Stevlana’s presentation on Christmas in Russia & Champagne Toast.
Members were treated to a presentation with a sparkling wine toast to members and guests.
In Russia Holidays can extend up to weeks, with extended vacation
Russian Orthodox church celebrates Jan. 7 using the Julian calendar, whereas the western churches use the Gregorian calendar.
People gather in the local town square for New Year with traditions of saying goodbye to the old year.
Parties meet to celebrate with gatherings over tables of food, laughter and share stories. Afterwards everyone goes out to the square adorned with snow & ice sculptures.
Schools, businesses celebrate the new year. There are pageants or plays with songs.
This time of year it is around -30° C . Svetlana says that it is a dry cold, which doesn’t feel as cold to her as when our local winter temperatures drop.
1/6-7 people celebrate in richly decorated Orthodox churches and some people stay all night;
Instead of Santa Claus there is Ded Moroz, (grandfather frost) clad in a fur lined colorful cloak with a companion (his granddaughter) Snegurochka who helps. They can be seen at the town square to greet children, have photos taken. If kids want presents they need to recite poetry, dance, or do something to earn a present from Ded Moroz.
Christmas night there is fortune telling using water, rocks and a candle. Hot wax is burned, dropped on the water and fortune is based on the shape of the wax. A pendulum is used to foretell good or bad fortune. Two mirrors are used to make the “infinity” wall with a candle to “see” the future self.
Old New Year is celebrated 1/14.
Svetlana’s presentation ended and the meeting was adjourned at 1:06
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