Old New Year— odd New Year. What is it?
In Russia and other countries of the former USSR there is a tradition to celebrate New Year Eve twice. The first celebration coincides with the date of the holiday honored in the whole world— on December 31/January 1. The second celebration is also the midnight but on January 13/14. Old New Year is a unique informal holiday in Russia and other Slavic states. What’s the most important in this celebration is respecting the old traditions.
Considerable amount of people reckon this second celebration to be the only true one. It’s considered to be the informal Slavic Orthodox holiday that have been celebrated as the start of the New Year by the Julian calendar. This tradition emerged after 1918 when Common Era was established in Russia. Though the Gregorian calendar was officially adopted in 1918, the Russian Orthodox Church made up its mind to continue using the Julian calendar. The difference in time between the Gregorian and Julian calendars makes thirteen days. The data of the Old New year celebration is connected with the Christmas fast ending only on January 7.
Old New Year is the only holiday that isn’t politicized. It’s rather the folk fest and can’t be forgotten so easily. Traditional dish for the holiday is a duck baked with apples. Wine and champaign are traditional drinks like on the New Year Eve. There is the magical Christmastime with its mysterious spirit floating in air. Old people say the heavens open their gates and all imaginable spirits, gods, godhoods and angels become closer to us. It’s the time of fortune-telling and carol-singing.
This special carol-singing is called “kolyadki” in Ukrainian. Costumed you go from door to door asking for a treat.
According to the sociological surveys more than 50% of Russians celebrate this fest. The Old New Year is honored not only in Russia and Ukraine, but also in other countries of the former USSR: Armenia, Georgia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and former Yugoslavia. Some Swiss regions also have their second celebration of the New Year on January 13.
![3154962769_0a3e9cfdf0[1]](http://www.veronikalove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/3154962769_0a3e9cfdf01.jpg "Champagne")
Happy Old New Year!
The difference between the calendars tends to increase every hundred years. So in 2101 the Orthodox church will have X-mas on January 8. The Old New Year will be celebrated on January 14/15 accordingly. It means that one more day will be added to the difference between the calendars.
You are welcome to leave your opinions concerning this kind of a holiday below. Is it necessary to be celebrated or is it not actual any more?
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Look at our Veronika in Christmas attire. Isn't she amazing?
Our charming ladies are also celebrating this holiday and you have the perfect chance to give a sweet present or write your congratulations to any of them.
