How the new year was created. New Year: history of origin. New Year is a reason to start a new life

17.10.2019

New Year is a holiday celebrated in all countries of the world. In ancient times, each nation used its own dating, timed to coincide with some important event in history or mythology. The custom of celebrating the new year already existed in the third millennium BC. The countdown of new years from January 1 was officially established in 46 BC. Julius Caesar. This date was dedicated to the deity of all beginnings, entrances and exits - Janus.

Did you know that the history of celebrating the New Year in our country goes back more than three hundred years? Let's turn to history and compare how the New Year is celebrated in Russia today with how it was celebrated several hundred years ago.

The holiday, beloved by all the children of the world, was brought to Russia from Europe by Peter the Great. In Russia, the celebration of the new year was from time immemorial timed to coincide with the first autumn day. Since 1700, in Moscow, they began to celebrate it on January 1, gradually the tradition spread to the entire territory of the country. The festivities usually began on the night of December 26 to

The New Year in Russia has always been celebrated violently, noisily and cheerfully. The central streets of cities and houses were decorated with branches of juniper, pine and spruce. Festive services were held in the chapels and temples of the country. The traditional New Year's set - Santa Claus, Olivier and champagne, appeared somewhat later. But fireworks and festive firecrackers, the favorite pastimes of Peter the Great, became commonplace for Muscovites already at the beginning of the 18th century. Magnificent spectacles with a huge number of multi-colored stars exploding in the sky were held in the main and largest squares, a special role in the design of these squares was assigned to special decorations in the form of gazebos, statues, pools and obelisks. The arrival of the new year was announced by multiple cannon volleys.

The New Year in Russia during Peter the Great's time became more secular than As we know, Peter loved to have fun on a large scale, which horrified and despairing many clergy of those times. It was the young emperor who looked at European life who initiated the holding of entertainment events in Russia with dances and a large amount of alcohol. masquerades and assemblies have become a traditional pastime. For the first time, freedom was given to women in dress and demeanor. Now a noble lady could appear in public in a completely "shameful dress" and not be ashamed of it. Each new year in Russia under Peter the Great acquired a special meaning, and its celebration was always dedicated to military victories or the signing of peace treaties.

For two centuries, the celebration of the new year has remained unchanged. The 1917 revolution brought people a lot of suffering and grief, it was a period when no one wanted fun. Only in 1935, having recovered from the shocks, the people of our country again started talking about the new year as a holiday, and not about the day of changing the calendar. The New Year in Soviet Russia was not complete without a spruce tree dressed up with glass toys and tinsel and a red star towering over its crown, symbolizing the Kremlin. From a year on, Westerners came to us, but all Orthodox Christians continued to follow the traditions of their predecessors. Therefore, today we celebrate the new year already twice: according to the "old" and "new" style.

Everyone knows how the New Year is celebrated in Russia today. In no city is the holiday complete without the establishment of a central Christmas tree for the joy of the children and the construction of a strike at midnight and congratulations from the president. Perhaps to a modern person, the celebration of the New Year in the era of Peter will seem boring, but there was also a special charm at that time!

The history of the New Year is distinguished by many ancient Russian traditions combined with borrowed customs and rituals from other countries. It is known that the holiday dates back to ancient times.

The incredible interweaving of ancient Slavic, European, Asian and Christian traditions makes this holiday truly unique. How did the New Year begin and what interesting facts lie in its origins?

13 facts about the New Year holiday

New Year of the ancient Slavs. The ancient Slavs celebrated the arrival of the New Year in the spring. Since March, the awakening of nature began, a new period of life for plants and animals. It is believed that New Year among the ancient Slavs- this is Pancake week, and it is after the farewell of winter that the New Year comes. According to other sources, the main winter holiday of ancestors is considered Kolyada... The holiday of the winter solstice was celebrated in late December - early January. The echoes and customs of this holiday have merged with the modern New Year. It was from those times that fortune-telling began, the tradition of decorating your home and treating the mummers. There is also a mention of an ancient winter holiday called Avsen... It was celebrated at the same time. According to legend, the ritual character Avsen lit the sun wheel, which symbolized the beginning of a new life.
New Year after the baptism of Rus. With the adoption of Christianity, the New Year is celebrated March 1... A new chronology appears - the Julian calendar, according to which the year was divided into months and given names. Before the adoption of Christianity and the reckoning from the creation of the world, they were counted according to the seasons. For several centuries in a row, March 1 was considered the beginning of the year. It was so until 1492, until John III did not issue a decree - since then New Year began to be celebrated on September 1... The celebrations were solemn: in Moscow, a magnificent celebration was held every year, a cannon shot sounded at midnight, and bells were ringing in churches. Despite the fact that the holiday was celebrated in the fall, it is quite similar to the modern New Year.
New Years twice a year. So, September 1 New Year was celebrated from 1492 to 1699. In 1700, Peter I issued a decree according to which the celebration of the New Year was to take place on January 1. Many did not like this decision - the winter New Year was not accepted by the people for a long time. To have fun and celebrate the holiday had to be forced literally by force. Thanks to the tough character of Peter and the ingenuity of Elizabeth I, who arranged lavish festivities and masquerade balls, the tradition nevertheless took root. However, for many years, the holiday was celebrated 2 times: according to the old custom - in September, and in winter - as prescribed by the decree of the Emperor. Many generations passed before the fall New Year was finally abandoned.
New Year's traditions until the XX century. During the reign of Peter birch or spruce branches were the symbol of the New Year. New Year's toys were also absent - they came to us much later, in the 19th century. Instead, apples, nuts, eggs and sweets served as decorations, that is, everything edible that could be found in the house, which has a rounded shape. The tradition of drinking champagne also came a little later, after the defeat of Napoleon. Since then, drinking French champagne has been a New Year's tradition. By the 19th century, New Year has become the most beloved and long-awaited holiday. Residents of the whole country arrange magnificent balls and massive feasts, and fried pigs and radish are invariably present on the festive table.
Soviet ban: New Year without a tree. According to scientists, they began to decorate the Christmas tree in the 16th century in Germany - it was from there that the tradition began throughout Europe. In Russia, this custom was introduced by Peter I, but the rite became widespread only in the 19th century. With the coming to power of the Soviet government, it was forbidden to celebrate Christmas and decorate the Christmas tree. In the planned struggle against religion and Orthodox holidays, the New Year tree was called a "priest's" custom. The ban was lifted 17 years later, in 1935. And since 1947, January 1 was officially considered a holiday. During the Soviet era, there is also a new custom that has survived to this day - Olivier salad. The missing French ingredient was replaced by boiled sausage. In the same period, Santa Claus and Snow Maiden appear - two beloved folk characters.
How the old New Year came about. The history of this holiday takes its toll beginning in 1918, when the Soviet government decided to keep up with the progressive countries by issuing a decree on a new chronology - instead of the Julian Gregorian chronology became official... Since the XX century, the difference between the two calendars is 13 days... Due to the refusal of the Russian Orthodox Church to accept the new calendar, 2 holidays appeared: New Year and the old New Year. On the Gregorian calendar, January 14 corresponds to January 1 Julian. Thus, Russians celebrate the New Year together with the rest of the world, without denying themselves a church holiday. The name old New Year is the result of the fact that it appeared earlier than the modern one.
The Christian Church: Irreconcilable Contradictions. For believing Christians, celebrating the New Year according to Russian canons is problematic. Adhering to a strict 40-day fast, which lasts until Christmas, that is, until January 7, you cannot feast at the festive table in any way. According to religious rules, on January 1, you need to give up animal products, alcohol and fun. It turns out that the traditional New Year, which has been celebrated in Russia for over 300 years, is contrary to Orthodox traditions. Unlike Orthodox, Catholic Church celebrates Christmas on December 25 therefore Catholics celebrate the New Year without breaking the fast.
As you meet, you will carry it out. In Ancient Russia, on January 1, Vasilyev's Day was just passing, which can be considered the New Year of our ancestors. All the best was always put on the festive table, and it was always decorated with fried pigs in honor of Vasily, the patron saint of swineherds. The celebrants put on only new clothes, not worn, drank vodka, beer, mead. According to the ancient belief, the whole year will pass as you meet him, so you have to try, not sparing your belly. How could it be otherwise, because the whole year is at stake! You need to work hard at the table for the year to go well, so Celebrating the New Year for 14 days is an ancient tradition, not a whim. Russians know that it is necessary to celebrate the holiday in accordance with ancient traditions, the modern way of life, and at the same time not forget about the church.
A source of fun: crackers, sparklers and fireworks. Tradition is fun and bright celebrating the New Year with firecrackers and fireworks came to us from Ancient China... Residents of China celebrate the New Year in a big way - shots and claps thunder throughout the whole day. But if for Russians this is simple fun, then Asian countries believe that they expel evil spirits in this way. According to legend, the evil spirits at this time are looking for shelter, and if they are not scared off as they follow, they will settle in the house and cause many different troubles to the owners. Despite the fact that we do not use firecrackers and firecrackers on such a scale, hardly any holiday today is complete without this ritual. Bengal lights are also native to Asia, more specifically from Indian Bengal. The history of their appearance is unknown, which does not interfere with lighting a bright sparkling fire at your favorite holiday.
Snowmen and snow women. Another ancient Slavic tradition that has survived to this day is the molding of a snowman and a snow woman. In the old days, the inhabitants believed that the winter would not be too harsh if a snow woman was dazzled on the day of the winter solstice. And the snowman was considered the spirit of winter, from whom you can ask for help. With the help of a broom in their hands, snowmen could fly to the sky - it was there that they ruled over snows and fogs, so solemn rituals were arranged in honor of the heavenly inhabitants.
The story of Santa Claus. The first mentions of Santa Claus are found even among the ancient Slavs: the winter spirit of Morok, aka Morozko, sent severe frost and cold, and covered the rivers with ice. Unlike the modern Grandfather, who himself gives gifts, his ancestor, on the contrary, received gifts. Pancakes, jelly and other treats were put on the windows to the stern spirit to appease him. The first mention in the literature of Santa Claus is found in the "Tales of Grandfather Iriney" by Odoevsky in 1840.
Birthday of Santa Claus. Writing a letter to Santa Claus before the New Year is an important ritual for every child. The absence of a birthday for the beloved character greatly upset the children, so they came up with a date for Santa Claus when they could wish him a happy birthday. Since 2005, children have been celebrating this holiday on November 18 - this date was invented by the children themselves. The day was not chosen by chance. The birthplace of the birthday man is Veliky Ustyug. In mid-November, cold weather comes to this region, and the rivers are covered with ice. True, the exact age of Santa Claus is unknown - it is believed that he is more than 2000 years old. Both local kids and tourists can congratulate your favorite character. For these purposes, a mailbox is specially opened. Santa Claus is so loved that employees of the Pension Fund awarded him the title of "Veteran of Fairy Labor".
Snow Maiden. At the Snow Maiden, like Santa Claus, there is a birthday that falls on April 5... Homeland of the Snow Maiden – the village of Shchelykovo, in the house-museum of the writer A. N. Ostrovsky, who created this fairy-tale character by writing the play of the same name. According to Ostrovsky's play, the Snow Maiden was Father Frost's daughter. In Soviet times, when the Kremlin Christmas trees were held, according to the scripts of popular New Year's plays, Snegurochka and Santa Claus are each other's granddaughter and grandfather. The Snow Maiden, as an integral participant in the New Year, became widespread in the 50s of the XX century.

New Year is one of the most anticipated and magical holidays. Its amazing story speaks of the great love of our ancestors for this holiday, which reached us hundreds of years later.

How to tell children about the New Year holiday

An interesting story about the New Year for children, interesting stories and New Year's poems.

New Year is coming

January is coming to visit us.

The lights on the tree are bright

And under the tree - gifts!

New Years travel

Having received gifts from St. Nicholas, Sasha and Alyonka began to wait for gifts from Santa Claus. After all, the New Year is coming soon!

Who was the first to think of celebrating the New Year? Nobody knows for sure! After all, this day is celebrated by all peoples since ancient times. True, the New Year comes to every nation at its own time. In addition, there are many different traditions and customs.

For a long time, the ancient Slavs celebrated the New Year on March 1. They gave us the tradition of lighting lights on Christmas trees. Lighting the fire promised a good harvest. With the adoption of Christianity, the New Year began to be celebrated on September 1.

More than 300 years ago, in 1700, Tsar Peter I ordered to celebrate the New Year on January 1. At the same time, a tradition arose to decorate Christmas trees, arrange fireworks and New Year's fancy-dress carnivals.

Do you want to know more about how the New Year is celebrated in other countries? When the clock strikes midnight, the British open the back doors of the house. The old year is quietly emerging from them. With the last blow, they open the front doors and welcome the New Year.

In Hungary, in the first second of the new year, children’s pipes, horns and whistles begin to whistle. Thus, they drive away evil spirits from the house and invoke joy.

In Germany, as soon as the clock starts striking midnight, people of all ages climb onto chairs, tables and armchairs. And with the last blow, together with joyful greetings, they "jump" into the New Year. Just imagine what a noisy holiday they have!

It is customary in Italy to throw out broken dishes, old clothes and even furniture from apartments at the last minute of the old year. Firecrackers, confetti, sparklers fly behind them. They say: if you throw out the old, you will buy a new one, even better. And all the children are waiting for the sorceress Befana, who arrives at night on a broomstick and enters the house through the chimney. The fairy fills children's shoes with gifts, which are specially hung from the fireplace.

The Spaniards eat grapes on New Year's Eve. But they do not just eat, but also count. There should be exactly 12 berries - one for each of the twelve coming months.

In Scandinavia, in the first seconds of the new year, it is customary to grunt under the table to ward off illness and failure from the family.

In modern China, New Year is a lantern festival. Only they do not celebrate it on January 1, but change the date every time. On New Year's Eve, many small lanterns are lit on the streets and squares. The Chinese believe that the sparks from them drive away evil spirits.

Japanese children celebrate the New Year in new clothes. It is believed that this will bring good luck and health. On New Year's Eve, children put a picture of their dreams under the pillow. The desire must come true.

New Years in India can be celebrated eight times! On one of these days - Gudi Padwa - it is necessary to eat the foliage of the nim-nim tree. It tastes very bitter and unpleasant. But Indians believe that this foliage protects people from diseases and troubles.

In Bulgaria, the New Year is traditionally celebrated at home. Before the start of the holiday, the youngest member of the family stands near the tree and sings carols to the guests. Grateful relatives give him gifts.

What is the name of Santa Claus?

In our country, the famous grandfather is Santa Claus. He is wearing a long red coat with white fur. Santa Claus has a long white beard and a staff in his hands. He comes to visit not only with gifts, but also with his assistant, the granddaughter of the Snow Maiden.

In the USA, Canada, Great Britain and Western Europe, Santa Claus is called Santa Claus. He is wearing a red jacket decorated with white fur and red trousers. There is a red cap on his head.

There are two Santa Claus in Sweden: the hook-nosed grandfather Yultomten and the dwarf Yulnissaar. Both leave gifts on the windowsills on New Year's Eve.

In Finland, New Year's grandfather is called Joulupukki. He has a tall, tapered hat and a red outfit. He is surrounded by gnomes in pointed hats and capes with white fur.

And the Estonian Santa Claus is called Jiuluvana. He looks like his friend Joulupukki.

There are also two Santa Clauses in France. One is called Per-Noel, which means "Father Christmas." He is kind and brings gifts to children in a basket. The second is named Shaland. This bearded man wears a fur hat and a warm travel raincoat. In his basket are hidden rods for naughty and lazy children.

In Italy, an old fairy Befana comes to the children. She flies into the house through the chimney. The fairy brings gifts to good children, and only ashes are given to the naughty ones.

In Romania, the name of the "snow grandfather" is Mosh Krechun. He is very similar to our Santa Claus. In Uzbekistan, his name is Corbobo. He is wearing a striped robe and a red skullcap. Corbobo rides a donkey laden with sacks of New Year's gifts.

Almost all countries of the world like to celebrate the wonderful night of the transition from the last day of December to January 1. This is a magical period. The night is loved by both children and adults.

What a holiday New Year: history, traditions

One of the first (around the 3rd millennium BC) to celebrate the New Year in the most ancient civilization - Mesopotamia. The great Julius Caesar did this a little later. In the forties of our era, he decided to start the New Year on January 1. The inhabitants of the Roman Empire on this day conceived major important deeds (this was a good omen) and sacrificed to the great Janus. Also, gifts and praise of officials were timed to this holiday. They were presented with fruits in gilding, copper coins and other expensive things. The patricians received special gifts. This custom "settled" in Rome for a long time.

The ancient Romans dedicated this day to the god Janus. These are doors, entrances and all beginnings. And the first month is named after him.

It starts its turn in the Pacific Ocean, and ends in the Pacific Ocean too - on Midway Island. But there are countries that celebrate this night on different days and even months. For example, in China, it is associated with lunar cycles.

Israeli traditions

In Israel, what is the history of the New Year? Traditions have been honored since antiquity. In this country, the holiday Rosh Hashanah (means "head of the year") is celebrated during the month from September 5 to October 5. Usually after Passover, after 163 days. From this day on, the Jews begin a time of self-absorption and spiritual repentance. It lasts ten days. The next ten days are called "days of teshuvah" (or remorse and awe). And they end with the so-called Yom Kippur. The Israelis believe that in these days the fate of a person is being guessed one year ahead. Therefore, they meet each other with words-parting words: "May you be signed in the Book of Life and written for a good year!" At the festive table, an apple or challah is dipped in honey (a symbol of happiness and prosperity).

Chinese traditions

How is New Year celebrated in China? History and traditions are fraught with a lot of unknown. The features of the celebration are deeply rooted. In the People's Republic of China, it is customary to celebrate the New Year at the end of the full cycle of the moon, the first after the winter solstice. Therefore, from December 22, the countdown is being carried out, and after the second new moon, the festive night begins. The inhabitants of this country call the change of the year "Spring Festival". From time immemorial, it has been considered the most important celebration.

By New Year's Eve in the northern part of China they like to decorate the house with flowering peach branches or fruits. Apricot and almond trees bloom on the streets. In the south of the country, to attract good luck in the new year, the altar is decorated with watermelons. On the eve of the holiday on the streets of cities and towns, there are massive magnificent processions - dragon dances. This action is especially spectacular at night.

In Russia

What is in Russia? For a long time (until the 15th century), New Year's festivities began on the night of March 1. And since the 15th century, the Russians have been meeting on September 1. Around the same time, the first mentions of the emerging traditions of the celebration appear.

John Vasilyevich III (Grand Duke) in 1492 made a firm decision and decided to start the church and civil year in September, on the first day, that is, on the day of collection of dues, tributes and duties.

To give it solemnity, the tsar personally appeared in the Kremlin. Then ordinary people or noble boyars had the opportunity to seek mercy, truth and justice from him. The Byzantine celebration of the church new year became the prototype of the celebration of the new church year in Russia.

The dictionaries of the 16th century interpreted the name of this celebration of those years as follows: "The first day of the year." Since 1700, by decree of the great emperor Peter I, Russia celebrates the New Year, as in European countries, that is, when is it? January 1st, of course.

What is New Year in the 20th century? Continuous metamorphoses: from January 1, 1897, this day was declared a day off. In the period 1930-1947. he becomes just a worker again. And in 1948 it was again made a day off and a holiday!

Peculiarities

What is New Year? Traditions and features of meeting New Year's holidays in many houses of the world are important, sometimes fateful. In addition to numerous festivities and feasts, a coniferous tree is dressed up, houses and city streets are decorated. Everything glows, shimmers and shines. And almost every nation has its own New Year's grandfather. In the Christian world, grandfather is called Santa Claus. This name comes from the name of St. Nicholas, thanks to a distorted Dutch transcription. He gives children gifts for Christmas. Santa Claus is more of a Christmas grandfather. Although he is also welcomed on New Year's Eve.

What does this holiday mean to us? What is New Year? A holiday that brings loved ones together. And of course, our dear Santa Claus comes to us! This fabulous character emerged from distant Slavic myths. It personifies winter frosts and blacksmiths who hold down the water. The image of Frost is, of course, collective. The main motive of Grandfather is Saint Nicholas, diluted with the magic of the deities of the ancient Slavs: Zimnik, Pozvizd and Korochun. Our dear grandfather comes in felt boots, a blue, less often red coat, embroidered with silver, with a magic staff. And always with a bag of gifts on his shoulder. He usually moves on three horses.

old New Year

In modern Russia there is a special one - the old New Year. It appeared after the abolition of Julian time. And it is celebrated at night from January 13 to 14.

New Year traditions

Before New Year's Eve, according to an ancient Cuban tradition, all kinds of pots, jugs, bowls, etc. are filled with water in houses. And at midnight this liquid pours from all windows, as if seeing off the year, wishing him an easy and bright journey.

On the Japanese islands, the New Year is accompanied by the ringing of bells. 108 strokes symbolize all shades of human vices.

They began to use all kinds of fireworks in China. A noisy, loud and vibrant tradition made it possible to drive away numerous evil spirits. Now all countries of the world without exception. In the New Year's fun, Bengal candles, fireworks, Roman candles, large and small firecrackers, etc. are used.

In recent years, the capitals of some countries have been inviting visitors to New Year's pyrotechnic shows. The most ambitious shows are held in London, Sydney and various cities in China.

In Sweden, for example, the beautiful Lucia is chosen before the New Year. Children do it. Having chosen the queen of light, they dress her in a white outfit, and put a crown with burning candles on her head. Queen Lucia gives gifts to children and treats to pets.

Conclusion

Now you know what the New Year is, what are the features of this holiday. We hope this article was helpful to you.

The history of the New Year's holiday is quite interesting. The modern celebration is rightfully considered one of the most beloved, nationwide. In addition, traditional feasts and obligatory weekends, which provide an opportunity not only to walk, but also to relax, contribute to the popularity of the holiday. Long before January 1 approaches, multi-colored garlands and decorations turn the familiar environment into a fairy tale that invariably brings joy to both children and adults. Here is just what we know about its origin, what is the history of the New Year in Russia? This article is devoted to this issue.

How it all began

What is the history of the origin of the holiday? New Year's roots go back to the times of the Holy Roman Empire. In particular, the Romans timed the beginning of the New Year to March and successfully celebrated it until 45 BC. It was customary to make sacrifices to Janus, as well as give each other various gifts. Moreover, special attention was paid to presentations to the powers that be - officials and patricians.

With the first month of spring, the countdown of the new time also began among the Jews, which can be traced in the Old Testament (the laws of Moses). Their holiday was not much different from the Roman one, apparently for the reason that the Jews were conquered by the Romans, were under their rule for a long time and gradually adopted customs.

New Year in Russia

Russia has its own interesting history of the holiday. New Year was celebrated here according to folk traditions. The life cycle of the Slavs before the adoption of Christianity was directly related to nature and the change of seasons. Not surprisingly, the story of the origin of the New Year was associated with the vernal equinox. When else to start counting the days, if not with the arrival of spring and the awakening of all living things after winter sleep.

At the end of the 10th century, along with Christianity, Kievan Rus adopted a new chronology - according to the Julian calendar. From now on, the year began to be divided into 12 months, which received their names according to weather conditions. And for another 4 centuries, the new year began on March 1.

From spring to autumn

The history of the New Year in Russia had another important stage. By the end of the XIV century, the decision was finally ripe to abandon the Constantinople calendar and switch to the Byzantine one, created simultaneously with the baptism of Kievan Rus. In 1492, by decree of the Grand Duke John Vasilyevich III, it was ordered to start celebrating this important day from September 1. Also at this time, a quitrent was going to, and the tsar received complainants, both noble and peasants. In the Kremlin, solemn events were held, and the ruler was obligatory to kiss the icons and the Gospel.

However, it is worth noting that the common people were indifferent to the innovation, and the New Year continued to coincide with the spring equinox. Thus, Christianity was intricately intertwined with pagan rituals and actions, creating a special picture of the holidays.

The genius of Peter I

The history of the modern New Year in Russia began with the arrival of Peter I. Undoubtedly, the first emperor was an outstanding personality and reformer who significantly transformed the country. Therefore, it is not surprising that European customs also influenced the celebration of the New Year. Since in England, France, Germany the year started on January 1, the new century in Russia began on the same day. Earlier, in 1699, a decree was promulgated to shift the date of the celebration. And already on the night of January 1, 1700, the empire began to live in a new way. By the way, the Russian New Year did not coincide with the European one anyway. Europe already lived according to the Gregorian chronology.

However, since the emperor ordered from now on to celebrate the New Year in January, then so be it. It was more expensive to disobey the wayward ruler, so we had to celebrate, launch fireworks and put up Western-style Christmas trees. By the way, it is interesting that the forest beauties were not dressed up in toys, but in sweets, nuts, apples. After Peter's death, they stopped putting up trees altogether, leaving them only in taverns. Pine and birch branches continued to remain the symbol of the holiday.

For several years it was customary to celebrate the New Year in the old capital of the capital, Moscow. However, in 1704, the official part of the holiday moved to St. Petersburg, the city of the emperor.

However, the history of the Russian New Year was of little concern to the peasants, who for a long time continued to celebrate the holiday in September, on the day of St. Simeon the Flyer. But there was a ritual dinner with a traditional roasted pig.

"The Forest Raised a Christmas Tree…"

When did the tree appear at the holiday? Today we can't even imagine the New Year without her. It appeared relatively recently - some couple of centuries ago. As mentioned above, after the death of the first emperor, the tradition of staging a fluffy beauty did not take root, and the holiday itself was largely popularized solely by the efforts of the monarchs. In particular, Catherine the Great introduced a masquerade ball, which became a kind of key to a successful celebration.

It is not known for certain when they began to decorate the Christmas tree for the holiday again. According to one version, this custom was introduced by the Prussian princess Charlotte, the wife of Emperor Nicholas I, who converted to Orthodoxy under the name of Alexandra Feodorovna. With her light hand, in 1818, a Christmas tree was arranged in the Moscow palace, and a year later in St. Petersburg.

According to the second version, Russified Germans were the first to put the Christmas tree in the 40s of the same century. There were a lot of them then in St. Petersburg. Soon, Christmas trees appeared in the houses of eminent and wealthy citizens.

At that time, fluffy beauties were staged on Christmas Eve and decorated according to the German model - with the obligatory Bethlehem star at the top. In addition, apples, nuts, ribbons, candies, candles were used as decorations. Christmas toys and glass balls were introduced later. In addition, in wealthy families, they could decorate a tree with jewelry, drape with luxurious fabric. Well, what a holiday without gifts? Children received sweets, teenagers - books and clothes, girls - flowers, albums, shawls.

In the same 40s, the Christmas tree, personifying the New Year, appeared on sale everywhere, becoming available not only to a select circle of those in power, but also to poor officials who also wanted to please their household members. Fortunately, the time allotted for celebration was gradually lengthened: from one day to several, or even to the very Baptism. Walk so walk! The arrival of January is still associated with the long Christmas and New Year holidays.

First public tree

In our time, it has already become a tradition to arrange various New Year's parties and decorate the squares of settlements, private and municipal buildings with live or artificial trees. A century and a half ago, everything was different. The first public Christmas tree appeared only in 1852 in the building of the Yekateringofsky railway station (St. Petersburg). Already later, the Russian New Year was enriched with charity trees for the poor, and ladies from rich and noble families took an active part in their organization. By the way, the brothers Alfred and Ludwig Nobel, who had their own interests in the empire, also arranged holidays for the children of St. Petersburg workers.

New Year cards

In 1897, the St. Eugenia Community Publishing House (St. Petersburg) published the first illustrated postcards dedicated to the New Year holidays. Such famous artists as Vasnetsov, Repin, Benois, Bilibin, Makovsky had a hand in their creation. Moreover, Christmas cards from New Year's ones differed in their plot. The theme of the first was scenes from the Bible, connected, respectively, with the birth of Jesus. The latter were exclusively secular, with images of carnivals, clocks, couples in love, dances, etc.

The most popular New Year's song "A Christmas tree was born in the forest" also appeared in tsarist Russia - with the light hand of Raisa Kudasheva. The poem was published in the Malyutka magazine in 1903, and the music was written by the composer Leonid Bekman.

When did Santa Claus appear?

On New Year's Eve, this fabulous character, representing a kind old man with a thick beard and an invariable bag of gifts, first came in 1910. However, he finally took root only in the Land of the Soviets. This is not surprising, considering that the prototype of the kind grandfather was not at all the kind spirit of cold Studenets (aka Treskun, Moroz). A stern old man from the mythology of the Eastern Slavs punished disobedient children with a magic staff. Moreover, it was customary to appease this spirit with various gifts or sacrifices, asking not to ruin the harvest.

But the Snow Maiden is an exclusively literary character, who arose in the play of the same name by Alexander Ostrovsky in 1873. The girl sculpted out of snow was the daughter of Spring and Frost.

Santa Claus "comes" for the New Year from Veliky Ustyug, where his possessions are allegedly located. The homeland of the granddaughter of the Snow Maiden is the village of Shchelkovo in the Kostroma region, where the house-museum of A. Ostrovsky is located.

Celebration at the turn of the century

The history of the New Year in Russia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries is remarkable not for noisy celebrations, but for the skillful moves of enterprising businessmen. So, it was in 1900 that the New Age magazine came out of print, the End of the Century French champagne appeared, as well as a series of perfumery products from the Moscow Ostroumov factory.

New Year's holidays were celebrated noisily in 1901. In the Moscow Manege, three orchestras played at once, showed the play "World Review" and dioramas depicting the most important events of the 19th century. In addition, festive prayers were held in all city churches.

Thus, the history of the emergence of the New Year's holiday in the Russian Empire went through several stages of formation. The final chord was 1914, when, on the wave of anti-German sentiments caused by the First World War, the Synod forbade the installation of a Christmas tree, calling this venture an enemy and alien to the Russian Orthodox people.

New Year and the USSR

Almost until the end of the First World War, the huge empire continued to live according to the Julian calendar, stubbornly ignoring the Gregorian adopted by all of Europe back in 1582. Therefore, the question of the transition became acute after the October Revolution of 1917 and was soon resolved. Since 1919, a new countdown has begun for the country.

In particular, the New Year, the date of which fell on the Old Style on the Nativity Fast, finally began to arrange the church. Previously, she was extremely unhappy with the noisy holidays during the prescribed abstinence. And with the transition, an additional holiday was added, which is so often surprised by foreigners - the old New Year. The date of the celebration of the latter is the night of January 13-14.

By the way, as for foreigners, they are really very surprised by this "incomprehensible" holiday. He seems to them mysterious and mysterious, as, incidentally, the Russian soul. Although at popular resorts, everyone is already accustomed to the fact that we celebrate the New Year 2 times. In Turkey, for example, hotel administrators are trying to "make business" on this by throwing parties. Only other visitors to the resorts, in particular Europeans, are surprised.

It is noteworthy that after the February Revolution, the Provisional Government had no time for New Year's celebrations, and now the Council of People's Commissars recognized the holiday as counter-revolutionary. True, they immediately thought of a replacement for him in the form of the "Red Blizzard", which symbolized the beginning of the revolution.

However, it was soon canceled as well. After the death of Lenin, Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin at first simply forbade the erection of Christmas trees, considering them a manifestation of anti-Soviet sentiments, and then left only two holidays for the big country - May 1 and November 7. By the way, the leader himself never congratulated the people on the New Year, this tradition appeared much later.

The tree was rehabilitated in the mid-1930s by Postyshev. Already in 1936, a festive tree was installed in the Column Hall of the House of Unions, and two years later, even a special form was issued, which told how to properly decorate a spruce. In particular, the Star of Bethlehem was replaced with a five-pointed star and always red. And traditional toys were generously diluted with symbols of the new era - figures of pioneers, hammer and sickle, even members of the Politburo. In 1937, the first New Year's cards appeared, all with the same five-pointed red star.

After the end of World War II, since 1947, January 1 finally became a day off, and the population of a huge country became addicted to "Soviet Champagne", which appeared back in 1928. During the reign of Nikita Sergeevich Khrushchev, the holiday began to be celebrated on a larger scale, and the main tree of the USSR, the Kremlin, was lit. In 1962, "Blue Light" was released for the first time.

Leonid Brezhnev introduced the tradition of making New Year's addresses from television screens in 1976, and then Mikhail Gorbachev successfully adopted it. An interesting story about the New Year is associated with congratulations on December 31, 1991. For the first (and so far the only) time, not the head of state, but Mikhail Zadornov, a famous writer and satirist, made a greeting and parting word. In addition, it did not meet in the allotted time, so the chimes had to wait. The satirist still often recalls this event and talks about it at his concerts.

What now

Then the honorary mission passed to the new president - Boris Yeltsin. And in 1999, he made an unexpected "gift" to the Russians, announcing on the air that he was transferring the reins of government to V. Putin. Since then and to this day, Vladimir Vladimirovich congratulates Russians, who was replaced only once for 4 years in the presidential chair by Medvedev.

As you can see, the history of the origin of the New Year over the centuries of its existence has overcome many stages and changes. Celebration dates and traditions shifted, new symbols and characters appeared, and old ones went into obscurity. This is the story of the holiday. New Year in our country remains a solemn event. And on December 31, we continue to wait for a small miracle.

Traditions changed, the holiday was celebrated on different days, but it always remained an important event. This is the story of the New Year in Russia. Today every child hopes that the kind Grandfather Frost will put a present for him under the tree. And he runs early in the morning to check, sincerely rejoicing at what he found. Well, adults understand that only they themselves can make their loved ones pleasant by giving something for the holiday. However, deep in their hearts, they have a spark of hope that one day on the eve of the celebration something wonderful, special and long-awaited will happen.

Friends, let's make our loved ones happy more often! Let small, but soul-pleasing miracles visit our homes not only on New Year's Eve. Thanks to them, our life will become brighter, warmer and more pleasant. And a smile will more often illuminate our faces, play kindly on our lips and glow with sparks in our eyes. Do something nice to your loved ones right now, give them a little of your time, especially those whom you rarely see. After all, life is short, and there may not be another opportunity.