Difference between revisions of "Language/Russian/Culture/National-Holidays"

Latest revision as of 19:02, 14 January 2024

◀️ Dining Out — Previous Lesson	Next Lesson — Traditional Celebrations ▶️

Russian → Culture → 0 to A1 Course → Russian Traditions and Holidays → National Holidays

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!

Table of Contents - Russian Course - 0 to A1[edit source]

Course Presentation

Alphabet and Pronunciation

Basic Phrases and Greetings

Nouns and Gender

Numbers and Time

Cases and Prepositions

Family and Relationships

Verbs and Conjugation

Food and Dining

Russian Traditions and Holidays

Travel and Transportation

Adjectives and Adverbs

Hobbies and Leisure Activities

Russian Literature and Arts

Videos[edit | edit source]

National Russian Holidays - YouTube[edit | edit source]

Sources[edit | edit source]

Other Lessons[edit | edit source]

◀️ Dining Out — Previous Lesson	Next Lesson — Traditional Celebrations ▶️

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+<span pgnav>
+{| class="wikitable pg_template_nav"
+|[[Language/Russian/Vocabulary/Dining-Out|◀️ Dining Out — Previous Lesson]]
+|[[Language/Russian/Culture/Traditional-Celebrations|Next Lesson — Traditional Celebrations ▶️]]
+|}
+</span>
 {{Russian-Page-Top}}
+<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Russian|Russian]]  → [[Language/Russian/Culture|Culture]] → [[Language/Russian/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Russian Traditions and Holidays → National Holidays</div>
-<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Russian|Russian]]  → [[Language/Russian/Culture|Culture]] → [[Language/Russian/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → National Holidays</div>
 __TOC__
-As a Russian language teacher with 20 years of experience, I believe that learning about a country's culture is just as important as learning its language. In this lesson, we will explore some of the most important national holidays in Russia, including their significance and how they are celebrated.
+== National Holidays ==
-== New Year's Day (Новый Год) ==
+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 is one of the most important holidays in Russia, celebrated on January 1st. While New Year's Day is celebrated around the world, it holds a special significance in Russia, where it is considered the most important holiday of the year.
+=== New Year's Day ===
-On New Year's Eve, it is common for families to gather together, watch the president's New Year's address on TV, and enjoy a festive meal together. At midnight, they will often drink champagne and watch fireworks displays. In some regions of Russia, it is also traditional to celebrate the "Old New Year" on January 13th, according to the Julian calendar which was used before the adoption of the Gregorian calendar.
+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:
@@ Line 18: / Line 25: @@
 {| class="wikitable"
 ! Russian !! Pronunciation !! English
+!
 |-
-| Новый Год || noh-vyy got || New Year's Day
+| 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.
 |-
-| праздник || prazd-neek || holiday
+|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.
 |-
-| праздновать || prazd-no-vat' || to celebrate
+| 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.
 |-
-| подарок || pa-da-rok || gift
+|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 (День Победы) ==
+=== Victory Day ===
-Victory Day is celebrated on May 9th and marks the anniversary of the surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945, which ended World War II in Europe. Victory Day is a major holiday in Russia, where it is celebrated with military parades, fireworks, and ceremonies honoring the nation's veterans.
+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.
-On Victory Day, it is common for people to lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow and other cities. In addition to the military parades, many Russians hold family gatherings, where they honor their relatives who fought in the war.
 Here are some key vocabulary words related to Victory Day:
@@ Line 39: / Line 62: @@
 ! Russian !! Pronunciation !! English
 |-
-| День Победы || dyen' pah-bee-dy || Victory Day
+| День Побе́ды || Den' Pabédy || Victory Day
 |-
-| война || voyna || war
+| Пара́д Побе́ды || Parád Pabédy || Victory Parade
 |-
-| солдат || sol-dat || soldier
+| Вое́нный парад || Vayénnyi parád || Military parade
 |-
-| парад || pa-rad || parade
+| Ве́чный ого́нь || Véchnyi agón' || Eternal flame
 |}
-== International Women's Day (Международный женский день) ==
+=== International Women's Day ===
-International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8th and is a public holiday in Russia. It is a day to celebrate women and their achievements, and to promote gender equality.
+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.
-On this day, it is common for men to give flowers and small gifts to the women in their lives, such as their wives, mothers, and daughters. Women also often receive greetings and congratulations from their colleagues and friends.
 Here are some key vocabulary words related to International Women's Day:
@@ Line 59: / Line 80: @@
 ! Russian !! Pronunciation !! English
 |-
-| Международный женский день || mezhdunarodny zhensky dyen' || International Women's Day
+| Междунаро́дный же́нский день || Mezhdunaródnyi zhénskiy den' || International Women's Day
+|-
+|8 (восьмо́е) ма́рта
+|Vas`móe mártah
+|March, 8
 |-
-| женщина || zhensh-china || woman
+| Цве́ты || Tsvéty || Flowers
 |-
-| равенство || ra-venst-va || equality
+| Поздравле́ния || Pazdravléniya || Congratulations
 |-
-| подарок || pa-da-rok || gift
+| Права́ же́нщин || Pravá zhénschin || Women's rights
 |}
-I encourage my students to learn about the cultural significance of national holidays in the countries whose languages they are studying. Understanding a country's culture and traditions can help to deepen your appreciation for its language and people.
+=== Conclusion ===
+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!
 {{#seo:
-|title=Russian Culture → National Holidays
+|title=Russian Culture → Russian Traditions and Holidays → National Holidays
-|keywords=Russian holidays, New Year's Day, Victory Day, International Women's Day
+|keywords=Russian culture, Russian traditions, Russian holidays, New Year's Day, Victory Day, International Women's Day
-|description=Learn about the most important national holidays in Russia, such as New Year's Day, Victory Day, and International Women's Day.
+|description=In this lesson, you will learn about the most important national holidays in Russia, such as New Year's Day, Victory Day, and International Women's Day.
 }}
@@ Line 82: / Line 109: @@
 [[Category:0-to-A1-Course]]
 [[Category:Russian-0-to-A1-Course]]
-<span gpt></span> <span model=gpt-3.5-turbo></span> <span temperature=1></span>
+<span gpt></span> <span model=gpt-3.5-turbo-16k></span> <span temperature=0.7></span>
+==Videos==
+===National Russian Holidays - YouTube===
+<youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jkyyh4h5s4</youtube>
+==Sources==
+* [https://rusmania.com/holidays-in-russia Russian Culture Holidays in Russia]
+* [https://www.thoughtco.com/russian-culture-holidays-traditions-4178980 Understanding Russian Culture: Holidays and Traditions]
+* [https://www.trincoll.edu/language-culture-studies/russian/russian-events-holidays/ Russian Events and Holidays - Language and Culture Studies]
+==Other Lessons==
+* [[Language/Russian/Culture/Russian-Literature|Russian Literature]]
+* [[Language/Russian/Culture/Traditional-Celebrations|Traditional Celebrations]]
+* [[Language/Russian/Culture/Icons-and-Churches|Icons and Churches]]
+* [[Language/Russian/Culture/Matryoshka-Doll|Matryoshka Doll]]
+* [[Language/Russian/Culture/Russian-Folk-Traditions|Russian Folk Traditions]]
+* [[Language/Russian/Culture/Russia-Historical-Events|Russia Historical Events]]
+* [[Language/Russian/Culture/Famous-Writers|Famous Writers]]
+* [[Language/Russian/Culture/Visual-Arts-:-Paintings|Visual Arts : Paintings]]
+* [[Language/Russian/Culture/Why-Learn-Russian|Why Learn Russian]]
+* [[Language/Russian/Culture/Dance|Dance]]
-==Videos==
-===National Russian Holidays - YouTube===
-<youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jkyyh4h5s4</youtube>
 {{Russian-Page-Bottom}}
+<span pgnav>
+{| class="wikitable pg_template_nav"
+|[[Language/Russian/Vocabulary/Dining-Out|◀️ Dining Out — Previous Lesson]]
+|[[Language/Russian/Culture/Traditional-Celebrations|Next Lesson — Traditional Celebrations ▶️]]
+|}
+</span>