Russian Holidays

December 31, January 1 - New Year

In Russinan: Noviy God
Major Holiday
New Year's Eve party
To exchange Greetings: Yes, without fail
Gift Holiday: Yes, without fail
Sgns: Yolka (New Year's Tree); Dyed Moroz (Grandfather Frost); Snyegurochka (Snow Maiden); Shampanskoye (champagne); greeting cards

Most popularity holiday in Russia. Actually the New Year's Eve is a greater holiday than Christmas.

Children are looking forward for Dyed Moroz and his granddaughter Snyegurochka. Everyone has a party. By tradition, between adults to give a little gift. Kids receive generous gifts from parents and grandparents.

More about Russian New Year

January 7 - Russian Christian Christmas

In Russinan: Rozhdyestvo
Major Holiday: Yes
Christmas Eve party
To exchange greetings: Yes, it would be a good thing
Gift Holiday: It doesn't matter at all
Sgns: Gadanie (fortune-telling); Kolyadki (Christmas carol-singing); greeting cards

People celebrated the Christmas Eve (January 6) with near relatives. By tradition, the next day they visit to friends, neighbors.

January 13 - Old New Year

In Russinan: Stariy Noviy God
Major Holiday: No
To exchange greetings: not necessarily
Gift Holiday: No

date

Old New Year - is a queer holiday in remembrance of old calendar.

January 25 - Student's Day

In Russinan: Dyen' Studyenta
Major Holiday: No
Merry students party
To exchange greetings: between universitys students
Gift Holiday: No

Universitys students celebrated the Student's Day with their mates.

February 14 - Valentine's Day

In Russinan: Den' Valentina, Den' Vlyublyoniyh (Loving couple Day)
Major Holiday: Yes
To exchange greetings: Yes, it would be a good thing
Gift Holiday: Yes, without fail - between loving couples
Sgns: hearts, flowers, red roses, greeting cards

This holiday, inherited from the Western culture, is now very popular in Russia.

February 23 - Day of the Army, Men's Day

In Russinan: Den' Armii
Major Holiday: Yes
Men's Day Party
To exchange greetings: Yes, without fail
Gift Holiday: Yes, without fail

It is tribute of respect to all the generations of Russian soldiers who protected motherland from invaders. On this day all the men - from little boys to old men receive greetings and gifts from women and near relatives.

March 8 - Women's Day

In Russinan: Vos'moye Marta (March 8th)
Major Holiday: Yes
Women's Day Party
To exchange greetings: Yes, without fail
Gift Holiday: Yes, without fail
Sgns: flowers, roses, mimosas, snowdrops

On this day, by tradition, men of all ages present gifts and flowers to women. Little and adult childs greeting their moms, grandmother. Schoolchilds greeting teachers. Intimates (female) greeting each other.

Actually Women's Day is a greatest Russian women's holiday.

Easter

In Russinan: Paskha
Major Holiday: No
To exchange greetings: Yes, it would be a good thing
Gift Holiday: No
Sgns: Paskha (sweet cake); eggs; pussy willow

Easter is not a national holiday, but to the Russians it is the most important festival in the church calendar.

More about Russian Easter

April 1 - Day of Laughs

In Russinan: Den' Smyekha
Major Holiday: No
To exchange greetings: Not necessarily
Gift Holiday: No

Day of laughter, jokes, gags, jests, making fun.

May 1 - Day of Spring, May Day

In Russinan: Den' Vyesny
Major Holiday: Yes
To exchange greetings: Yes, it would be a good thing
Gift Holiday: No
Sgns: ballons and spring flowers: lilac, cherry, etc

Before May Day celebrated as Labor Day, a day of workers' solidarity. Now this holiday is de-politicized and became just the Spring Holiday.

May 9 - Day of Victory

In Russinan: Den' Pobyedy
Major Holiday: Yes
To exchange greetings: Yes, it would be a good thing
Gift Holiday: No

Celebrates victory over Germany in 1945 in World War II or, as it is commonly referred to in Russia, The Great Patriotic War. It is the greatest holyday for Russian people. It is both joy and sorrow. A great gratitude to those who lost their lives for today's peace and happiness. Equivalent to American Veterans' Day.

June 1 - Day of Children's Defense

In Russinan: Den' Zaschity Dyetyey
Major Holiday: No
To exchange greetings: not necessarily
Gift Holiday: No

Children's rights are respected and defended on this day.

June 12 - Day of Independance, Day of Russia

In Russinan: Den' Nyezavyisyimostyi
Major Holiday: Yes
To exchange greetings: Yes, it would be a good thing
Gift Holiday: No

Marks the 1991 declaration of Russian sovereignty.

October 5 Teacher Day

In Russinan: Den' Uchyityelya
Major Holiday: No
To exchange greetings: Yes, it would be a good thing
Gift Holiday: Yes

It is tribute of respect to all teachers. For schoolchilds, their parents, students it is common to give flower bouquets and chocolates to teachers on this holiday as a special appreciation for the hard work they do. Teachers all around the country are celebrated.

December 12 - Day of Constitution

In Russinan:
Major Holiday: Yes
To exchange greetings: not necessarily, but it would be a good thing -
Gift Holiday: No

Marks adoption of Russia's post-Soviet constitution.