Symbols of Christmas in Russia

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Christmas is one of the most important Christian holidays. This is a bright and joyful day, which has its own rich history. This holiday brings together representatives of various nationalities and religions. Each country has its own traditions and symbols of Christmas. Of course, some of them are completely forgotten, while others, on the contrary, are used in our time. In this article, we will learn about the symbols of Christmas in Russia.

History of the holiday

In order to learn about all the traditions of the Nativity of Christ, first let's remember the history of this day. So, in the second century in Egypt, they began to celebrate a holiday called Epiphany. It symbolized three events: the birth of the Savior, giving him gifts and baptism in the river. At the end of the fifth century, Christmas was singled out as a separate holiday. The Catholic Church celebrates it according to the Gregorian calendar on December 25, and the Orthodox - from January 6 to 7 according to the Julian. Eve of all threeholidays is called Christmas Eve, and the celebrations themselves are Christmas time. They end on January 19 at Epiphany.

Birth of the Savior

According to history, "in those days" (around the 4th century BC) a census was taken. Each resident had to come to his city and sign up. The pregnant Virgin Mary and Joseph came to Bethlehem, but could not find a place to sleep. They stopped to spend the night in a barn. It was on this night in the cattle pen that the Savior was born. The shepherds, who at that time were grazing cattle nearby in the field, saw an angel. It was God's messenger. He told them that the King of all kings, Jesus Christ, had been born. So the first to see the Son of God were the most ordinary shepherds.

The role of Jesus Christ in Orthodoxy

Considering the symbols of Christmas, one cannot fail to mention the role of God's Son in the formation of Christianity as a religion. So, Jesus is the messiah who atoned for the sins of people. The Old Testament repeatedly mentions his coming to the sinful earth. The Savior is a symbol of faith, purification and a real miracle. The New Testament tells about the life of Jesus on earth, about the atonement of sins. The Son of God performed many miracles. He raised the dead, healed the sick, and then he himself was resurrected after death. By his sacrificial death, he atoned for the sins of the people.

Christmas and New Year

We all know that the symbols of the New Year and Christmas are quite similar to each other. So, until 1935 in Russia the main focus was on the celebration of the birth of the Savior. Only in the 40s, when January 1 was already celebrated with might and mainNew Year, all traditions mixed up with each other. Although in fact Christmas is a religious holiday, and its symbols have their own amazing and unusual history. In general, we can say that in the modern world all these traditions are so tightly intertwined with each other that they are attributed to both Christmas and the New Year at the same time. For example, a Christmas tree has become a New Year's tree. In addition, in Russia and Ukraine, they first celebrate the New Year from January 31 to January 1, and then Christmas from January 6 to 7.

The main symbols of Orthodox Christmas

So, the traditional attributes of this celebration are similar in many countries. These include a Christmas tree, the Star of Bethlehem, angels, bells, a nativity scene, Christmas candles and postcards. There are also certain dishes that are prepared specifically for Christmas. In many countries on this day people go to visit friends and relatives and sing special songs - carols. So from year to year, Christians glorify the Savior Christ and his birth. It is also interesting that we all remember the symbols of Christmas very well, but only a few know their amazing and fabulous story.

Christmas tree

The most important attribute of Christmas is the well-known green beauty. Initially, it was a symbol of this particular holiday. When little Jesus was born, King Herod ordered to kill all the babies in the area. In order to hide the little Savior, Mary and Joseph blocked the entrance to the cave with green branches.

The tree is a symbol of Christmas in many countries. Evergreen tree in Russiabecame a symbol of the New Year holidays only in the XVIII century. According to some historical information, this is due to the fact that until that time the New Year was celebrated on September 1st. Then, with the coming to power of Peter I, Christmas time was postponed to December 31st. At the same time, the first Russian emperor ordered everyone to install a Christmas tree in the house and decorate it. She symbolized we alth, happiness and success.

Star of Bethlehem

Here is another symbol of Christmas. Everyone knows perfectly well that it is customary to attach a red star to the top of the Christmas tree. This tradition is also rooted in the distant past, when Jesus Christ was born. On this holy day, the Magi saw a bright star in the sky. They followed her and she led them to little Jesus. Some scientists believe that this star was Halley's Comet. One way or another, this is a symbol of Christmas in Russia. Since ancient times, stars have been installed on the domes of the first churches. Also on the well-known icon of the Mother of God "Burning Bush" you can see a beautiful eight-pointed star.

Angels and bells

These symbols of the Nativity of Christ are also known to many who celebrate this wonderful holiday. This is also connected with the birth of the Savior - Jesus. The angel told the shepherds that a miracle had happened and the Son of God was born. But the bells as a symbol of the Nativity of Christ in Russia came to us from the winter pagan holidays. It is believed that their ringing drives away evil forces. Thus, bells and angels not only look very beautiful on the Christmas tree, but also supposedly protectdwelling from evil spirits. In addition, it is the choir of angels and the ringing of Christmas bells that glorify the birth of Christ.

Christmas Celebration

In Russia this holiday is celebrated with great pleasure. The Christmas tree has already been decorated since the New Year. Children's laughter and cheerful conversations can be heard in the houses. From January 6 to 7, services are held in Russian Orthodox churches, at which the prophecy about Christmas is read. In addition, at midnight you can hear the most beautiful Orthodox canon "Christ is born …". In Russia, this holiday is considered very mystical and mysterious. For this reason, a wide variety of rituals are usually performed on this day. Young girls tell fortunes about suitors. Some believe that on this day the souls of deceased relatives come to the festive table. For this reason, there are always more appliances on the tables than people. After the festive dinner, the children go caroling. They read special carols and scatter wheat and barley in the homes of relatives and friends. It is believed that such a ceremony will bring happiness and prosperity to the owners of the home. For this, they are sure to thank the kids and give them delicious treats.

Traditions in different countries

This big holiday is loved by both children and adults. It symbolizes joy and the birth of a new life. In different countries, the traditions of this holiday are very different. For example, the obligatory symbol of Christmas in England is the nativity scene. A few days before Christmas, it is installed in the place of honor. This is a kind of mini-theater in which you can seeMother of God, little Jesus, wise men with gifts, a manger. In many countries, it is customary to start celebrating Christmas with the appearance of the first star. The family sits down at the table, rejoices at the appearance of Jesus, reads a prayer and eats food. The menu for this holiday in each country is different.

For example, in Ireland the main dish is roast goose, but in Scotland it is smoked. In Iceland, a white partridge is prepared for this holiday. In Russia, Ukraine and other Slavic peoples, Christmas kutya is always put on the table. If the New Year is usually celebrated in the family circle, then on Christmas, on the contrary, you need to visit. In Ukraine, for example, it is customary for a godson to bring the “Holy Supper” to his godparents.

In general, it should be noted that certain traditions depend on faith. For example, in many Catholic countries, Advent begins on the eve of Christmas. It lasts 4 weeks. At this time, Catholics fast and mark the days before the holiday on a special advent calendar. The symbol of Christmas in the UK, of course, is the baked turkey. On the night of December 24-25, the British give gifts to each other. But already on Christmas morning, children happily run to the stockings hung on the fireplaces. There they find gifts from Santa Claus. In the UK, Christmas is a family holiday. As a rule, the whole large family gathers in one house. On this day they are noisy and fun. They look at family albums and just chat.

The inhabitants of Norway most of all believe that a lot of evil people come to earth on Christmas holidaysspirits. For this reason, they very diligently decorate their dwellings with bells and bells. They sing many songs and dance, thus attracting good luck into their lives and driving away evil spirits.

In some Slavic countries it is customary to light candles for Christmas. They symbolize the birth of Jesus. In addition, in Ukraine there is a custom to cook 12 different dishes. This number corresponds to 12 apostles. On this day, Ukrainians do not have breakfast or lunch. Small snacks are allowed only for small children.

In any country, Christmas is a bright and kind holiday. It is customary to meet him without quarrels and conflicts. On this day, it is not recommended to discuss people and talk about sad things. Of course, on Christmas day one should pray, remember the Savior and thank him for atoning for the sins of mankind.