Message about Christmas ceremonies. Traditional dishes of the Christmas table. Christmas Traditions in the Holy Land

19.05.2019

On the night of January 6-7, Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas - one of the most important Christian holidays. This is a holiday that symbolizes renewal. After all, it was the birth of Christ that proclaimed a new, bright era for mankind. It is no coincidence that a new chronology was even established - from the Nativity of Christ.

The birth in the flesh of Jesus Christ from the Virgin Mary is one of the miracles revealed by the Lord to mankind. Therefore, on the feast of the Nativity of Christ, everyone expects a miracle and prays that next year was better and happier than the outgoing one. This Holy holiday in Orthodoxy, it is one of the master's twelfth holidays and is preceded by a 40-day Christmas fast. The celebration of Christmas begins on January 6 with the appearance of the first star in the sky. As you know, after the birth of Jesus, the first of the people to bow to him were the shepherds, who were notified of this event by the appearance of an angel. According to the Evangelist Matthew, a wonderful star appeared in the sky, which led the magi to the baby Jesus.

Signs for Christmas

Clear weather for the Christmas holiday promised a good harvest in summer and autumn.

If there was a thaw at Christmas, then this is a bad harvest.

A snow blizzard at Christmas was a sign to good harvest wheat and good sign for the beekeeper.

If at Christmas the sky was starry, then the year will be fruitful for mushrooms and berries, and a large offspring of livestock was also expected in such a year.

Well, if the Christmas holiday was warm, then they were waiting for a cold spring.

If it snowed that day, and even with flakes, this is for a good harvest of bread.

And there is another sign that is trusted even now, that is, how you spend Christmas, this will be the year. Therefore, people have always tried to spend Christmas in love, peace and prosperity, with a generous Christmas table. There should have been 12 Lenten dishes on the table, then the whole year there would be prosperity in the house, and the year would be generous.

In no case should one quarrel on the day of the Nativity of Christ, since the whole year can be spent in disagreement.

Holiday traditions
Much has to do with Christmas. folk traditions. Most of them are recognized by the Church. The day before, on Christmas Eve, they decorate the Christmas tree. Its top is crowned with a star - a symbol of Bethlehem. Candles on the Christmas tree are reminiscent of the unearthly light emanating from the cave in which Jesus was born. Boxes with gifts for all family members are placed under the Christmas tree. In addition to the Christmas tree, a nativity scene is built in houses and temples - a symbolic cave with the born Christ and voluminous figures of the people who surrounded Him.

The main event of the holiday is caroling. Everyone can carol - both adults and children. Previously, the cities had little resemblance to the current megacities, so people went from house to house and praised the born Christ, which is why they were called Christoslavs. Those who brought good news into the house, it is customary to give gifts - sweets, fruits, money - who can do what.

On Christmas days, it is customary to visit each other and exchange gifts. It is very useful and right from a Christian point of view to visit the sick and suffering. Children especially look forward to this holiday. If you have the opportunity, give joy to a child from an orphanage or a sick boy or girl. There are not so few disadvantaged people in our time - one has only to want to do good to them. Be sure to attend church services. But there are traditions that the Church categorically rejects as pagan. For example, divination. Foreseeing the future is a sin, because by doing so a person cuts off God's participation in his life and His care for himself. At any moment the Lord is free to change the course of events.

On Christmas it is forbidden:
Sewing, cleaning the house, killing animals (go hunting), guessing.

For fortune-telling, any day of Christmas time is suitable - from Christmas Eve to Epiphany, except for Christmas itself.

On the night of Christmas, you need to pray and make wishes. It is believed that if you look at the open sky on Christmas night and make a wish, it will surely come true.

It is believed that on the night of January 6-7, dreams prophetic dreams.
Unmarried girls this night try in every possible way to influence these dreams. So, according to legend, for a girl to dream of her future husband, you need to comb your hair for the night, put the comb under the pillows and say: "Narrowed-mummer, comb my head." The one who dreamed is the future husband of a fortune-telling girl.

On the night of Christmas, many girls try to find out their fate. Who with the help of sleep, and who with the help of divination. Below are the most simple and popular divination. Particular attention should be paid to divination with a mirror, which, according to the opinions and reviews of many fortunetellers, is unsafe.

Divination with matches
Take two matches and insert them into the slot of the box different sides. Light them up at the same time and watch their behavior. If during the combustion the matches “look” at each other, then the guy and the girl who are guessing will be a couple and they have a joint future.

Divination on paper
Take paper sheet and crumple it. Place the crumpled leaf in the bottom of an upside-down plate or saucer and light it. After that, bring the saucer with burnt paper to the wall and carefully turn the saucer until some kind of shadow appears on the wall, according to the outlines of which one judges the near future.

Divination with cards
When you go to bed on Christmas Eve, take the King of Diamonds with you. Put the card under the pillow and before going to bed say these words: "Dream, betrothed, dream, mummers."
Before you fly away to the kingdom of Morpheus, “point the marathon”: wash your face, comb your hair. You can put any of the decorations under the pillow along with the map. They consider the future groom of a person who will visit you in a dream on this magical night.

Divination for the future with nutshell
For this divination, you need a bowl of water, paper and a walnut shell.
Attach small paper strips with significant events written on them to the edge of the pelvis, for example, moving, new job, travel, marriage, pregnancy, etc. Then, in the half of the shell, attach the cinder of a candle, but not a simple one, but bought in a church or birthday. The candle is lit, after which the shell is lowered with it to float in the basin.
To which piece of paper it will moor or, remaining in place, lean in its direction, then the event will occur within a year.

Fortune telling on the choice of a husband with the help of bulbs
The results of such fortune-telling are not immediately visible, but this is the case when you can wait, because the price of the issue is the choice of the best groom!
On Christmas Eve, take a few bulbs according to the number of candidates for the vacancy of your life partner, sign them with the appropriate names. Put them in water and wait for them to sprout. Pay attention to the bulb, which sprouts earlier than all the others: the person with the name that is written on it is the most suitable applicant.

Divination for the betrothed
At midnight on Christmas Day, girls leave the house and ask the first man they meet for a name. The name that he calls will be the name of the betrothed.

Fortune telling on the number and gender of future children
On Christmas Eve, you need to pour water into a glass, put a ring in it and put it in the cold. Before going to bed, a glass is taken from the cold and the future children are judged by the ice surface formed in it. The number of tubercles indicates the number of boys, and the number of pits indicates how many girls there will be.

Divination by the book
They took a book at random and asked a question. After that, they called the page number and the line number on it - what was written in this place in the book, and served as an answer.

Divination "yes, no"
Above the jar, with any cereal or grain, they hold left hand palm down. Concentrating, you need to ask a question that interests you. After that, take a handful of cereals from the jar and pour it on the table, then count the number of grains. If the number of grains is even, it means a positive answer - "yes", an odd number means a negative answer - "no".

Divination for a betrothed with a frying pan
You need to put the frying pan under your mother's bed so that she does not know about it. before going to bed, say to yourself: “Betrothed, mummers, come to visit your mother-in-law - there are pancakes.” And in the morning you need to ask your mother what she dreamed about. If in a dream she fed some guy pancakes, ask him to describe his appearance. He is your future groom.

Divination by the window
When everyone in the house goes to bed, the girl should turn off the light, go to the window and look into it and say: “Betrothed, dressed up, dream me dressed up!” - and immediately go to bed. At night, she will dream of her future fiance.

Divination with mirrors
Divination with mirrors is carried out before midnight in all alone, before that, it is impossible to inform anyone about the upcoming fortune-telling. In an empty room, a large mirror is placed on a table without a tablecloth, with candles on both sides. Opposite the large mirror, a second mirror is installed at some distance - a smaller one, so that it is reflected in the first mirror. Mutual reflection forms a "corridor". A handkerchief is placed next to it.
Then you need to turn off the light, light candles and sit down at the table. Mentally make a wish to see the betrothed and look intently into the depths of the reflecting corridor. After a while, the image of the betrothed will appear in it. When the image appears, immediately cover the mirror with a handkerchief and in no case turn around at that moment.
Another way of divination with a mirror. When there are no clouds in the sky, and the moon shines well, go outside at midnight. Stand at the crossroads with a mirror with your back to the moon so that it is reflected in the mirror. Looking in the mirror, say: "Narrowed-mummer, show yourself in the mirror." When the image appears, immediately say: "Stay away from me."

Hello dear readers. January 7th is coming soon Holy Christmas Christ, consider the traditions, customs, signs of Christmas. But, first of all, I want to congratulate everyone on this wonderful Orthodox holiday. I want to wish you peace, kindness, love, harmony. After all, Christmas is a quiet, calm, family holiday. Day of kindness, peace, reconciliation. On this day, the whole family and closest friends gather at the table. In the old days, it was believed that at Christmas the sky opens up to the earth and heavenly forces fulfill all desires, only desires must be good. In Rus', Holy Christmas has always been celebrated with special reverence.

The evening of January 6 on Christmas Eve is called "Christmas Eve", and this evening was also called "carols". Christmas Eve is the last day of Advent. Christmas Eve comes from the word "sochivo", it is a porridge made from different cereals, with the addition of poppy seeds and honey, we call this porridge "kutya", it is more familiar to us.

According to church charter This strict post with complete abstinence from food to the very “first star”, which symbolizes the Christmas star that informed the magi about the birth of Christ. My great-grandmother was a religious woman and always followed all the traditions of Christmas. Said it was quiet and family celebration, a holiday of goodness and peace.

Houses and churches on Christmas Eve were decorated with fir trees, as well as coniferous branches.

Holy Christmas. Traditions. customs

One of the traditional Christmas dishes is kutia, and depending on the region, it is prepared in different ways. Traditional kutya consists of three essential components: wheat, honey, poppy, I also like to add to kutya walnuts and raisins. Some people prepare this dish with the addition of other dried fruits and chocolate, each one already brings its own “zest” to kutya.

Also in Soviet times Mom cooks kutya from rice, honey and dried fruits, because they didn’t know the traditions of this holiday, and after perestroika, when it was already possible to learn more about Christmas, about its traditions, then they began to cook kutya from wheat (garnovka) with honey. In addition, there should be 12 Lenten dishes on the Christmas table.

In the old days they prepared borscht, dumplings with cabbage, pancakes, stuffed cabbage with rice, fish dishes, pies,. They always started the evening meal with kutya, and then they started to have dinner. They sat down to eat in the evening with the first star, they had not eaten anything all day before.

And the main drink that they drank at Christmas is dried fruits (dried apples, pears, apricots, strawberries). Uzvar is a traditional winter drink, read more about uzvar, how to prepare it, and its benefits in my article ““. I love uzvar very much, it is healthy and very tasty, if you have not cooked uzvar, then I recommend that you try it. And with this knot they poured the kutya itself.

But on January 7, it was already possible to cook various goodies, since the post ended, so there were already on the table meat dishes, homemade sausages, goose, duck, pies and gingerbread.

Since ancient times, Christmas carols have been sung and caroled. In the evening, “carols” began to walk around the villages, that is, young people in disguise. They sprinkled thresholds and houses with wheat, sang carols, wished the owners good luck and wealth. And the owner of the house had to generously reward for this with all sorts of goodies, they gave cookies, gingerbread, sweets. Carols are ritual songs of the winter cycle, these songs are popular in our time.

In my youth, I also dressed up in women's clothing, and walked in a company of acquaintances, congratulated on the holiday, sang songs. True, we went on January 13 in the evening. It was believed that on January 14, a man should be the first to step on the threshold, and on January 13, girls (mummers) went.

People were sincerely happy for us, because we brought joy without demanding anything in return. From this, we ourselves were charged with Christmas energy. If you want to positive emotions, this is just what you need, you just need to go with open heart, and take sweets with you, in case someone doesn’t have it.

It has long been believed that on the night of January 6 to January 7, that is, on the eve of Christmas, two forces compete - this is good and evil. According to beliefs, all sorts of miracles were performed on the night of Christmas.

And fortune-telling was common among young people. It was believed that it was at Christmas that one could most accurately predict one's future. They guessed on the night of January 6 to January 7, fortune telling was different. Most known species fortune-telling when the girls took turns throwing their boots over the gate in the direction of the toe, thus finding out in which direction they would get married.

Also, the girls wrote the names of the guys on a piece of paper, put them under the pillow, and in the morning they took out a piece of paper from under the pillow, what name was written on the piece of paper, this name will be for her betrothed. There was also divination with candles, mirrors, threads. Such was fortune-telling before, of course, now it all seems ridiculous to us.

On the second day of the Nativity of Christ, namely January 8, the feast of the Cathedral Holy Mother of God and this day is dedicated to the Mother of God "who gave birth to the world of joy."

And at Christmas they looked closely at the weather, as they believed in omens. According to the signs, they determined what the year would be, what the harvest would be.

Signs for Christmas

Clear weather for the Christmas holiday promised a good harvest in summer and autumn.

If there was a thaw at Christmas, then this is a bad harvest.

A snowstorm on Christmas Day was a sign of a good harvest of wheat and a good sign for a beekeeper.

If at Christmas the sky was starry, then the year will be fruitful for mushrooms and berries, and a large offspring of livestock was also expected in such a year.

Well, if the Christmas holiday was warm, then they were waiting for a cold spring.

If it snowed that day, and even with flakes, this is for a good harvest of bread.

In no case should one quarrel on the day of the Nativity of Christ, since the whole year can be spent in disagreement.

We consider Christmas public holiday and that day is a public holiday. But 12 days after the Nativity of Christ are popularly called "Christmas". Christmas time in Rus' was considered one of the most fun public holidays. And this continues until January 19, until the feast of Epiphany. A .

May the Holy Christmas be for you special holiday, because traditions, customs and signs, the people noticed from ancient times and passed from mouth to mouth. The people adhered to traditions and customs and believed in signs, all this was very important for people. It was from the Nativity of Christ that the countdown of the New Year was, this is for us now New Year begins on January 1, and before the New Year began with the Nativity of Christ.

I wish you all peace, kindness, harmony, consent. I suggest you listen to a very beautiful Ukrainian Christmas carol.

There is a day in the year when there is boundless joy in the world. It seems that the heavens are descending, and everything earthly is dissolved in them. In a single impulse, the angels rejoice and people rejoice. The reason for this joy was announced more than two thousand years ago by an Angel to the shepherds of Bethlehem: “I bless you that today in the city of David the Son of God, the Savior of the world, was born.” This event laid the foundation for the salvation of mankind by the incarnate Christ.

The history of the holiday
It is known from the Gospel story that the Mother of God came to Bethlehem on the eve of the birth of the Son. Together with her betrothed Joseph, she participated in the census of citizens. Bethlehem is a small city, there were not enough places in the hotel for everyone. Therefore, Mary and Joseph stopped for the night in a cave. There were many such places in those parts - shepherds drove cattle there for the night. On the same night, Christ was born. The baby was placed in a manger - a feeder for livestock. The shepherds were the first to bow to the incarnate God.

The Magi also came to bow to the Savior. These wise men lived far to the east. They foresaw the birth of the Messiah, and when they saw a guiding star in the sky, they went after it. This star is Christian history called Bethlehem. The Magi had to cross the borders of several states before they came to the poor Bethlehem manger. The sages brought gold, frankincense and myrrh as a gift to the Divine Infant.

These gifts that got the name "Gifts of the Magi" , have deep symbolic meaning:
gold- symbolized as an offering to the King, because Jesus was incarnated to become the king of the earth;
incense- a priestly symbol, because by his earthly ministry Christ became the High Priest;
myrrh- they anointed the body of a dead person with it, in the Christmas story it became a symbol and an indication of the atoning sacrifice of Christ for all mankind.

For the first time, Christians began to celebrate this holiday only in the 4th century. Prior to this, the event of the birth of Christ was mentioned by the first Christians on the day of Theophany. Under the influence of Hellenic culture and beliefs, these two holidays were separated. Christmas significantly surpassed Epiphany in value and almost immediately became the second Christian holiday after Easter.

In Rus', Christmas was especially expected. First they celebrated it, and then they celebrated the New Year. Therefore, it is customary for Christians to decorate Christmas trees for Christmas. In 1918, Russia switched to the Gregorian calendar. The Church continued and continues to live according to the Julian, old calendar. Because of this, the New Year comes first and only then Christmas.

Christmas Eve
The day before the holiday is called Christmas Eve. This is a very strict fast day. Christians try not to eat food until evening. The earth is preparing to welcome the Divine Child. But on modern tradition you can fast only until the moment when, after the Liturgy of Christmas Eve, a candle is brought to the center of the church and the troparion to Christmas is sung.

The evening of this day is called Holy. It is traditionally held in the circle of the closest people. They sit down at the table with the first star. It symbolizes the Bethlehem, which led the Magi to the born Christ. Hostesses prepare twelve Lenten dishes for Holy Evening. Skoromnoe is allowed to eat only the next day. 12 is a symbolic number - this is the 12 months of the year, and the 12 apostles, and the 12 main holidays of the Church. The main delicacy is kutya. A little hay is placed under the plate with it as a reminder that Christ was not born in mansions, but in a poor manger.
Kutya- a dish of boiled grains, often wheat, with honey and nuts. Only since the 16th century, poppy seeds were added to it, and even later - raisins. Modern housewives add halva or sugar instead of honey. From this, the taste of kutya improves, but its symbolic meaning is somewhat lost. Since honey is the purest product on earth. And God, as you know, is given the best.

At the meal they drink uzvar. It is customary to cook lenten borscht for the holy evening, prepare salads with vegetable oil, dumplings with lean stuffing, pies, fish dishes.
Christmas celebration
In the Church, besides Easter, there are 12 most big holidays. They are called the Twelve and the most important among them is Christmas. Celebrate it until Epiphany. That is, from 7 to 17 January. This period is called Christmas. Christmas is waiting for both adults and children. It brings a lot of joy, fun, sweets. A feeling of comfort and peace reigns in the house, and the heart is warmed by the hope that the future will definitely be bright.

Believers celebrate the holiday in the temple. On the night of Christmas in all churches there are holiday services. It is believed that you can not sleep - the night is special, Christ is born. It must be remembered that the Lord thanks a person for every, the smallest effort that he makes for Him. On this holiday, even the stars in the sky behave differently, and in the morning the sun plays with different colors.

Holiday traditions
There are many folk traditions associated with Christmas. Most of them are recognized by the Church. The day before, on Christmas Eve, they decorate the Christmas tree. Its top is crowned with a star - a symbol of Bethlehem. Candles on the Christmas tree are reminiscent of the unearthly light emanating from the cave in which Jesus was born. Boxes with gifts for all family members are placed under the Christmas tree. In addition to the Christmas tree, a nativity scene is built in houses and temples - a symbolic cave with the born Christ and voluminous figures of the people who surrounded Him.

The main event of the holiday is caroling. Everyone can carol - both adults and children. Previously, the cities had little resemblance to the current megacities, so people went from house to house and praised the born Christ, which is why they were called Christoslavs. It is customary to give those who brought the good news to the house - sweets, fruits, money - whoever can.

On Christmas days, it is customary to visit each other and exchange gifts. It is very useful and right from a Christian point of view to visit the sick and suffering. Children especially look forward to this holiday. If you have the opportunity, give joy to a child from an orphanage or a sick boy or girl. There are not so few disadvantaged people in our time - one has only to want to do good to them. Be sure to attend church services.
But there are traditions that the Church categorically rejects as pagan. For example, divination. Foreseeing the future is a sin, because by doing so a person cuts off God's participation in his life and His care for himself. At any moment the Lord is free to change the course of events.
Christmas present

The magi who came to the newborn Christ with gifts laid the foundation for the tradition of giving gifts at Christmas, especially to children. In the mind of man, Christmas is a celebration of a dream come true. Therefore, you need to choose a gift carefully. It doesn't have to be expensive. For a person, the touch of a miracle in his life is important. Find out what the person you want to gift is dreaming about or dreamed about as a child. A gift does not always bring delight. Much more important is to touch the heart of a person, to make him believe in a miracle. Traditionally, sweets are given for Christmas. And not only for children.
Christmas is celebrated for a long time. The most important thing that any person should take away from these days is the very essence of the birth of the Holy Child, who gave his life to pay for our sins. Thus, he gave us the opportunity to correct our mistakes and make peace with God!

Signs for Christmas

Clear weather for the Christmas holiday promised a good harvest in summer and autumn.

If there was a thaw at Christmas, then this is a bad harvest.

A snowstorm on Christmas Day was a sign of a good harvest of wheat and a good sign for a beekeeper.

If at Christmas the sky was starry, then the year will be fruitful for mushrooms and berries, and a large offspring of livestock was also expected in such a year.

Well, if the Christmas holiday was warm, then they were waiting for a cold spring.

If it snowed that day, and even with flakes, this is for a good harvest of bread.

In no case should one quarrel on the day of the Nativity of Christ, since the whole year can be spent in disagreement.

CHRISTMAS EVE RECIPES

HOW TO PREPARE KUTIA

Pour washed and sorted rice with water and bring to a boil.
Drain on a sieve, spill cold water and cook again until done. in large numbers water
Throw back on a sieve, cool and transfer to a bowl
Choose a glass of berries without jam syrup, add a little boiled water
Mix with rice, smooth the top with a spoon and lightly sprinkle with sugar
HOW TO PREPARE SOCIVO

SOCHIVO FROM RICE
Rinse one and a half cups of rice, boil in plenty of water until tender.
Drain on a sieve, cool
Grind one glass of nuts (almonds, walnuts) and add 5 - 6 tablespoons of honey, a little boiled warm water
Rinse one glass of raisins in several waters, boil
Mix everything, if you need to add more honey.
RICE SOCHIVO WITH DRIED FRUITS
Boil 1.5 cups of well-washed rice in a large amount of water, drain on a sieve, cool
Boil 100 g of dried fruits in sugar syrup (1.5 tablespoons of sugar per 2 liters of water), drain, cool
In a deep bowl, mix rice with dried fruits, add strained broth (broth)
HOW TO PREPARE CAROLS

These are small pies that were prepared specially for this day, these are very ancient products made from unleavened dough.
Carols were prepared necessarily from eight components - rye flour, water, curdled milk, milk, butter, sour cream, salt and filling.
The dough for them was prepared like this - 2 cups rye flour(or a mixture of rye and wheat flour) sift, mix with a mixture of water, milk, curdled milk, sour cream in any ratio, 2 tablespoons butter, salt.
Knead the dough, let it lie down for 30 minutes, roll it into sausages, cut into small pieces, make balls and roll pancakes with a rolling pin.
Put the stuffing on them, roll up and pinch the edges.
To make the crust soft after baking, grease with butter or a mixture of melted butter and sour cream.
Fillings for carols were made from cottage cheese, millet porridge, carrots, dried mushrooms, mashed potatoes.

We celebrated the New Year. Another favorite winter holiday is, of course, Christmas. Christmas is a religious holiday. On this day, Christians celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus Christ. Catholics celebrate Christmas on December 25, and Christians on January 7. Before Christmas, believers fasted, and on Christmas they go to church. Christmas days lasted not one, but as many as 12 days, Christmas time. The day before Christmas is called Christmas Eve.

Christmas is the end of a certain life path. You can relax, relax and wait for the miracle and magic that the holiday gives us. Earlier in Rus', the traditions and customs of Christmas were very honored. Now they are a little forgotten. Maybe believers try to stick to traditions completely. Christmas traditions are very interesting. Let's talk about them in more detail today, on the eve of the holiday.

2. Christmas Eve

3. Christmas divination

4. Signs related to Christmas

At the end of November, the Advent fast began - this is preparation for a great celebration. Of course, not everyone observes fasting, but believers, I think that they adhere to it, try to limit themselves in heavy food and drink. Fasting should be for those who can.

Another tradition before Christmas is the general cleaning of the house: they sweep the dust from the corners, wash the curtains, that is, they clean their home before the bright holiday.

In the old days, men repaired the sleigh, the house, the roof, in general, they found a job for themselves. Now, too, for our men there are many homework, which requires male power and dexterity.

Before Christmas, people went to the fair to buy new clothes for themselves and their loved ones. They updated the dishes, chipped and cracked were thrown away. Now, too, it does not hurt to clean your house of unnecessary things that are only bad energy, nothing more good. So feel free to throw away unnecessary dishes, things that only litter our home.

The whole family had to prepare for the holiday. No wonder the saying goes: "Whoever works together before Christmas, he will live in peace and harmony all year long." So involve all members of your family in preparation for the holiday: husband, children.

The youth in Rus' prepared thoroughly for the holiday. Boys and girls sewed costumes, taught songs, made Star of Bethlehem. Because in the old days they organized noisy festivities, processions. Mummers walked around the yards. People were having fun, singing, dressing up, caroling. And the owner brought them treats. In the days of my youth, this was also the case - young boys and girls walked around the village, congratulated the owners, sang,. It was fun. Now this tradition is fading away. Although some children still go and congratulate, "generous," for which they receive sweets or money.

It is with Christmas that the appearance in Rus' is also connected. By the 18th century, the Christmas tree was decorated in all European countries. Apples were tied to the branches, candles, which were lit on a holiday. The top of the spruce was decorated with a star or an angel in memory of the star that rose above the cradle of Jesus Christ.

What was wrong with Christmas? It was forbidden to wash, clean, cook, chop wood. It was necessary to do this before the holidays, and the holiday should remain clean and bright. Moreover, people believed that it was impossible to sweep the rubbish out of the corners. because there could be the souls of dead relatives who came to the holiday.

Christmas Eve

This is the last day of the post. All the relatives got together and laid the table. According to tradition, on this day they prepared sochivo (hence the name). Sochivo is soaked grains of wheat, rice, with the addition of honey, fruits. Currently, we call this dish kutya. For Christmas, many people cook it from wheat, adding poppy seeds, nuts, and honey.

It was possible to sit down at the table after the service was served in the temple, and when a star appeared in the sky, which announced the birth of the savior to the Magi.

Hay was laid on the table, the memory was made of the manger where the baby Jesus lay. The festive table was covered with a white tablecloth and 12 dishes were set (according to the number of apostles). Lenten dishes were supposed to be on the table. boiled or baked fish, dried fruit compote were put on the table. Grains of wheat symbolized the beginning of a new life, ripened fruits and fruits - a sign of the end of life. Thus, Christmas Eve is a kind of ritual of the birth of Jesus Christ.

And for the holiday they baked a pie in which they put a coin. It was believed that whoever gets it will be lucky.

Christmas divination

Christmas time began on January 6 and lasted two weeks, until Epiphany. It was a cheerful and joyful holiday in Rus'.

At this time, holy divination was arranged. Girls were very attentive to dreams, at that time they were considered prophetic. And the night itself on Christmas Eve was considered fateful.

Fortune-telling was very different: this was throwing a shoe over the threshold, fortune-telling on grains, on rice, on wax, coffee grounds. To attract suitors, they took a damper from the oven, sprinkled crumbs and fed the rooster. another interesting fortune-telling, my grandmother told me - they put a container with water, on the other hand - a mirror, and in the middle of the room - grains of wheat. They let a rooster into the hut. wherever he goes, so will the betrothed. To water - a drunkard, to a mirror - a handsome man, and to grains, which means rich. Like these ones funny divination arranged by our great-grandmothers and grandmothers in the old days.

Signs related to Christmas

According to signs, it was on January 7 that severe frosts began (we already had severe frosts before the New Year. Let's see how it will be for Christmas). good omen if a man enters the house first. So there will be no quarrels. And if a woman is not very good, it was believed that this was unfortunately and illness. Well, we are. Let's not believe in such rumors. Let it stay in the past.

They also believed that if the owner breaks something that day, this is a quarrel.

On January 7, one should not swear, move to a new place, cut cattle and think about the bad (this, I think, is a good sign).

weather signs

If frost hits at Christmas, then it will be cold at Epiphany.

At Christmas, a snowstorm - the bees will swarm well.

At Christmas, the frost on the trees is a good harvest of bread, the starry sky is a harvest of peas.

If Christmas is warm, spring will be cold.

Dark Christmas time - dairy cows, light - toe chickens.

Traditions and customs of Christmas have been formed in Russia for many centuries. Therefore, it is necessary, if not to comply with them, then simply be treated with respect. It is also believed that if you look at the sky on Christmas night, pray, make a wish, only it must be necessarily good, then it will certainly come true. Let's believe in miracles!

Merry Christmas, my dear readers! Goodness, peace and happiness!

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Christmas, as well as the New Year, are the most anticipated and joyful holidays not only for Russians, but for the entire planet. This is the logical conclusion of a certain life stage, summing up and, of course, the expectation of the new, the unknown and, undoubtedly, the best. Perhaps this favorite holiday kids. They already guess that Santa Claus does not exist, but they still continue to believe in him. The traditions and customs of Christmas in Russia are quite interesting and varied, let's talk about them in more detail.

Preparing for Christmas in Russia

On November 28, 2014, the Christmas fast begins - a kind of preparation for the Great Feast. At this time, it is recommended to refrain from heavy, fatty foods, booze. However, the ministers of the church support this in every possible way, only those who can afford it should fast. If there is no complete self-confidence or the absence of eggs and meat causes backlash, if there is a feeling of irritability and resentment for the whole world, it is better to consult with your doctor or confessor before starting the fast. As one of the ways, you can try to fast only on Wednesdays and Fridays, and if everything works out, move on to the next step.

Also one of the traditions of Christmas in Russia is spring-cleaning: they wash curtains, wipe dust from hard-to-reach places, sweep dirt from corners, thus cleaning the house before the arrival of a new and bright one. In the old days, there was plenty of work for the male half: to fix the cart, sleds, patch up the roof. To date, men can easily repair a dripping faucet or glue fallen tiles in the bathroom, and if this is not possible, call a plumber.

Christmas preparation also includes a trip to the fair (now a regular clothing store is suitable for this purpose). After all, for all family members you need to buy new clothes. The dishes should also be renewed, because before the start of the celebration, according to custom, all cracked and chipped dishes should be thrown away. We must not forget about the smallest sweet tooth. They also bought gifts and sweets for the kids.

The whole family should take part in preparing for the holiday. “Whoever works together before Christmas will live in peace and harmony all next year,” says popular belief. The work was also younger generation. Boys and girls, according to Christmas custom, in addition to helping adults, learned new ones, sewed costumes for the nativity scene and made the Star of Bethlehem on a long stick. During the campaign through the yards, the honorary mission went to the young man who carried the star, since it was he who was the first to enter the yard.

It is strictly forbidden to wash, cook, clean, chop wood and do other hard work. All this should be done in advance, and the holiday itself should remain clean and bright, not overshadowed by any worries. Why can't you take out the trash? Because it was believed that in the corners and nooks and crannies, where basically all the dirt accumulates, the souls of deceased relatives who came to celebrate Christmas with their families gather. After Baptism, they returned to themselves, to heaven - then it was possible to clean up and take out the garbage.

Christmas Eve

Don't be late for Christmas Eve, it's the last day of Lent. All family members come to visit in advance and set the table together. According to the Christmas tradition, Sochivo is eaten on this day (hence the name Sochevnik, which later turned into Christmas Eve). Sochivo is soaked grains of rye, wheat or rice with the addition of fruits and honey, currently called kutya.

You can sit down at the table only after the evening worship in churches and the appearance in the sky of the first star, which once announced the Magi about the birth of Christ the Savior.

A bundle of fresh hay is considered an obligatory decoration of the table, as a memory of the manger in which the baby was born. The festive table is covered with a white tablecloth and a dozen dishes are placed on it (according to the number of apostles). On holiday table should only be . The obligatory dishes on this day include baked or boiled fish, compote uzvar (consisting of ripe and dried fruits) and jam (strawberry, raspberry, strawberry, cloudberry).

Soaked grains of wheat carry a symbol of the beginning of a new life, ripened fruits and fruits - a sign of the end of a life path. As for the fish, in its Greek name "ichthyos" the name of Jesus Christ is encoded. Thus, Christmas Eve is a kind of ritual of the birth of the Son of God.

One of the funny traditions for Christmas in Russia is a Christmas cake, in which a coin was placed. Whoever gets it, happiness will come to him.

Christmas time

Christmas time begins on January 6 and lasts two weeks. This is one of the most joyful and lively holidays in Rus'. At this time, the famous Christmas divination is held. Every day is full of its signs, rituals and signs. WITH special attention relate to dreams, almost all of them are considered prophetic. A dream on the night of Christmas Eve is considered fateful. To remember it, a dream book was placed under the pillow, and a lit candle was left at the head of the bed.

The number of fortune-telling by which you can find out the name or see your betrothed in a dream has no number at all. This is throwing the left shoe over the threshold, and looking into the mirror, and fortune-telling on hair, on rings, on rice, on wax, on coffee grounds, on a chain, etc.

To attract the groom, it was enough to take the damper from the oven, pour bread crumbs on it and feed the rooster. This bird is a symbol masculine and a new day, and grains personify fertility and prosperity (and therefore the groom must be strong, handsome, and rich).

The rooster, especially if it was black, was actively used in other rituals. For example, they poured grain in the center of the room, put a container with water and a mirror. Whatever object the rooster fits first, this will be the future groom. If to water - a drunkard, if to grain - rich, and if to a mirror - beautiful.

Weather signs for Christmas

By folk omens at Christmas, they judge the weather that awaits in the New Year:
- if a blizzard sweeps on Christmas Eve - wait for early spring,
- if by morning there is thick frost on the trees - to a good harvest of bread,
- if Christmas is warm, spring will be cold,
- if snow falls on January 7, there will be a generous harvest.

The traditions and customs of Christmas in Russia have been formed for many centuries, so you need to, if not observe them, then at least treat them with respect.

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