártah | March, 8 |
| Цве́ты | Tsvéty | Flowers |
| Поздравле́ния | Pazdravléniya | Congratulations |
| Права́ же́нщин | Pravá zhénschin | Women's rights |
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
In this lesson, you have learned about the most important national holidays in Russia. New Year's Day, Victory Day, and International Women's Day are just a few examples of the rich cultural heritage of the Russian people. By understanding and celebrating these holidays, you can gain a deeper appreciation for Russian culture and connect with native speakers on a more personal level. Keep exploring the diverse traditions and holidays of Russia, and continue your journey of becoming fluent in the Russian language!
Videos[edit | edit source]
National Russian Holidays - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Russian Culture Holidays in Russia
- Understanding Russian Culture: Holidays and Traditions
- Russian Events and Holidays - Language and Culture Studies
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Russian Literature
- Traditional Celebrations
- Icons and Churches
- Matryoshka Doll
- Russian Folk Traditions
- Russia Historical Events
- Famous Writers
- Visual Arts : Paintings
- Why Learn Russian
- Dance
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