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If you have a Russian friend, girlfriend or wife, these are the most important Russian holidays you should remember if you want to surprise her with your knowledge of Russian traditions and history some day. The longest official holidays are at the beginning of January, March and May, when Russian people don’t work or study. Here we also offer some ideas on what you should give your Russian girl to impress her. Holidays mentioned here are also common in Ukraine, Belorussia and other post-soviet countries.
 New Year’s Day (Noviy God)
Date: on the night of December 31 and January 1.
Description: New Year for someone from Russia is actually a combination of two Russian holidays: December 31 – the last day of the year with a big feast, and January 1 – the day when everyone celebrates the beginning of a new year. Traditionally Russian people stay up all night in the anticipation of the New Year’s Day. This traditional holiday brings a lot of joy and unites families. They lay a big table and cook many traditional dishes. At about 10 or 11 pm friends and family gather at one table to have a good time together. At 5 minutes to one the whole country is listening to the greetings of the Russian President transmitted by all TV cannels. Then according to a Spanish tradition recently adopted in the Russian Federation, in some Russian families at midnight one should make a wish and eat one grape for each stroke of the clock with a glass of champagne. It is believed that if all the 12 grapes are eaten before it is 12 sharp, the wish will come true. Another tradition is to open doors after midnight to let the New Year come into the house. And then everyone goes outside to watch fireworks, which usually light up the sky in Russian cities. In the morning children look for gifts and sweets under the Fir Tree. They don’t call it a Christmas Tree, but rather a New Year’s Tree.
Interesting gift idea: According to Russian customs children are usually given a colorful paper bag full of sweets, chocolate and fruit for the New Year. Giving your girlfriend such a “sweet present” would be very nice as it would remind her of her heritage and sweet moments of childhood.
Russian Christmas (Rozhdestvo)
Date: January 6
Description: This holiday marks the nativity of Christ according to the Eastern Orthodox Church. Unlike Christian Christmas which is held on December 25, Orthodox Christmas comes 12 days later, on January 6. Now the tradition of celebrating Christmas in Russia is fading away. New Year’s Day has become more important. However believers try to keep this religious holiday alive.
What to give for Christmas: A pair of hand-knitted mittens or elegant gloves will show her that you care for her and will be useful for Russian winters – girls lose gloves quite often.
St. Valentine’s Day
Date: February 14
Description: As in many other countries this traditional holiday is observed by the exchange of love messages and greetings. Lovers organize exciting dates, romantic dinners and demonstrate their love for each other.
Interesting gift idea: It is very romantic to simply send candy or a teddy bear, while you are far away. But no matter if you are away or close to her, you can surprise her with an anonymous personal gift, romantic love letter or a bunch of flowers without your name on the card. It will spice up your relationship and make her feel even more special.
Former Soviet Army and Navy Day
Date: February 23
Description: It used to be a Soviet Army and Navy Day. Since the tradition of celebrating this day was so strong in the past, it still remains however now Russians generally call it a “Men’s Day”. All men in the family who went to the army or are going to some day (military service is mandatory in the Russian Federation) receive words of recognition and gratitude for protecting their country.
Gift idea: Sending your girlfriend’s dad a card or simply calling and greeting him on this day would be very nice of you and show her how considerate you are.
Mardi Gras (Masleniza)
Date: the first Sunday of March
Description: Russian Mardi Gras is preceded by a Mardi Gras week and celebrated on the first Sunday of March, so it’s also the first Sunday of spring (spring in Russian starts on the 1st of March). Mardi Gras is one of the very old Russian traditions of saying goodbye to winter and welcoming spring. The symbol of Mardi Gras is a pancake – it is as round, warm and bright as the spring sun. That is why everyone makes pancakes with different fillings on this day. The common fillings are honey, condensed milk, cottage cheese, caviar, etc. On this day people organize street festivities and outdoor celebrations in parks. They sell pancakes, play games (which couple can kiss longer), drink, dance and burn the effigy of Winter stuffed with straw, so that the Spring could take over.
What to give on Mardi Gras: Usually they don’t give any gifts on Mardi Gras in Russia. Friends simply get together and have a good time. However if you still want to give her something, a jar with honey or caviar for a Mardi Gras pancake feast would do it.
Women’s Day
Date: March 8
Description: Not only does this day commemorate working women but it is dedicated to any woman or girl in general. A holiday like this first originated in the US (women’s revolt in Mew York, March 8, 1857), but it was adopted by the former USSR and other countries. In the USSR women used to be honored for outstanding work in industry, aviation, agriculture, military service, etc. Now Women’s day is not only the first official spring holiday for Russian people but is also probably one of the most widely celebrated Russian holidays.
What gift to give: Perfume, jewelry, champagne and candies are probably the most common things they give to women on this day. But maybe it is better to give your beloved one something more individual, or so to say personalized. Don’t forget to give your best wishes to her mom on the Women’s day too.
April Fool’s Day
Date: April 1
Description: As anywhere else it’s a day of practical jokes intended to make fools of unsuspecting people.
Gift idea: A funny card or a picture would definitely bring a smile on her face. There are also many free animated e-card online to choose from.
Day of Spring and Labor
Date: May 1
Description: In USSR May 1st used to be called the International Worker’s Solidarity Day. Now in Russia they call it the Day of Spring and Labor. It is an official holiday, so most people don’t work.
What gift to give: Traditionally they don’t give each other gifts on this day, but a simple congratulation would show your awareness of Russian traditions.
Victory Day
Date: May 9
Description: Victory Day celebrates the end of the World War II in Europe. This event is commemorated by solemn ceremonies, grand parades, a silence minute, speeches and fireworks. The main parade with troops and tanks is organized on the Red Square in Moscow every year.
What to give on a Victory Day: In most families even if there are no veterans that fought in the war, there are still people that lived during those hard times as wives and children of soldiers in the USSR. They worked hard at the factories without enough food and living means. A nice thing to do would be showing that you know what hard times they went through back then and congratulating them on this traditional holiday.
Knowledge Day
Date: September 1
Description: Knowledge Day is the first school day in Russia which is very important for the first graders who are just entering the school for the first time. The First Bell ceremony is held at all schools. This day is important for any family with schoolchildren and requires a lot of preparation for the beginning of a school year.
What gift to give: If your beloved one has a child who goes to school, some school supplies, textbooks or a backpack are the right gifts in this case.
Day of Russia
Date: December 12
Description: Also called Russian Independence Day. It is celebrated every year since 1992, when the Soviet Union collapsed and the state sovereignty of the Russian Federation was declared.
Interesting gift idea: She will be surprised to see a Russian souvenir or a small Russian flag on her desk on a holiday like this.
Unfortunately, people in Russia don’t know much about such holidays as Halloween or Thanksgiving Day, so when you mention them to your girlfriend try to explain what they mean to avoid confusion.
A holiday for a Russian person is usually all about the family, children and friends. Few people go to bars or night clubs to celebrate them. An abundant meal with various dishes is the essential part of any Russian holiday. |
