Novy God Russian New Year

In Russia, the New Year, or “Novy God,” is celebrated with great enthusiasm on January 14. This unusual timing might raise eyebrows, but it’s steeped in a rich history of changing dates over centuries. This tradition, a nod to Russia’s past, offers Russians a delightful opportunity to celebrate not once but twice each year! Unlike typical New Year traditions, Russians infuse their celebrations with Christmas-like customs.

The Origin of Novy God (Russian New Year)

In a twist from the global norm, Russia enjoys two New Year celebrations. The first, often called the “New” New Year, occurs on January 1, while the second, known as the Old New Year or Orthodox New Year, is on January 14. As the clock nears midnight on January 1, Russians tune in to watch the President’s televised address from the Kremlin, a tradition dating back to 1941 when speeches began focusing on more uplifting themes like family values and the holiday spirit.

Historically, ancient Russians marked New Year on March 1. However, following the Byzantine Empire’s introduction of Christianity to Russia in 988, the date shifted to September 1. This change was rooted in religious belief, anticipating the arrival of the Antichrist in 1492. By 1918, Russia had adopted the Gregorian calendar, creating a 13-day gap, and leading to some Russians celebrating on January 1 and others on January 14.

Key Historical Milestones:

• 988: Introduction of Christianity by the Byzantine Empire.
• 1492: Anticipation of the End of Days.
• 1699: Peter the Great’s decree to mark New Year on January 1.
• 1918: Adoption of the Gregorian Calendar by Russia.
• 1941: Soviet government begins the tradition of New Year speeches.

Frequently Asked Questions About Novy God

• How is New Year’s celebrated in Russia?Russians enjoy family dinners, fireworks, and decorate fir trees.
• Why was Christmas banned in Russia historically?It was initially suppressed by the atheist Soviet Union, and pine trees symbolized death. Traditions were eventually merged with New Year’s celebrations. Today, Russians have the freedom to celebrate Christmas, mainly marked on January 7.

Ways to Celebrate Novy God

• Host a Festive Gathering: Regardless of the date, a New Year’s party is a must! Enjoy champagne, food, music, and cherished moments with loved ones.
• Embrace Traditions: Begin the year by forgiving past grievances, tidying up your home, and indulging in a long bath. Instead of resolutions, write a wish on paper, burn it, and stir the ashes into your champagne. Cheers! Don’t forget to catch the president’s speech.
• Watch “The Irony of Fate”: A must-watch on Russian New Year, this beloved rom-com brings family and friends together. Pair it with tasty treats, including the classic Olivier salad.

Five Intriguing Facts About Russia

• Christmas isn’t widely celebrated: Most Russians are either Russian Orthodox, non-religious, or atheists, leading to Christmas traditions being intertwined with New Year’s.
• A love for cats: Empress Elisabeth welcomed cats to the Hermitage Museum in 1745, where 70 cats, with caretakers, reside today.
• Inventors of Tetris: Russian Alexey Pajitnov created the iconic game in 1984, taking it overseas three years later.
• Sale of Alaska: Russia sold it to the U.S. in 1897 for $7.2 million, equivalent to $120 million today, due to harsh living conditions and resource scarcity.
• Eleven time zones: A unique feature that allows viewing of the presidential speech before midnight in some zones.

Reasons to Love Novy God

• A Christmas-like atmosphere: Decorate with garlands and candies, and anticipate Ded Moroz bringing gifts, with a unique twist on travel methods compared to Santa Claus.
• Extended celebrations: The proximity of New Year’s dates keeps spirits high, with extra food prepared in anticipation of continued festivities.
• Cultural diversity: The two dates offer both Christians and Russian Orthodox believers the chance to honor their traditions, a freedom not allowed during the Soviet era.

For more fascinating insights, visit findnomore.net.

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