how many days until russian christmas

2 min read 22-11-2024

Meta Description: Discover when Russian Orthodox Christmas is celebrated and how many days are left until this special holiday! Learn about the history and traditions of this unique Christmas celebration, different from the Gregorian calendar Christmas. Find out everything you need to know about this important date in the Russian Orthodox faith and plan your celebrations accordingly.

When is Russian Christmas?

Russian Christmas, also known as Orthodox Christmas, isn't celebrated on the same date as Christmas in the West. While many countries celebrate Christmas on December 25th (following the Gregorian calendar), the Russian Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind. Therefore, Russian Christmas is celebrated on January 7th.

This difference stems from the historical shift from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. While most of the world adopted the Gregorian calendar centuries ago, the Russian Orthodox Church continues to use the Julian calendar for its liturgical year.

How Many Days Until Russian Christmas?

To determine how many days until Russian Christmas, we need to know the current date. A simple online search for "days until January 7th" will provide the exact number. You can also use a countdown timer or calendar app to track the remaining time.

The Significance of Russian Orthodox Christmas

Russian Christmas is a deeply significant religious holiday. It’s a time for families to gather, attend church services, and partake in traditional celebrations. The religious aspects are central, with many observing a strict fast before Christmas Eve and attending midnight mass.

Key Traditions of Russian Christmas:

Svyatki (Holy Days): The period from Christmas Eve (January 6th) to Epiphany (January 19th) is known as Svyatki. It's a time for special celebrations, carol singing (koliadki), and festive gatherings.
Christmas Eve Supper (Svyatoy Vechery): A special, meatless meal is eaten on Christmas Eve, often featuring twelve symbolic dishes.
Midnight Mass (Polunochnaya): Many attend a special church service at midnight on Christmas Eve.
Kolyadki (Caroling): Children and adults go caroling, singing traditional songs and receiving treats.
Gifts: Gifts are often exchanged on the morning of January 7th.

Celebrating Russian Christmas

Whether you're of Russian heritage or simply interested in learning about different cultures, understanding the significance of Russian Christmas enriches the holiday season. Learning about the traditions and their meanings adds depth to the experience, fostering appreciation for cultural diversity.

You might consider attending a Russian Orthodox Christmas service, trying traditional Russian Christmas recipes, or learning a few carols in Russian to experience the holiday in a unique way.

Resources for Learning More:

[Link to a reputable website about Russian culture and traditions]
[Link to a website with Russian Christmas recipes]
[Link to a video explaining the Julian and Gregorian calendars]

Remember to check online for the precise number of days until January 7th to know exactly how long you have to wait until Russian Orthodox Christmas! Happy Holidays!