In ancient times it was customary to visit the house where the baby came. As a gift brought Babkinu cakes and porridge Babkin, which was prepared by "rich", unlike Christmas, kuti (lean).
On Christmas Eve until the first star was not accepted there - in memory of the Star of Bethlehem. The church in the evening held a solemn service, not present at the service to the rising stars to cook at home. In anticipation of her in peasant families read together the evening prayer. Adults telling children about the wise men, the birth of Christ. In the child foster respect for traditions and customs.
Russians reverent attitude to Christmas and celebrated his beautiful, fun and bright. In the squares and streets of the glory of Christ. This was done by adults and children. They went from house to house with a lighted candle, singing songs about the birth of the Savior. These are usually joined violinist. Their gifts to honey cakes, money and pies. In the glorification attended by people of all classes. For the home owner does not take hristoslavov or kolyadovschikov considered a great sin, disrespect traditions insult to hristoslavov.
In caroling closely intertwined Christian and pagan motifs. Previously Kolyada was a symbol of worship the sun and heat, which gave joy and fertility. In carols sang the sun, moon, thunder sounded wishes for a happy marriage, an abundant harvest, etc. Christmas Carols gradually merged with Christmas, which comes at a time when the sun turns to spring. Under the influence of the church of Christmas carols were driven almost all pagan symbols, Christian began to dominate.
We caroling - then sing on the eve of Christmas songs under the windows. Those who KOLYADA in bag hostess or host always put or sausage, or a copper penny, or bread, who is rich.
Many different folk beliefs and adopt associated with Christmas Eve: the weather, the night sky, the stars predict what will be the harvest. The sky is covered with stars - expect a lot of berries and mushrooms in the woods, the harvest of peas, rich litter livestock. Hoarfrost on trees - an abundant bread, blizzard - bees will swarm. If the snow along the road rise - lush rye ear will, when the road above the snow on the fields - is to crop failure, black trails - buckwheat freak. On this night, tied a rope legs of the table so as not to run the yard livestock; not fed chickens - not digging the beds; into tight balls swung yarn - to born a cabbage.
On the eve of Christmas in the southern regions of Russia have preserved the tradition of lighting a bonfire. This is due to Kolyada, with evangelical shepherds who basked in the Christmas night the fires. In the morning, shepherds, bypassing the houses and yards, "obsevali" oats hut owners Congratulations on and said, "By Sex telyatok, under the bench yagnyatok, rebyatok on the bench."
Is hardly still as fun holidays like Christmas holidays and days of Christmas, which is both fun and noisy celebrated in Russia. Children's parties with gifts; Christmas tree; fortune telling young girls that turned into a fun entertainment. The girl came out of the gate, ask the name of the first got to meet her man. It was believed that the groom will be called as well. Girls peasant class were built of logs under his bed something like well, and when we went to bed, saying: "narrowing, come to the water." Repeating three times, hid under the pillow comb: "narrowing, fancy dress, come to comb my head."
Misrule necessarily have carnivals, masks, masquerade balls, songs, dance, dance. Pays a visit, arranged bride brides courtship, engagement, receiving guests.
Christmas Eve - the last day of Advent. The church that day to evening services prescribes a strict fast. Christians have made to hostility or disagreements with people settled their relationship and met holiday peaceful.
Christmas Eve - a family dinner. The house should reign peace, peace, harmony, kindness, friendliness. All failures, sorrows and sadness into oblivion. Festive table covers the whole family. According to ancient tradition, were thrown on the table first hay (in memory of the manger and the cave). Then Staley crisp white tablecloth. In the center of the ritual placed sochivo, dishes, which must necessarily be twelve. Here: sochivo, fish dishes, pancakes, aspic, suckling pig, which is stuffed with cereal, jelly from beef and pork legs, a pig's head with horseradish, hot, homemade pork sausage, honey cakes, carols, stewed fruit, lomantsy with honey and poppy seeds. Drinks were served in accordance opportunities, income, tastes.
At all times indispensable decoration was festively dressed Christmas tree with burning candles, well, under it - the gifts Santa Claus.