Happy Russian New Year

Today, January 13, is time to have "New Year" celebrations again!
Like most of us, Russians celebrate New Years Eve, on the 31st of December. In fact, they celebrate it even more so! But there is also "Old New Year" celebrations, which is what today is all about. Prior to 1917, what we are now terming "Old New Year" was really THE new year.

Confused yet? Don't be...

It all comes down to the use of calendars. This is also why "Russian Christmas" falls on January 7, again, 13 days after December 25th Christmas. These dates are due to the tradition of still following the "Julian" calendar for these dates, which was in full use in Russia prior to 1917. Russia switched to the international "Gregorian" calendar (which we all use), that year, however the Church decided not to follow suit, and still followed the "Julian" calendar, hence the strength of the tradition continuing on.

So if you haven't already done so - wish your Russian friends (or "special" friend) a "Happy Old New Year" by extending "congratulations" on the Old New Year.

Interestingly, in London, there is an "Old New Year" celebration organized as part of the third annual "Russian Winter Festival", a free event open to all, held in Trafalgar Square.

http://halldor2.blogspot.com/2006/12/russian-winter-festival-in-london.html