Russian, Ukrainian & FSU Information & Manosphere Discussion Forums

Information & Chat => Russian, Ukrainian & FSU Culture and Customs => Topic started by: mendeleyev on November 21, 2007, 11:24:49 PM

Title: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 21, 2007, 11:24:49 PM
Christmas in Russia, what's it like?

Well, its very special now that folks all across the former Soviet Union are now enjoy the opportunity to celebrate it freely.  As you can imagine, the weather alone can make the holiday to be beautiful...romantic....nostalgic.

A great way to see how your lady lives is over the coming holidays.  You'll see her family, the best of Russian foods, theatre and museum exhibitions, Church services, concerts, and you'll experience the fullness of Russian traditions.

We won't ignore Ukraine either.  While many traditions are similiar there are some interesting and fun differences.

So, let's get started with just a few items which will be helpful to understand Christmas in Russia a little better.

Here we go!

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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 21, 2007, 11:35:46 PM
We should perhaps make sure we have the dates down pat first.  And the order of the holidays.

You know how we kind of run Christmas and New Year's together in countries like the USA?  Well, magnify that several times in Russia.  That time of the year turns into one big long holiday, normally decreed by the President and employees (except in essential services) get a very long holiday, paid, with their families.

First off let's look at dates:

- The Russian New Year comes first.  It's the biggest holiday of the year, by far.
- Christmas follows closely behind on January 7.

For those wondering why Christmas is January 7 it's really rather simple.  Historically Christmas was always celebrated in January.  However several hundred years ago a Roman Pope adjusted the calendar to catch up for "leap years" over the several previous centuries.  All calendars in the Western world were adjusted.  The Patriarchs in the East (over which the Pope has no authority) felt it better to leave the calendar alone. 

So, surprise we have two different calendars.  That change moved western Christmas up earlier into December.  By the way it also changed the date of Easter, but we're talking about Christmas here.  It doesn't mean that the west is right and the east is wrong or vice versa.  We're just using two different calendars, thats all.

Questions?  Good, let's move on.


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 22, 2007, 12:10:12 AM
Hey, who is that dude anyway?

Well, he isn't Santa Claus.

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing Grandfather Frost (Дед Мороз)!

He's kind of an old fart having been around for awhile.  His name is Grandfather Frost, not Father Frost.  Just a warning because he can get ticked off once in a while when strangers come around calling him by the wrong name.  In Russian culture the older you are, the more honour you are entitled, so he get's kind of particular about those sort of things.

He doesn't live at the North Pole either.

Of course that could change now that President Putin has claimed the North Pole as Russian territory (we're not joking) so perhaps the moving vans will come soon to cart him off.  But for now he lives in a forest just outside the Russian town of Veliky Ustyug (Вели́кий У́стюг). 

It is rumoured that he also maintains a dacha in the Belarussian forest of Belavezhskaya Pushcha (Белавеская пушча) near the Polish border.  But that is probably just a rumour.  Unless your lady lives in Belarussia.  Then of course it must be true!

So is Grandfather Frost just another version of Santa Claus?

Not really, but they sure must be cousins!  Their job descriptions do differ somewhat.  For instance, Grandfather Frost only delivers presents to children.  Normally it's just one gift per child...cuts down on his delivery costs.  And since he does not have elves, multiple presents would be a serious strain on his budget not to mention his time.

As for presents, adults are on their own.  And Grandfather Frost, while a nice and kindly ole dude, is not required to be jolly 24/7.  He apparently has a "grumpy" clause in his contract. 

But he likes vodka!  (What a country!)

He doesn't ride a sleigh either and there are no reindeer on his farm.  He travels about in a Lada most of the year but if you see him in winter he'll be riding his trusty troika.

What the heck is a тройка?  Well, a troika is technically "three of a kind."  But in this case it refers to an old-fashioned sled pulled by three horses.

Grandfather Frost doesn't have to hide his presents under a tree either.  In fact, unless the children are very young presents are not usually put under a tree.  Grandfather Frost delivers them himself.  Now it's that a nice change of pace?!  The dude just walks up to a group of kids and hands each their presents.

And he doesn't ask children to supply him with milk and cookies, or carrots for Rudolph either.  Now, to be honest it's highly, ah very highly, rumoured that Grandfather Frost will gladly enjoy a snort of vodka before moving on to the next delivery.  But you can put those milk and cookies back in the fridge.  If it's not 80 proof or higher, he'll be moving right along.

Now of course the Russian government is kind of stingy on those retirement pensions so Grandfather Frost has been known to supplement his income with some store openings, ribbon cuttings, appearances at private parties, etc. 

He does not stand outside and ring a bell for the Salvation Army, however.  Vodka aside, the man does have some standards.

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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 22, 2007, 12:30:58 AM
Hey, who's the hot babe?!

What?  You've got to be kidding, Mrs Frost is a old lady...you have a sick mind!  Why she rarely shows up in this story.

Oh sorry, you were talking about that younger babe?  Whoa, careful there pal.  That's his granddaughter.  She has a special story all her own and the old dude gets kind of protective.  Don't be grabbing her on the behind either, even if you name is Bill Clinton. 

That good looking babe is Снегурочка.  Having a hard time pronouncing that, then try the English version:  Snegurochka.  That made it whole lot easier didn't it?!

Okay, let's make it easy.  She is the Snow Maiden.

You're right, she is a very lovely maiden.  And she has her own special story:  As a young maiden the beautiful Снегурочка fell in love with a nomadic shepherd boy named Lel.  She gave him her heart but, alas, he broke her heart and was dying in the forest.  In fact, she was melting.  But she was rescued by her loving Grandfather and Grandmother Frost who carried her home and restored her to life.

Now she lives as a maiden, a virgin, and her sole purpose in life is to serve Grandfather frost in bringing gifts to children.

Well, okay she does do some of the mall visits and store openings, but you get the idea. 

Remember she is like an angel, she is the Snow Maiden.

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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 22, 2007, 12:49:22 AM
BTW, Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden deliver their gifts on New Year's Day.  Instead of being called a Christmas gift, your gift to your lady and/or her child will be called a New Years gift.

Yep, you guessed it, there is no Christmas tree either.  Its a New Years tree.  Hey, you're catching on to this rather quickly!

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Soon we'll explore the world of Russian holiday traditions, music and food, but first we complete our cast of Russian New Year and Christmas characters with the traditional story of Babushka (which means "God mother"):

Once in a small Russian town, there lived a women called Babushka. Babushka always had work to do sweeping, polishing, dusting and cleaning. Her house was the best kept, most tidy house in the whole village. Her garden was beautiful and her cooking was wonderful. One evening she was busy dusting and cleaning, so busy that she didn't hear all the villagers outside in the village square talking about and looking at the new star in sky.

She had heard about the new star but thought, 'All this fuss about a star! I don't even have the time to look because I'm so behind with my work. I must work all night!' So, she missed the star as it shone brightly, high overhead. She also missed the little line of twinkling lights coming down towards the village at dawn. She didn't hear the sounds of the pipes and drums. She missed the voices and whispers of the villagers wondering whether the lights were an army or a procession of some sort. She missed the sudden quiet of the villagers and even the footsteps coming up the path to her door. But the one thing that she couldn't miss was the loud knocking on her front door!

'Now what is that?' she wondered, opening the door. Babushka gaped in amazement. There were three kings at her door with one of their servants! 'My masters need a place to rest,' the servant said, 'and yours is the best house in the village.' 'You want to stay here?' asked Babushka. 'Yes, it would only be until night falls and the star appears again,' the servant replied. Babushka gulped. 'Come in, then,' she said.

The kings were very pleased when they saw all of the of the home-baked bread, pies and cakes. She dashed about, serving them, asking lots of questions. 'Have you come a long way?' 'A very long way,' sighed Caspar. 'Where are you going?' 'We're following the new star,' said Melchior. 'But where?' The kings didn't know, but they believed that it would lead the to a new-born king, a King of Earth and Heaven. 'Why don't you come with us?' asked Balthasar. 'You could bring him a gift like we do. I bring gold, and my colleagues bring spices and perfumes.' 'Oh, I'm not sure that he would welcome me,' said Babushka, 'and what could I bring for a gift? Toys! I know I could bring a toy. I've got a cupboard full of toys,' she said sadly. 'My baby son, died when he was small.' Balthasar stopped her as she went to tidy the kitchen up. 'This new king could be your king too. Come with us when the star appears tonight,' he said. 'I'll think about it,' sighed Babushka.

As the kings slept, Babushka tidied up as quietly as she could. 'What a lot of extra work there was!' she thought, 'and this new king, what a funny idea, to go off with the kings to find him.'

Babushka shook herself. There was no time for dreaming, all this washing-up and putting away had to be done. 'Anyway,' she thought, 'how long would she be away? What would she wear? What about the gift?' She sighed. 'There is so much to do. The house will have to be cleaned when they've gone. I couldn't just leave it.' Suddenly it was night-time again and the star was in the sky. 'Are you ready, Babushka?' asked Balthasar. 'I'll come tomorrow,' Babushka called, 'I must just tidy here first and find a gift.'

The kings went away sadly. Babushka ran back into her house, keen to get on with her work.

Finally, she went to the small cupboard, opened the door and gazed at all the toys. But they were very dusty. They weren't fit for a baby king. They would all need to be cleaned. She cleaned all of the toys until each one shined. Babushka looked through the window. It was morning! The star had came and gone. The kings would have found somewhere else to rest by now. She could easily catch them up, but she felt so tired. She had to sleep. The next thing she knew, she was awake and it was dark outside. She had slept all day! She quickly pulled on her cloak, packed the toys in a basket and ran down the path the kings had taken.

Everywhere she asked 'Have you seen the kings?' 'Oh yes,' everyone told her, 'we saw them. They went that way.' For day Babushka followed the trail of the kings and the villages got bigger and became towns. But Babushka never stopped. Then she came to a city. 'The palace,' she thought. 'That's where the royal baby would be born.' 'No, there is no royal baby here,' said the palace guard when she asked him. 'What about three kings?' asked Babushka. 'Oh yes, they came here, but they didn't stay long. They were soon on their journey.' 'But where to?' asked Babushka. 'Bethlehem, that was the place. I don't imagine why. It's a very poor place. That's where they went.' replied the guard. She set off towards Bethlehem. It was evening when Babushka arrived at Bethlehem and she had been travelling for a long time. She went into the local inn and asked about the kings. 'Oh yes,' said the landlord, 'the kings were here two days ago. They were very excited, but they didn't even stay the night.' 'And what about a baby?' Babushka cried. 'Yes there was.' Said the landlord. The kings asked about a baby, too.' When he saw the disappointment in Babushka's eyes, he stopped. 'If you'd like to see where the baby was,' he said quickly, 'it was across the yard there. I couldn't offer the couple anything better at the time. My inn was really full, so they had to go in the stable.'

Babushka followed him across the yard. 'Here's the stable,' he said. He left her in the stable. 'Babushka?' Someone was calling her from the doorway. He looked kindly at her. She wondered if he knew where the family had gone. She knew now that the baby king was the most important thing in the world to her. 'They have gone to Egypt, and safety,' he told Babushka. 'And the kings have returned to their countries. But one of them told me about you. I am sorry but you are too late. It was Jesus that they found, the world's Saviour.'

Babushka was very sad that she had missed Jesus and it is said that Babushka is still looking for him.

(Story credit:  www.whychristmas.com)

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Coming soon:  Holiday traditions, music and food.

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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 22, 2007, 01:48:35 AM
Do you love Christmas music?  Russians and Ukrainians have a deep history of composing some of the finest music in the world, including music for the Christmas season.


Although this isn't a Christmas specific song, Tanya Bulanova's (Таня Буланова) "Only You" video is shot in winter at a woman's monastery. Nice winter scenes!

To the other end of the musical spectrum we go to Tchaikovsky's "Hymn of the Cherubim" which is part of the Russian Orthodox liturgy.




This past year marked the death of Muslim Magomaev, a giant entertainer during the Soviet years. Beloved by young and old alike, he made a lasting impact on FSU music. Here he and follow superstar Tamara Sinyavskaya sing Silent Night:



What is Christmas without a little humour on Russian television?!

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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 22, 2007, 01:54:47 AM
It's trivia time: 

It would be fun to play, "Who is that writer/composer?"

Hints:
- He was Ukrainian.
- But lived his adult life in the USA.
- He was Jewish.
- But wrote one of the most famous Christmas songs in modern history.

Who was he.......and what is that very famous song?
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Olga on November 22, 2007, 10:39:40 AM

For those wondering why Christmas is January 7 it's really rather simple.  Historically Christmas was always celebrated in January.  However several hundred years ago a Roman Pope adjusted the calendar to catch up for "leap years" over the several previous centuries.  All calendars in the Western world were adjusted.  The Patriarchs in the East (over which the Pope has no authority) felt it better to leave the calendar alone. 


The Russian Orthodox Church still uses the old Julian calendar; therefore, its Christmas celebration falls on January 7th.

The Julian and Gregorian Calendars
http://www.hermetic.ch/cal_stud/cal_art.html

Russian Orthodox Christmas is more religious holiday and New Year is more secular.
According to the regulations of Orthodox church you must keep the fast during 40 days (from 28th of November to  6th of January inclusive) and eat only the lenten fare.

At the Christmas Eve the Orthodox believers must eat nothing. They come to a church to 10 pm and start celebrate Christmas in the church. When the first star appears in the sky the believers are allowed to eat sochivo (it is  lenten meal - boiled rice with honey and fruits). The name of the day before Christmas is sochelnik (from sochivo). When you come home after divine service you can eat what you want  :) usually it is after 2 am.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 22, 2007, 10:45:22 AM
Just got off the phone with a man in my city who has a new(er) Russian bride.  Apparently his wife is having second thoughts about breaking the Russian nativity fast with a big Thanksgiving meal.  He is naturally excited about taking her to the home of his extended family later today where there will be turkey and all the extra Thanksgiving trimmings.  She doesn't mind going, but doesn't wish to eat, not realizing the signal such will send to his family.

He truly loves his wife and wishes to respect her desire to practice her faith, yet he has grown up with the wonderful Thanksgiving tradition.  So, here is how I counseled him:

1)  First I asked if she/they have a local priest?  Not being a priest, it would be wrong for me to give them spiritual advice which contradicted their spiritual confessor.  "Not yet," was his reply, as he explained that she has just decided it important to return to church.  That is fine with him.  He's in his mid-40's and has "church-hopped" a bit so is not tied to one particular church.  I gave him the nearest Russian Orthodox church location in the East Valley of Phoenix.  The priest there was a convert to Orthodoxy from Evangelical Christianity several years ago and he will be a nice fit for both of their backgrounds.

Having established that my advice would not be in conflict with anyone else, he and I recapped the story of Thanksgiving.  It is uniquely an American holiday, via Presidential decree.  It from the beginning created to be a religious holiday.  The proclamation says it is for the purpose to "give thanks to God Almighty..." for the blessings this nation has enjoyed and to pray for continued Sovereign guidance.

As a religious feast, Thanksgiving can (and some individual priests will disagree), be given an exemption from the Russian Nativity fast.  The proclamation of Thankgiving was also designed to be pan-religious meaning a feast for every person to celebrate no matter their individual faith.

2)  We discussed the calender.  Because his wife came to America early this year she is undoubtedly still operating (in her "internal clock") under the Russian calendar for such events.  As you recall the East never changed calendars as did the West so in reality for her the Christmas (nativity) fast in Russia does not begin until 28 December (and continues thru 6 January) so this couple could choose to use the Russian calendar instead, thereby giving them freedom to enjoy today's dinner to the fullest.

There is a week of preparation before the fast in which meat/oil/wine/dairy products are limited so that the body doesn't approach the fast "cold turkey"  :happy0023:, but she can easily enjoy the celebration today with his family.

3)  He could also counsel her to view Thanksgiving much like most Russians do on New Year's Eve/Day.  Technically they are still in a fasting period, but in reality only the most pious keep a strict fast at New Year's.  She has not been practicing her faith all year so it could be doubtful that she has had a sudden conversion to being ultra-pious.

Finally as a friend, I asked if there were any problems regarding her interaction with his family members?  In other words, could her hesitation be about more personal relationships than about a meal during the fast?  Not at all, was his reply.  His grandmother and his sister are two of her favourite people here.


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So using their experience, here is a recap of calendar dates:

Eastern (Russian) fasting period
28 November thru sundown on 6 January with Christmas day on 7 January.


Western calendar fasting period
15 November thru sundown 24 December. Christmas day on 25 December.


Acceptable exemptions to the fast:
- When given an exemption by a priest.
- When traveling.
- When a guest in someone's home.
- When guests are in your home.
- For legitimate health reasons.
- Young children are exempt.
- Elderly are exempt (although often they are the most pious).
- When fasting would call undue attention--the fast is for personal discipline, not to make others uncomfortable.
- When a woman is pregnant.



What items do you give up during a fast:
- Meat of any kind (except fish on certain days).
- Oil in cooking.
- Wine, beer, vodka....any kind of alcohol.
- Dairy products.
- Egg products.
- All parties and celebrations are delayed until after 7 January.
- Some couples give up sex completely, others curtail the frequency during the fast.
- It is a good time to try to give up unhealty habits like smoking, swearing, etc.


"Wow, this is strict!" some will say.  So,

What is the purpose of the Orthodox fast:
- Christ fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, eating only fruits and berries.  He spent the time in prayer.
- The fasts are designed to assist one to be more like Christ, spending more time in prayer.
- Every time you feel hungry, instead of eating, say a prayer asking God for discipline in your spiritual life.
- Discipline...in the Orthodox faith one should try to discipline the flesh (body).  The flesh leads to sin but the spirit leads to everlasting life.
- Such a prolonged discipline leads to a very joyful celebration to the feast of Christ's nativity on Christmas day!

Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Olga on November 22, 2007, 10:48:45 AM
History of Ded Moroz
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ded_Moroz

His roots are in pagan beliefs (he was a wicked and cruel sorcerer who even kills people), but since the 19th century his attributes and legend have been shaped by literary influences. He, together with Snegurochka, were "fleshed out" from a kind of a winter sprite into what he is now. The fairy tale play Snegurochka by the famous Russian playwright Alexander Ostrovsky was influential in this respect, followed by Rimsky-Korsakov's Snegurochka with libretto based on the play.

Only by the end of the 19th century did Ded Moroz win a "competition" between the various mythical figures who were in charge of New Year presents: including Grandfather Nicholas, Santa Claus, Ded Treskun, Morozko and simply Moroz. Ded Moroz perfectly fits the Russian traditions, so there is a widespread erroneous opinion that he has been known to Russians for centuries.

In 1916, in Imperial Russia the Holy Synod called to boycott Christmas trees as a tradition, originating from Germany (Russia's enemy during World War I). In the Russian SFSR and the Soviet Union Christmas trees were banned until 1935 because they were considered to be a "bourgeois and religious prejudice"[1]. In 1928 Ded Moroz was declared "an ally of the priest and kulak".[2]. The New Year's tree was revived in the USSR after the famous letter by Pavel Postyshev, published in Pravda on December 28, 1935, where he asked for New Year trees to be installed in schools, children's homes, Young Pioneer Palaces, children's clubs, children's theaters and cinema theaters[1]. Postyshev believed that the origins of the holiday, which were pre-Christian in any case, were less important than the benefits it could bring to Soviet children.[2] In 1937, Ded Moroz for the first time arrived at the Moscow Palace of Unions. In subsequent years, an invitation to the New Year Tree at the Palace of Unions became a matter of honor for Soviet children. The color of the coat that Ded Moroz wore was changed several times. So as not to be confused with Santa Claus, it was often blue. Joseph Stalin ordered Palace of Unions' Ded Morozes to wear only blue coats. During the times of the Soviet Union's dominance over Eastern Europe, Ded Moroz was officially introduced in many national traditions, despite being alien to them. Following the fall of the Soviet Union, there have been efforts to revive local characters.

Probably a pagan Ded Moroz looked like this  :)

(http://barenz.ru/jornal/uploads/posts/1167252174_zuzya.jpg)
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 22, 2007, 10:52:12 AM
Olga, would you share with us the recipe for making "sochivo?"  Maybe we could start this tradition this Christmas using your recipe!
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Olga on November 22, 2007, 11:06:33 AM
It is very easy.  :)

Boil rice. Add some honey and fresh fruits or canned fruits. Mix it. Also you can use dry fruits but before adding it to rice you should boil it too or just put dry fruits for 5-10 min in very hot boiled water and they will be soft.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 22, 2007, 11:12:10 AM
Do you have 2 minutes for one of the funniest Christmas cartoons ever seen?  Here is the story of the 3 pigs and the big bad wolf.....Russian Christmas style.  Very funny, especially the ending:


Russian TV add....get your own Satellite TV in time for the holidays:


Watch Christmas being celebated in Russia:


Russian young people can't seem to get enough of American swing/jazz.  Here is the Red Club in Russia for their 2005 Christmas party.  Amazing at the young beautiful Russians dancing to music of the American 1940s-60s:

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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 22, 2007, 12:00:34 PM
Russian children celebrate New Years holiday at school:


Christmas services in Russia--YouTube has a series of 6 video which many of you may enjoy.  This is #6 of the series: 
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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: LEGAL on November 22, 2007, 12:25:41 PM
Jim Very good thread. You have brought back some very good memories for me with your photos and videos. The one photo is the communication tower I believe that I have passed many times. I do miss and love the Russian winter,  holidays and family time together. Happy thanksgiving to you and your lovely family as well as everybody else who reads this.
 WE ALL NEED TO REMEMBER WHAT WE ARE THANK FULL FOR AND BE KIND TOWARDS ONE ANOTHER.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Olga on November 22, 2007, 10:17:28 PM
Greeting cards

Merry Christmas!

(http://www.rustrana.ru/articles/21533/1.jpg)

(http://philocartist.narod.ru/ARTICLES/IMG/bem11uv.jpg) (http://philocartist.narod.ru/ARTICLES/IMG/rozshduv.jpg)

(http://www.booksite.ru/postcard/19.jpg) (http://www.booksite.ru/postcard/_27.jpg)



Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Olga on November 22, 2007, 10:18:30 PM
Merry Christmas!

(http://www.museum.ru/imgB.asp?8531)

(http://www.ljplus.ru/img/w/i/wildmale/meur0032.jpg)

(http://www.yuga.ru/media/cards_271202_03.jpg)

(http://www.free-lance.ru/users/Teni/upload/fileYA79jT.jpg)

(http://www.free-lance.ru/users/Teni/upload/file6TxglA.jpg)
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Olga on November 22, 2007, 10:19:24 PM
Greeting cards

Happy New Year!

(http://www.yuga.ru/media/cards_271202_09.jpg)

(http://img.rian.ru/images/5696/98/56969860.jpg)

(http://www.nlr.ru/exib/bem/images/024.jpg)
(http://polinets.narod.ru/cards/n_y/ny_7.jpg)

(http://www.pozdr.ru/cards/logo_img/61/newyear0001.jpg)
(http://cccp.narod.ru/graph/foto/otkritka/ny_su_01.jpg)

(http://cccp.narod.ru/graph/foto/otkritka/ny_su_02.jpg)
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 23, 2007, 07:36:33 PM
Compliments of our co-producer Olga and this thread's fine moderator Chrismc, we provide this page to assist any of our guys who would like to send your lady a real and authentic Christmas card, in her Russian language.

Here are step by step directions on how to send her a Russian holiday card:

-Go to http://eng.davno.ru/cards/ch.html
-See the menu on the left?  Click on either New Years cards or on Christmas cards
-Choose a card and click on it
-Fill in "to whom/and from" information.  Use our guide below to help you.
-Put a heading (Заголовок) on the line (Such as happy new year, etc)
-Fill in some text (Текст) in the text message box (either in English or copy from samples below)
-Next scroll down and choose your immaginary Выберите марку (post mark).  
(The rest of the directions are listed below)


Translation guide:
Кому: (To)
Введите имя:  (Enter her name here)
Введите E-Mail: (Enter her email address here)


От: (From)
Введите имя:  (Your name goes here)
Введите E-Mail: (Your email address goes here)


Заголовок: (Heading or Greeting)
Текст: (Text of your message goes in this box)

You can write a short text in English or use the sample one below.


Sample heading:  С новым годом! (Happy New Year!)

Sample text to cut and paste:  Я желаю Вам с Рождеством Христовым! (I wish you a merry Christmas!)

Sample ending:  Я целую Вас. С уважением, (_____).  (I kiss you.  Sincerely, (your name)

Alternate sample ending:  С поцелуем, (_____).   With a kiss, (your name)


Now the line: Хотите послать эту открытку нескольким получателям? asks if you wish to send this card to more than one person.  If so, select the very next box and select the number of recepients in multiples of five.  Most of us will just send one card per person.

Okay, the clickable box at the bottom simply allows us to preview the letter before sending.  Click it.

Now it looks just like a postcard!

If it's okay, click the bottom left button.  If you need to make corrections, click the bottom right button.


Leave it checked where it says: Прислать уведомление о прочтении открытки if you wish to be notified by email when your lady reads your card.


The next screen should say something like this:
Ваша открытка была успешно отправлена (Successful sending of your card was made).


Your card is set to be delivered to your lady on the day of the holiday.


You will notice that this screen has more cards shown so that you can choose another and send it to someone else!  When finished save this link to your favourites and congradulate yourself on a job well done.


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: LEGAL on November 23, 2007, 07:47:33 PM
SPASIBO BOLSHOYE.   :smileysherlock:   
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: ECR844 on November 23, 2007, 07:50:00 PM
Excellent work to everyone who is involved with this project, thank you!
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: LEGAL on November 23, 2007, 08:07:15 PM
Legal, thanks my friend!  Yes, that is the Communications tower in St P, a unique sight on winter nights.

I also share your nostaligia and for me the most beautiful time of year in Russia/Ukraine is winter.  This is the time of year when Russia becomes "Russia" and I think you understand what is meant by that.


Olga, nice cards!


OK Two Christmases ago in Saint Petersburg with Olga. All of those cultural sites, smells,  sounds and listening to Trans Siberian Orchestra's   The Lost Christmas Eve  CD, in our flat with friends Phil, Nina & Tatiana. Great food Lots to drink and of course great conversations. A very magical time. WOW
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 23, 2007, 09:06:32 PM
For each of us, you're welcome.  It is with pleasure.
Пожалуйста. Это - с удовольствием.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 23, 2007, 09:43:53 PM
If you have not yet had the opportunity to watch one of Olga's videos, then you are in for a real treat!  Sometimes we have to pinch ourselves to believe the good fortune to have Olga in our midst.  She has an "eye" for what works, a natural affinity for the beauty in life and in art, and she weaves her talents into every video so that each new production is an instant "classic."

Enjoy a bit of winter, Russian style, from our fellow forum member Olga:



Footnotes:  Torzhok (Торжо́к) is not far from Tver, Russia.  It is home to the very famous Saviour-Transfiguration Cathedral, built in 1374.  Catherine the Great also had a travel palace in Torzhok.  Torzhok is also home to the monastery of Sts. Boris and Gleb which is several hundred years old.  Nearby in the village Maksimovskoe is the all-wood Chapel of the Archangel Michael.  You'll see these sites in Olga's video.

On the old highway between Moscow and St Petersburg, Torzhok and the surrounding area constitutes a winter Christmas delight!
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: DonA on November 23, 2007, 09:55:18 PM
Ah talking about old place last. Last year Yulia and went on a cruise from St Pete to the island of Vallaam (sp?) where the oldest monastery in Russia stand. It dates back 1,000 years. It's an amazing and very Holy place.
Olga do you have any videos of Vallaam?

DonAz
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 24, 2007, 12:46:29 AM
Perhaps one of the favourite Christmas songs in Ukraine and in Russia is the Pine Tree Song.  It is this tree that makes up the "New Years Tree" found in homes and all over the towns.


В лесу родилась ёлочка,                 A pinetree was born in the forest

В лесу она росла,                             It was grown in the forest,

Зимой и летом стройная,             It was slender in winter and in  summer

Зелёная была.                                 It was green.

 

Метель ей пелп песенку:               The storm sang a song to her:

Спи, ёлочка, бай-бай,                     'Sleep little pinetree, bay-bay,

Мороз снежком укутывал:           The freeze shields by snow:

Смотри, не замерзай!                   Watch out so as not to freeze.'

 

Трусишка зайка серенький          A fearful rabbit is

Под ёлочкой скакал.                       Jumping on the pinetree,

Порою волк, сердитый волк,         Sometimes a wolf, the angry wolf

Рысцою пробегал.                           Carelessly runs away.

 

Снуг по лесу частому                      Snow covers the forever forest

Под холодом скрипие,                     Under the cold roar,

Лошадка мохноногая                      The horse with hairy legs

Торопиться, бежит.                      Hurriedly runs.

 

Везёт лошадка дровеньки,             The horse is carrying the tree

А в дровнях старичок,                    An old man is sitting on the tree

Срубил он нашу ёлочку                    He cuts down our pinetree

Под самый корешок.                       From its stock.

 

Телерь тв здесь, нарядная,           Now here you are, solemnly,

На праздник к нам пришла            Come with us to celebrate

И много, много радости                  And lots of happiness was

Детишкам принесла.                      Carried by you to children.



Differences in tree decorations:
Sometimes you can't tell the difference between a Russian News Years Tree and a western Christmas Tree, but sometimes it is possible.  Generally, and there will certain be exceptions, but generally the Ukrainian and Russian decorations will run up and down the tree, vertically.  Often in the west we tend to wrap decorations around the tree which slowly make their way around the tree from top to bottom.


It is normal in the home of an elderly pensioner to find a branch of a pine tree serving as their New Year's tree.  It is all they could afford.  In general Ukrainians and Russians don't like artificial trees.  They have a keen sense of nature and most would rather have a small and imperfect real tree than a perfect artificial replacement. 

Although the times are changing and young families sometimes do purchase an artificial tree.  Still however the market for artificial trees, while growing, is very small.

It is very common for News Years trees to be only a small height.  Rather than free-standing on the floor, most trees sit on a table top.


Here is the lighting of the city New Year's Tree in Kiev:



Here is the New Year's tree in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine:


The photo below illustrates what a typical family tree might look like in your lady's family flat:


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 24, 2007, 01:08:03 AM
Winter in Moscow:


Winter streets-Moscow:


I'm getting cold just watching!


True, they are not angels, but these ladies certainly make one wish to jump on the nearest plane and celebrate Christmas in Russia as soon as possible!  Their music is not bad either:


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 24, 2007, 01:30:21 AM
Time for the answer to our first trivia question:

3 days ago we announced that "It's trivia time!"

The first question was, "Who is that writer/composer?"

Hints:
- He was Ukrainian.
- But lived his adult life in the USA.
- He was Jewish.
- But wrote one of the most famous Christmas songs in modern history.

Who was he.......and what is that very famous song?

(Drum roll please).......

Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" is the historical "biggie" of popular Christmas songs. Its incredible success inspired scores of other songwriters to try and write a Christmas song.

Berlin, one of the most famous songwriters in American history, was born Israel Baline in what is now Russia but in disputed territory and he considered himself to be Ukrainian. He came to the States in 1891. His father is alternately reported to have been a cantor or rabbi, but didn't work in either capacity when the family moved to America. His father's death, when Irving was 13, forced Irving Berlin to find work--like singing in the streets--just so he and his family could eat.

Berlin certainly never hid the fact that he was Jewish, even though he changed his name (he adopted "Berlin" because that was how his last name, Baline, was misspelled on the sheet music cover of his first published song).

Despite his rabbi father, Irving Berlin was never a religious man--although he supported Jewish causes--like the State of Israel. He was absolutely very much an American patriot--and "God Bless America" was a sincere statement of his beliefs. (The royalties to that song go to the Boys and Girls Scouts).

For Berlin, personally, Christmas was not a happy time. His second wife, and the love of his life, was a Catholic. While Berlin remained a secular Jew, he allowed his children with his second wife to be raised as Episcopalians. One of their children, a son, died very young on Christmas day in the 1920s.

Berlin celebrated Christmas with his wife and his surviving children when those children were young, but he was always reportedly sad on that day--mourning his dead child. He did not celebrate the holiday at all when his surviving children were grown-up.

We give you....White Christmas by the Sugarbabes:


Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: ForgeMaster on November 24, 2007, 10:52:12 AM
mendeleyev,
  I work alone today in a building with a panoramic view of the Appalachian mountains in Virginia.  I sit here waiting for  something to go wrong with the computer network.  In the middle of that time I began your thread here and followed it to the end.  For about two hours I wandered with you in a land far away.  It was wonderful.  Every song, every story, every memory....
thank you,
FM
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Bobalouie on November 24, 2007, 11:12:54 AM
I dont mean to hijack your thread here mendy, but I have to tell someone this!  My fiancee told me what my new years present is this year!  She has bought us plane tickets to St. Pete, and we will be there for New Years!  :party0011: She has all kinds of excurisions and stuff for me to see already set up!  As you can tell I am pretty excited about it! I thought i was going to be in Sochi from the 29th thru the 8th, but now i will be in St. Pete from the 30th thru the 5th and then back to Sochi!  She is a great girl!!!!  :bow:
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 24, 2007, 11:33:57 AM
FM, we are glad you're enjoying this thread!  Thank you for your kind words.

Bobalouie, you will have a fantastic time in St P!
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: LEGAL on November 24, 2007, 11:37:35 AM
Bobalouie Christmas & new years in Saint Petersburg is very beautiful. Olga and I have lots of memories, photos and videos. Make sure you hook up with Phil & Nina, you will have the best person and friend to show you the real Saint Petersburg. Just outside of town you can even take a romantic Sani ride through the countryside.


Sorry mendeleyev for the  :offtopic: comments.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Olga on November 24, 2007, 11:56:50 AM
This is our personal Christmas greeting card  :)

Merry Christmas!
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Olga on November 24, 2007, 06:01:31 PM
"Christmas in my country"

A song by  Alexander Vertinsky (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleksandr_Vertinsky)

 Alexander Vertinsky's short biography  (http://www.geocities.com/aerondo/bio-en.html)

I love the songs of Alexander Vertinsky so this video also is a tribute to his art  :)

Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 24, 2007, 09:01:08 PM
We interrupt this broadcast for a Snow Maiden MINISKIRT alert!

Stop the press!  Bulletin, bulletin.

Stand by for this report:

Coming to you in five, four, three, two.......

This is your reporter live from Moldova reporting on the amazing sighting of the Snow Maiden, Snegurochka, in a miniskirt!  We go live to our exclusive videocam:

That is one hot, er, ah, I mean, ah.....I'm not sure what I mean.  There with your own eyes, you have seen our eyewitness report.

We now return you back to your regular scheduled Christmas.


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: LEGAL on November 24, 2007, 09:18:58 PM
Ah Yes those beautiful Snow Maidens. That is just one more reason to love Russia.

Notice we don't have them here in America   :(  BUT WAIT I HAVE OLGA AND HER LITTLE CHRISTMAS OUTFIT  :king:
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 24, 2007, 09:35:13 PM
Legal, this one is just for us guys.  DO NOT tell your Olga about this particular post!  Swear on a stack of rubles?  Okay.

For just the guys, our Moldova videocam has moved to Ukraine where our reporter is now filming the Snow Maiden in a striptease! (Well, pretty close to one.)

Now, we take you by satellite to the RU Adventures roving Lada newsmobile in Ukraine:


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 24, 2007, 09:44:42 PM
In the interest of equal time, we present several "milder" versions of the Snow Maiden!


Cute cartoon:


Russian teen sensation Natasha Baranova and some of her lovely friends give a family-oriented version:


Modern Rock and roll version of dancing Snow Maiden:


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 24, 2007, 10:10:32 PM
Okay, before the move off this Snow Maiden thing, here are a couple of videos for the ladies:


Ad for participants in the Washington state (USA) Russian Club Snow Maiden contest:


Oh dear!  Here is what it looks like when the guys dress up as Snow Maidens!
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 24, 2007, 11:11:10 PM
We turn southwest to what Russians sometimes call "little Russia" but don't let a Ukrainian hear you talk like that.  Those are legitimate fighting words. 

So how is Christmas coming along in Ukraine?

Those sleds look a lot different from the ones we used when I was a kid!

The winter holidays are prime for giving flowers...perfect as a gift for New Years. 


Ukraine winter train ride.  Burr, this looks COLD!


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 26, 2007, 11:16:18 PM
So, what is Christmas time like to the average Russian family?

Well, first it's snowy and cold.  This video was shot from inside a Russian apartment, high above the street on 23 December 2006: 

Often it's too cold for children to venture outside so a mother must be very good at entertaining little ones in addition to all her other household duties.

Heat can be erratic:  Most Russian and Ukrainian apartments have "central heating."  By that we mean it is fed via steam, to entire blocks and rows of apartment buildings.  Individual apartments have steam radiators, most often without controls entirely or with valves so old and rusted that to adjust them is an invitation to a disasterous steam explosion.  When it's too hot, one cracks open a window.  When it's too cold you close the window.  That is your "thermostat."  In fact, apartments built before the early 2000s don't even have thermostats.  A thermostat is made to control the flow and the flow is controlled not by you, but by Boris down at the local steam station.

If you want to know the temperature most apartment dwellers have a thermometer attached to an outside window.  Inside, you already know if it's warm or cold.  What you want to know is, how cold is it outside?

In daytime much of the steam is diverted away from the apartment blocks (the Russian term is "sleeping zones") and fed to business and shops which are open in daytime.  It may become chilly in your apartment so you'll "layer" your clothing depending on the warmth inside your home.

At night the opposite takes place.  Well, it's susposed to take place.  Working past 4pm at the office can get chilly because thats about the time when the steam begins to be redirected back to apartment blocks in the "sleeping zones."  Employees who work late begin to "layer" clothing as they continue to work.

When to take a shower:  Morning is not a good time.  Your body will be softened by the warm water, and exposure to the freezing temperatures and wind combine for the perfect recipe for pneumonia.  Showers are safer at night after you've completed all the outdoor activities.

Its not uncommon at night for your apartment to become very warm as you go to sleep but by morning it may be drifting back to the chilly side of living.

Those modern electric somavar hot water kettles are busy on cold winter days and nights.  Tea is a staple all year long, but doubles as medicine for sore throats in winter.



Footnote:  This painting is a winter scene by my wife and titled "Patriarch's Park."


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 27, 2007, 12:29:45 AM
On a cold "Christmasy" night it's fun to crawl into a warm bed with your lady.  Here is how that is done (as if any of you guys needed help!):   :chuckle:

- Clear the room.  Just a few minutes ago it was a living room, dining room or day work space.
- Pull out the sofa. 
- Lift up the sofa top and bring out the blankets and pillows where they were stored.
- Make the bed (fitted sheets are useless here--every sheet is "flat."
- Arrange the blankets, the cover, and the pillows.
- Pillows are the square European style (very unlike the long American style pillows).
- Your lady probably likes the bright designs on her sheets.  They can be very colourful.  The most colourful I've seen were made in Ukraine and Belarussia.
- Your lady probably likes a coverlet on top of it all.  It's two sheets sewn together, with designs and literally stuffed with a blanket inside.  Very colourful.  Very warm with that blanket stuffed inside it!
- Now, slip inside and snuggle!   8)

And in the morning you store the bedding inside the sofa, fold it back into it's daytime sofa shape, move the furnishings back into their daytime arrangement and presto....you're back in the living room, dining room, work space, etc.


Some key things to know:
- Because of the differences in sizes, American bedding in particular doesn't work well in Russia.  The fitted sheet--useless, it's too wide, made for a thick mattress not found too often in Russia, and not practical.  The flat sheet can be used but is way too big for those narrow bed sizes.  The pillowcases won't fit those square pillows either.
- Americans love thick and fluffy bath towels, especially in winter.  Beware, they take up too much space in those small European washing machines, not to mention the narrow towel racks in bathrooms already cramped for space. 
- What does make a good gift is a nice thick wool blanket.  Especially the twin bed sizes--they'll work fine on a regular "double bed" in Russia.  The thicker and more colourful...the better.


Bedding Glossary:
Bed (кровать)
Coverlet (покрывало)
Blanket...as in woolen blanket (шерстяное одеяло)
Pillow (подушка)
Sofa (диван)
Towel (полотенце)

Yes, in day the sofa is called a диван (di-vahn) and by night it is a кровать (kra-vat).

Bedding footnote:  A man just meeting a lady should never take a bedding gift.  It's considered in the "intimate" catagory and better left for after a relationship is well established.  You don't want to offend her family in an early meeting. 

Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 27, 2007, 12:48:19 AM
"Winter Evening"
Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin

The mist of the storm covers the sky,
The whirlwinds of snow are spinning;
Now, like a wild beast it calls,
now it cries like a child,
Now about the roof, decrepit,
Suddenly it rustles the thatches,
Now, like a traveler overdue,
to us on the window knocks.

Our ancient hut
is mournful and gloomy.
Why have you, my old lady,
Become silent at the window?
Is it the howl of the tempest
That makes you, my friend, fatigued,
Or are you drowsing under the hum
Of your spindle?

Let's drink good friend
Of my poor youth,
Let's drink away grief; where is the tankard?
It will make our hearts gay.
Intoxicate, me with a song, like a titmouse
Quietly living across the sea;
Intoxicate me with a song, like a girl
Who went for the water in the morning.

The mist of the storm covers the sky,
The whirlwinds of snow are spinning;
Now, like a wild beast, it calls,
Now it cries, like a child.
Let's drink, good friend
Of my poor youth,
Let's drink away grief; where is the tankard?
It will make our hearts gay.


Painting:
My wife's rendition of the city of Kaluga which won it's catagory in 2002 exhibition, "Blue Kaluga."


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Cool videos:

Dramatic winter storm filmed from window of Moscow apartment:


Hot babe in hot car shops for colourful flowers in freezing snow:
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Olga on November 27, 2007, 07:54:47 AM
Boris Pasternak

There'll be no one in the house
Save for twilight. All alone,
Winter's day seen in the space that's
Made by curtains left undrawn.

Only flash-past of the wet white
Snowflake clusters, glimpsed and gone.
Only roofs and snows, and save for
Roofs and snow - no one at home.

Once more, frost will trace its patterns,
I'll be haunted once again
By my last-year's melancholy,
By that other wintertime.

Once more I'll be troubled by an
Old, un-expiated shame,
And the icy firewood famine
Will press on the window-pane.

But the quiver of intrusion
Through those curtain folds will run
Measuring silence with your footsteps,
Like the future, in you'll come.

You'll appear there in the doorway
Wearing something white and plain,
Something in the very stuff from
Which the snowflakes too are sewn.

Russian composer Mikael Tariverdiev set this poem of Boris Pasternak (as many others his poems) to music and now you can here this song in movie "The Irony Of Fate, Or Enjoy Your Bath" ( Ironiya Sudby ili S Lyogkim Parom) by Eldar Ryazanov.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Olga on November 27, 2007, 08:08:48 AM
The most popular New Year movie in Russia is "Irony of Fate, or Enjoy your Bath" ((1975)
(http://img.lenta.ru/news/2006/11/01/irony/picture.jpg)

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Review Summary

This modestly budgeted, made-for-TV romantic comedy became one of the most popular films in the former Soviet Union and a staple of TV broadcasts on New Year's Eve. It's based on the premise that modern apartment complexes look so much alike that one cannot distinguish one city from another. On New Year's Eve, Muscovite Yevgeny Lukashin (Andrei Myagkov) finally dares to make a marriage proposal to Galya (Olga Naumenko). They plan to celebrate the New Year together quietly, but Lukashin's friends convince him that first he should attend their annual meeting at a bathhouse. The meeting quickly turns into an improvisational bachelor party for Yevgeny. Having consumed large amounts of alcohol, they cannot remember which one of them was supposed to fly to Leningrad to meet his wife. So they put the sleepy Lukashin on a plane. Upon his arrival in the Leningrad airport, Yevgeny gives the taxi driver his Moscow street address and the cab takes him to an apartment complex located on a street with the same name. The building looks very much like his own, so Lukashin, still not quite sober, does not realize that he is in another city. He enters someone else's apartment because his key fits the door lock and he quickly falls asleep on a couch. When the apartment's rightful resident, Nadya (Polish actress Barbara Brylska), comes home, she wakes up the intruder and tells him to get out. The bewildered Yevgeny insists that he is at home and she is the one who should get out. Eventually he sobers and finds out about his predicament. He is about to leave when the situation is further complicated by the arrival of Nadya's straight-laced fiancé Ippolit (Yuri Yakovlev) who does not believe in Lukashin's story and accuses Nadya of being unfaithful. The interaction between the three characters results in Nadya and Yevgeny's gradual falling in love with each other. ~ Yuri German, All Movie Guide
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Olga on November 28, 2007, 11:46:25 AM
Two years ago Robert and I had a great Christmas in St. Petersburg.
We visited the museums, theaters and historical places.
Our big thanks to Phil and Nina who helped Robert to organize his wonderful proposal of marriage to me at the Hermitage Theater.
Nina has her web site "Flowers by Nina" http://www.flowersbynina.com/ So if you would like to send a nice Christmas bouquet you can use her service  :)   
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 29, 2007, 01:42:45 AM
Here is one man's video of his trip to Kiev in December 2005 with some nice clips of the New Years Eve celebration on Independence Square:



Here is an authentic Ukrainian "New Year's Table" with plenty of food and an explanation of some of the menu items.  Notice the turkey being prepared for baking.  Yes, it's so small compared to those big American birds we just enjoyed at Thanksgiving.  Not so tasty either.  It will be very tough when cooked.  Turkey is not as big of a
favourite over there--in part because their birds are more "natural" and without the massive growth hormones, don't have the same amount of fat which makes our turkeys so tender and flavourful...even if it is killing us slowly to eat our very delicious birds:


Now one of the most familiar Christmas songs in the west.  You probably already knew it was of Ukrainian origin!  Here is the "Carol of the Bells:"


And I couldn't resist posting another of my Aya's winter paintings.


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 29, 2007, 10:33:01 AM
1)  Moscow winter apartments

2)  Convent bathed in snow and fog

3)  New Years tree inside GUM mall

4)  Shopping for New Years gifts

5)  Grandfather Frost and Snow Maiden visit school!

6)  Grandfather Frost shops at GUM
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 29, 2007, 10:40:07 AM
1)  I'm always surprised that this perfectly good potential New Years tree survived past the holidays!

2)  Moscow park in winter

3)  Winter scene from steps of Christ Cathedral looking toward central Moscow

4)  Watch your step!

5)  VDNK wishes you a happy New Year!   :sick0012:

6)  Kremlin winter view from walkway on Christ Cathedral
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 03, 2007, 08:50:10 AM
Soon it will be time to embarrass my wife!   :)

It's our tradition at holidays.  She knows it's coming.

Those of you married or engaged to a RW know that expression very well, "its our tradition." 

When you question your newly arrived wife as to why your cans of motor oil have been moved from the garage to underneath the bathroom sink counter, "it's our tradition."  When you ask why she insists you must be fully dressed, shaved, hair combed and teeth brushed all just so you can step out to empty the trash, "it's our tradition."  When you ask why everyone in the family must sit silently on a bench near the door for 15-30 seconds before leaving for a trip, "it's our tradition."

So I have come up with just a few traditions of my own!  They do tend to drive my Aya a bit crazy, but that is the entire point!   :king:

One of my favourites is to greet everyone on the street or at the bus stop.  As you can imagine, those stoic Russians who rarely acknowledge each other, who rarely smile, and who rarely greet a stranger on the street, they think I'm a nut case when I turn on the jolly old Saint Nick charm at New Years and Christmas.

So, when walking around the streets I greet everyone with a big smile and a hearty greeting.   Now if you're going to make this work you can't be shy about it.  You need to smile, spread your arms wide like greeting a long lost friend, take a deep breath, and let 'er rip!  To everybody, even the police!

С новым годом! is Happy New Year!

С Рождеством Христовым! or just С Рождеством is Merry Christmas!

Just go for it.  It's Christmas time...don't be shy.  Now in Russia they will look at you kind of funny.  But it will put a smile on most faces.  I've sent old babuskhas giggling down the street while my wife turns beet red.  I've made businessmen laugh and return the greeting.  One time I greeted a bus driver with С новым годом!  No response.  He just kept driving.  So I ripped off a С Рождеством!  He sent the cashier back to check as to whether I was drunk. 

Children love it--it's so unRussian they'll think you're an American, or even worse.

When my wife tells me that it's not an American tradition, I revert to that other old standby.  You know, the one she beats me over the head with if I point out that one of her traditions isn't really a Russian tradition:  Hey, it's a family tradition!

She can't argue with that one.   :party0031:

С новым годом!  С Рождеством Христовым!

That's the spirit!






Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 03, 2007, 09:14:35 AM
For guys who will be in Russia or Ukraine over the holidays, here is a more complete glossary:

Удачи в Новом Году means to wish someone good luck for the new year. 

Здоровья в Новом году is to wish someone to be well in the new year.

Счастья в Новом годy is to wish someone happiness in the new year.

Three things are important when toasting someone for the new year:  Happiness, health, and wealth (or good luck).

Желаю тебе счастливого Нового года is a more intimate/personalized "I wish you a happy new year."

С Рождеством, моя милая is an intimate "Merry Christmas, my dearest."




Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 03, 2007, 03:08:57 PM
The Story of the Snow Maiden
Once upon a time there was an old man and his wife.
They had everything they wanted,
A cow, a sheep, and a cat on the hearth,
but they didn't have any children.
Often they were sad and grieved.

One day during winter the white snow fell up to their knees.
The neighbor's children rushed out onto the street.
They slid on their sleds and threw snowballs,
and began to make a snowman.

Grandfather looked out of the window,
watched, and said to Grandmother:
"Well, wife, we sit here looking at the neighbor's children in our old age,"
"Let's you and I go out and build a snowman too."
And the old lady became merry as well.
"Well, let's go, Grandfather, onto the street."
"but why build a snowman, when I already have you?"
"Let's build a daughter, Snyegurochka!" (Snow Maiden)

No sooner said than done!
The old people went out into the garden and began to build a daughter.
They used two deep blue beads for eyes,
made two dimples in her cheeks,
and a piece of red ribbon for her mouth.
How good, their snow daughter, Snyegurochka.
Grandmother and grandfather looked and looked at her,
they loved her, and couldn't take their eyes off of her.

All of a sudden Snyegurochka's mouth began to smile,
her hair began to curl.
She began to move her arms and legs and then she walked through the garden and into the izba!(small wooden house)
Grandmother and grandfather couldn't believe their eyes,
they were so surprised they couldn't move!
"Grandfather!" cried Grandmother,
"Yes, it is, we have a living daughter, our dear little Snyegurochka!"
And into the izba they rushed, and what a joy it was!

Snyegurochka grew, not by the day, but by the hour.
And with each day, Snyegurochka grew more beautiful.
Grandmother and grandfather wouldn't let her out of their sight.
They doted on her.

Snyegurochka was as white as the snow,
her eyes were like deep blue beads,
her blond hair reached down to her waist.
But Snyegurochka didn't have any color in her cheeks or lips.
Still, she was so beautiful!

Spring came,
the leaves came out on the trees,
the bees flew about the fields,
the skylark sang.
All the boys were as happy as could be,
and the girls sang gay songs of spring.
But Snyegurochka grew sadder and sadder,
She looked out of the window and wept.

Then came bright summer,
the flowers blossomed in the gardens,
the grain ripened in the fields.
Snyegurochka grew more and more sad,
she avoided the sun,
she would stay in the cool shady places,
and best of all, she liked the rain.

Grandmother and Grandfather were very worried,
They kept asking her:
"Are you ill, little daughter?"
"I am fine, Grandmother." she would answer,
but she remained in her corner, feeling sad,
she wouldn't walk on the street.

One day her friends came,
they were going into the forest to gather berries,
raspberries, bilberries, and wild strawberries.
They came and called to Snyegurochka:
"Come with us, do come Snyegurochka!"
Reluctant Snyegurochka was to go into the forest,
reluctant Snyegurochka was to go into the sun,
but Grandmother and Grandfather insisted:
"Go, go, Snyegurochka,"
"go, go, little daughter,"
"you will have fun with your friends."

Snyegurochka took a little basket,
and went into the forest with her friends.
Her friends walked about the forest,
wove garlands of flowers, and sang songs.
But Snyegurochka found a cool stream and sat by it,
she sat looking at it, and dipped her fingers in it,
playing with the droplets.

Evening came.
The girls played even more merrily,
wearing their garlands,
they built a bonfire and began jumping over it.
Reluctant was Snyegurochka,
to play with them at this.
Her friends kept asking her to join them,
so she walked up to the fire.
She stood ther trembling,
her face as white as could be,
her hair fell loose about her.
"Jump, Jump, Snyegurochka!
Cried her friends.

Snyegurochka took a deep breath and jumped!
Over the fire was a hissing sound,
and Snyegurochka....
VANISHED!!
Rising from the fire was a wisp of steam.
It formed a cloud, and rose higher and higher,
into the sky.

Snyegurochka had melted.

Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 03, 2007, 04:21:40 PM
The Christmas Season in Russia before the Revolution:


People went caroling at Christmas. Everybody participated in this activity, not only the peasants. Carolers would stop at houses, especially those of wealthy peasants and outsiders such as traders, officials, and local professionals. Payment was expected in either food or coins for their efforts. If the audience paid them, then the songs promised good things, bountiful crops and a prosperous year. If the carolers were not paid, misfortune was wished upon them in the coming year and even threats of theft or property damage was made.


Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was the last day of the six-week Christmas fast. Ancient custom stated that no one eat until the first star shone in the sky. Kutya, consisting of boiled wheat sweetened with honey and sprinkled with poppy seeds, or of boiled rice with raisins andnuts, was the traditional dish. In southern Russia, particularly, there was a tradition practiced. A mixed sheaf of barley, wheat, and buckwheat, tied with a handful of hay, was brought in. The sheaf was placed in the corner under the icons and a pot of kutya with a candle stuck in it was placed next to it. The table was spread with hay and covered with a white cloth in memory of the manger. A prayer for the New Year started dinner, which was finished with kutya. But first, the head of the household threw a spoonful outside for Grandfather Frost, saying "here is a spoonful for thee; please do not touch our crops." A spoonful was thrown up in the ceiling. Any grains that stuck represented the number of bees that came in the summer. Everyone left some kutya in their bowls for departed relatives at the end of dinner.


Christmas Day

Christmas Day found everyone out visiting in their finest clothes. Tables were always spread in a special manner, traditionally with at least five varieties of nuts, from Greece, the Volga, and Siberia, as well as many kinds of pickled mushrooms and several sorts of special gingerbread cookies. All kinds of apples, fresh, sweet, scrunchy, sugar-preserved, or dried were spread on the table along with many dried fruits, raisins, currants, cherries, prunes, pears, and dates


Svyatki

Svyatki was the period between Christmas and New Year's in old Russia. During this happy time it was the tradition to tell fortunes every day in a whole variety of ways. for instance, on fortune telling method involved several mirrors and a candle. The mirrors were placed to reflect into one another, and a candle was placed before them. The resulting figure would give a clue as to who the future beloved would be. Another traditional method had the girls and boys in a circle, with small piles of grain in front of each girl. A hungry rooster would be brought in, and the first girl to be married within the year was the one whose grain the rooster pecked first. Girls would also go out into the street or courtyard and ask the first passerby his name. That was the name of the future beloved.


Epiphany, January 6

The snow of the night before Epiphany was considered the most precious. People in the villages believed that this snow would whiten linen better than the sun, and that well water would be kept fresh and springs preserved with the snow. The snow could cure poor circulation, dizziness and cramps in the joints; placed on the hearth, it could protect against devilish snakes that could seduce a maiden.


The Blessing of the Waters
This ceremony was based on the immersion of Jesus in the Jordan. A hole, called the Jordan, was cut in the ice of the Neva in St. Petersburg. Then an open temple supported by pillars, surmounted by a golden cross, and embellished with icons of John the Baptist was erected around the hole. The interior was decorated with holy items such as crosses and holy books. Scarlet cloth carpeted the temple, processional platform and an enclosure of fir boughs twisted together placed at a distance.


On Epiphany, after the liturgy at the Court Chapel, a grand procession made its way to the Jordan. Heading the line were bishops and archimandrites in their richest, glittering and pearl-embellished habits, followed by the splendidly attired Imperial family and court. All the troops in the city encircled the temple with standards waving and artillery ready to fire. After many prayers, the water was blessed: the priest blessed it with uplifted hands three times and then immersed a holy cross in it three times. During the blessing cannons reverberated in solemn cadence. Children were then dipped into the water for blessings, and others scrambled to draw water. The belief was that the consecrated water remained fresh for years and had the power to cure the sick.

*  Credit:
http://members.aol.com/Morcathlyn/Christmas.html
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 06, 2007, 12:53:28 AM
Right now my family in Russia, and our American family, are observing the "Nativity Fast."  No meat, no dairy, no eggs, no alcohol, and no oil until Christmas Eve at night.

Now don't forget, New Years comes first in Russia.  On New Years Eve most families take a break from the Nativity fast and will enjoy all sorts of wonderful food and cakes.  And champagne!  And fireworks.  To learn about a real humdinger of a New Years party, read my post in the story of our St Petersburg honeymoon:
(Adventure Continues, Our Russian Honeymoon)

One of the highlights of that trip was spending New Year's eve at a hotel party in Petersburg.  We had a blast.  The ticket (not included in the tour) was $300 per couple. 

My economical bride had brought along a little electric water kettle that made 2 cups of tea at a time.  She also brought along instant mashed potatoes and our tour ended early on New Years eve so that couples could have time to prepare for any of the several parties to which we could purchase tickets.  So as we were dropped off at the hotel she wanted to buy some sausage.  What on earth for?  I asked.  She suggested we buy sausage and she would make the instant mashed potatoes with water from the little kettle.

I pulled out tickets from my coat pocket and she squealed in delight, hugged me, and then spent the rest of the afternoon putting on some serious hair and cosmetics for the evening.  My prior New Year's Eve celebration had been as a guest of her family in their home so I had no idea what to expect.

Let's just say this:  Russians know how to throw on heck of a party!

We dressed nicely in suit for me and long flowing dress for her because the tickets I purchased were to a ball.  Holy macaroni, the food started flowing about 8:30pm and we shared a table with another couple we'd never met before.  They were vacationing in the city and were very nice.  I've never seen so much food in all my life.  It never stopped.

By 10pm I was more than stuffed and waiters were bringing out new platters of salads, meats, pastries, cakes, vegs, more meats, more salads, etc.  Every 30 minutes a fresh wave of food would make it's way to our table.  I was swimming in food and thankfully Aya didn't expect me to eat from everything.  We left the party about 3:30am and they were still bringing out food every 30 minutes.

We danced to a big band orchestra which entertained for about an hour.  Then a circus troupe came in, complete with monkeys, and did a 45 minute show there in the ballroom.  Then a Russian rock band showed up doing American oldies.  Then a string quartet came by for 30-40 minutes and then a Russian comedian entertained.  Another rock band did European hits and then a troupe of magicians showed up.  All night we danced, ate, sang and had a very special time.

At the stroke of midnight the champagne came out with a bottle per person.  Everyone was handed fire crackers and other assorted fireworks and after the countdown and toasts, we launched our own fireworks show there in the hotel ballroom.  I was amazed that we didn't torch the entire city.  In America the fire department would have arrested everyone in sight, but hey, "it's Russia!"

Another big band orchestra followed and when we left about 3:30 a Euro hits rock band was playing.  The waiters had sat down a fresh new food course as we were standing up to leave.  It was one serious party.  The food alone was worth $300 and the entertainment was excellent.

Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 06, 2007, 12:56:26 AM
Perhaps there is no better time to experience the mood and pulse of the Russian people’s devotion to family, their culture, and to their Motherland than over the New Year’s holiday celebration.  Just to hear the Russian national anthem on this solitary moment can be the experience of a lifetime:  Come to Moscow and spend New Year's Eve in Russia.  Gather with extended family and friends in a compact apartment crowded to the walls with those you love and cherish.  At about 8pm the salads begin to appear on the table, then soon followed by a never-ending stream of food as favourite Russian culinary delights make their way from the kitchen to the living room table over the next several hours. 

Sometime during the evening the music starts and lively dancing and toasts begin.  The finest champagne is held in reserve for after the midnight bells toll from the clock at the Kremlin.  Across Russia all eyes and hearts turn toward Moscow.  Just before midnight every television station switches to the Kremlin whose distinct red walls are dressed in a dramatic display of lights bathed in falling snow from Red Square.

President Putin appears on the screen and in his solemn style delivers the traditional greeting to the Russian people.  It is usually a short speech and all across Russia the music has stopped.  Dancing feet become still.  It seems as even the sounds of the streets and the hissing steam from the heat radiators also grow silent.

Traditionally the president offers words of best wishes to the people and afterward comes the announcement for which everyone has been waiting:  The President announces the length of the government holiday.  His pronouncement will affect everyone from government office workers to school children and their teachers to policemen and to many private business workers.  And at the end of his speech the Kremlin clock tolls midnight and the President ends his address with the familiar С Новым годом (sno-vim godom), Happy New Year!

Those sitting in the apartment, especially the elders and war veterans, stand at attention, glasses in hand, waiting for the playing of the Russian national anthem.  Immediately it begins and afterward the glasses are raised heavenward in toasts to health, wealth, and happiness for the coming new years.  Kisses, three times on alternating checks, are offered around the room.

Quickly New Year cakes appear on the table.  And fruit.  And more champagne.  Dancing begins again and now the sound of fireworks can be heard across the land.  The night sky is charged with colours so vivid, so bright, and so promising.  Children are bundled in heavy winter coats and carried outside to watch the dazzling displays as the cascading lights arch across the normally dark and brooding Russian skies.  The celebration of fireworks outside, and parties indoors, will continue until 3 or 4 in the morning. 

For many, sleep will come eventually but usually on a crowded sofa or even a blanket on the floor depending on the number of guests.  Others will wait out the night, often it is the men who sit in the kitchen or in a hallway and chain-smoke away the remaining hours until dawn begins to belatedly peer across the Russian horizon.

For those who managed to sleep even for a little while, morning comes quickly on January first and the winter snows have created a new white landscape across the Motherland.  Oh there is nowhere like Russia for breakfast!  In a land where there are no designated foods for specific mealtimes, any Russian breakfast can be an exciting adventure.  But on New Years morning it is very special:  Leftover New Years cake, champagne, sausage and cabbage from the night before, marinated beet/potatoe salad, and a spoonful of red or black caviar on thick black bread with butter.  Who needs an egg when you're having champagne and caviar for breakfast at 8am!

Most families have a tradition of walking to an important square or park in their city on New Years morning.  Naturally for Muscovites that traditional walk is on or around Red Square.  The tomb of the Unknown Soldier is passed reverently with memories of past conflicts from invading neighbors. 

Once on Red Square, typically teeming with folks dressed up like Eskimos and with the usual aloofness forgotten for just a day, greetings of С Новым годом, even to perfect strangers punctuate the brisk morning air.  Surrounded by churches many step inside briefly to pray before continuing the annual tradition.

Happy New Years!  С Новым годом, from Moscow, Russia.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 06, 2007, 01:10:38 AM
Christmas comes to Russian on 7 January.

During the Soviet period it was the Festival of Winter which was celebrated instead of the religious festival of Christmas but Christmas survived in spite of the restrictions by government.

Traditional Russian Christmas involves special prayers and a fast of 39 days till the first star appears in the sky on Christmas Eve (which falls on 6th of January in Russia). The star heralds the beginning of a twelve-course supper, one course each for the twelve apostles. Traditional Russian Christmas dishes include fish, beet soup known as Borsch, cabbage stuffed with millet and cooked dried fruit. Hay is spread on the floors and tables so that horse feed grows abundantly in the coming year. Similarly, Russians make clucking noises so that their hens lay more eggs.

Don't get the Christmas Eve meal confused with the Christmas Day meal.  The Christmas Eve meal will observe the fasting rules but will be much more festive and colourful than meals eaten over the past 39 days.  Fish and shrimp will be included but no other meat until the elaborate dinner on Christmas Day.

Our church will have a Christmas Eve vespers service for about an hour and then the Christmas Eve dinner is eaten together in the church hall--cultural center.  Different coloured dishes symbolize the various acts of the Apostles. 

On Christmas day in the afternoon/evening there will be the "mother of all dinners!"  What a celebration! 
On Christmas Day, people sing hymns and carols and gather in churches. Churches are decorated with Christmas trees known as 'Yelka', flowers and colored lights. Various meats form a part of the traditional Christmas dinner such as goose and suckling pig. Babushka (meaning 'grandmother') distributes presents to children in Russia. According to the folklores, she is very old and when the Three Wise Men stopped on their way and asked her to accompany them to visit Jesus, she declined because it was very cold. However, she regretted the decision later and set off with presents for the baby in her basket. However, she never found Jesus and in the hope of finding Him one day, visits all the houses with children and leave toys for the good ones. 

Grandfather Frost will be out and about delivering gifts also with the help of the lovely Snow Maiden.  They will ride in the Troika pulled by three very beautiful horses.

Here are some photos of a Russian Gypsy Christmas Dinner.  Enjoy!
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 07, 2007, 01:04:21 AM
I'm sure some of us wonder how a meatless/oil-less/dairyless meal can find 12 dishes to serve on Christmas Eve.  At our church we are assigned dishes by family.  A noteable exception to the meal is fish/shellfish.  Last year and again this year we were asked to bring shrimp. 

First everyone will gather inside the church for the Christmas Eve Vespers service and afterward go to the meal.
Here is a sample menu:

1) Mushroom soup with zaprashka (or Sauerkraut soup).  Some churches like ours serve borsch.
2) Lenten bread ("pagach")
3) Chopped garlic
4) Honey
5) Baked fish and/or shrimp
6) Fresh Oranges, Figs and Dates
7) Nuts
8  Kidney beans (cooked slowly all day) seasoned with shredded potatoes, lots of garlic, salt and pepper to taste
9) Peas
10) Parsley Potatoes (boiled new potatoes with chopped parsley and margarine)
11) Bobal'ki (small biscuits combined with sauerkraut or poppy seed with honey)
12) Red Wine

On Christmas morning the family returns to church for the Christmas day Liturgy. After church the family gathers together to exchange gifts and share a special Christmas meal. Children go from door to door caroling the song "Thy Nativity".

"C Rodzhestvom Kristovom"(srod-zshest-vum krist-o-vum) is a common Russian Christmas greeting, meaning "with the Birth of Christ!"
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 07, 2007, 01:09:27 AM
On New Years Eve, just before midnight the President delivers the annual address to the Russian people from the Kremlin.  Here is that address from 1970:



And here was Mr Putin from last new year's Even:
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 19, 2007, 10:38:36 PM
Bulletin, bulletin, this message just in from Grandfather Frost!



Uh oh, Grandfather Frost's helpers have forgotten the words to "Jingle Bells!"
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: bgreed on December 20, 2007, 06:37:27 AM
Dang Jim where you been haven't seen you post anything in what seems an age.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 20, 2007, 01:16:42 PM
Hey Gregg, was traveling and out of pocket for a stretch.  Now back to the grind and enjoying this board.  Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 21, 2007, 08:13:10 PM
Happy New Year and Merry Christmas from Ukraine!







Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 21, 2007, 08:43:48 PM
Each year the Christian charity group from Canada "Loads of Love" takes over 1,000 Ukrianian orphans to McDonalds.  Ranging from ordinary kids with no parents, to retarded and physically handicapped kids, these children enjoy a meal and a few hours of fun.  Most of them cherish this once-a-year experience so much that they take their empty cups, napkins, and empty french fry containers back to the orphanage when the event is over.

Here is a sample of the kids at McD:


More of the kids:


Open Arms Ukraine is another group giving hope to Ukrainian orphans:


Ransomed Daughter is another organization worth knowing:


Kharkov Orphanage:


Orphanage for Jewish children in Odessa:


No matter our individual faith expressions, at this time of the year it is good to ask God how we can help even in a small way to become the "father to the orphan."  There are some very fine groups operating in the FSU who day after day demonstrate love and care to the children who need our prayers and support.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: ECR844 on December 23, 2007, 01:58:52 PM
(http://bestsmileys.com/christmas1/12.gif)(http://bestsmileys.com/christmas1/14.gif)
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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Olga on December 23, 2007, 09:34:46 PM
20/12/2007 | Moscow News № 50 2007

Santa's Moscow Residence

Like most famous people, Father Christmas needs a good city address as well as his remote hideaway. The city authorities designated Kuzminki Park as Santa's official Moscow home in 2005 and it certainly has a winning combination of aristocratic history, natural beauty and good transport links. Peter the Great first gave the estate to Grigori Stroganov, whose granddaughter married Prince Mikhail Golitsyn in 1757, after which the Golitsyn family owned it until 1919. The lovely park is dotted with 18th century buildings and the Moscow History Museum has a branch devoted to "Russian estate life," currently housed in the spectacular "Stables" (closed on Monday).

1. Coming out from town on the Kuzminki metro, turn left off the train and left again in the perekhod to come up near the Perekrestok Supermarket. Crossing in front of this building, turn right down Zeleno­dolskaya Ulitsa, passing a household goods' market on your right. At the end of the road, you reach a tarmac square with a cinema, an ice rink (open from 9 a.m. daily) and a statue of Lenin where hooded crows like to perch. Passing a large map, go diagonally left through a wooden archway and then straight ahead into the park. Just before the stadium entrance, go left again, parallel to the fence, at the end of which you can fork right through the woods and right again near a small wooden playground to reach the lake and turn left along it.

Here, you walk through a muffled wonderland of bare trees and frozen water. You may prefer to avoid the actual paths, which can become treacherous glaciers of trodden snow, in favour of the fresher snowfall beside them. 2. Either way you will need a certain amount of time as you follow a series of three long lakes winding through Kuzminki Park, imaginatively titled the lower, middle and upper Kuzminki Ponds. At the end of the Lower Pond, you cross a wooden bridge, passing ducks on the right and the smaller "Pike Pond" on the left.

3. Rounding the final bend in the middle pond, you will see Kuzminki Ulitsa to the left and beyond it an interesting cluster of old estate buildings, with signs - unusually - in English as well as Russian. The elegant white neo-classical "Church of the Vlakhernskaya Icon of the Mother of God," rebuilt many times since the Stroganovs commissioned a first wooden church on the site in 1716, is filled with beeswax-smelling warmth and gilded icons. Behind the baroque gates with cast-iron griffins, the manor house is being restored. Going on along the Upper Lake, you also pass the red-brick ninteenth century Skotny Dvor (Cattle yard) where the estate cows lived in winter. Soon after, you see a wooden sign to the "Moscow Usadba (estate) of Ded Moroz (Santa)".

4. Beyond the end of the last lake, you will see a group of wooden terems surrounded by a fence festooned with fairy lights. Here are the official residences of "Grand­father Frost," the Russian Father Christmas, and his granddaughter Snegurochka, the Snow Maiden, along with a dedicated Post Office, theater, ice rink, a windmill, a well, a blini stall and a lot of carved animals. On weekdays, school parties listen to stories and music, while on weekends shows are performed throughout the afternoon. In front of the compound, the embryonic Christmas tree plantation does not quite compensate for the fizzing power lines overhead or the looming grey tower blocks, but the area behind is more successfully landscaped. At the point where the park becomes wilder forest, a series of bridges and walkways lead you past fairy tale figures and bullrushes in a mini-nature reserve with views of the terems across the Churilika River. If you want to bail out at this point, the half-hourly 248 Bus runs from nearby "Hospital Number 2" back to Kuzminki Metro.

5. Returning to the lake, walk left round the end and right along the far side with fine views of the estate buildings across the water. Ahead of you the magnificent Konniy Dvor ("Stables") is an inviting destination. Actually a Music Pavilion for concerts, it got its name from the two equestrian statues facing the lake. Some exhibits from the Museum of Estate History are temporarily rehoused here and it is worth visiting, if only for the cheap and homely café in the childrens' wing. Troika rides run from here and seasonal shows and events year round.

6. Leaving the Konniy Dvor, go under the wooden archway ahead and then turn left along a track through the woods which gradually converges with the lower lake. When the path turns right and starts to climb uphill, fork left along another track, past an old orchard and later along the meandering Ponomarka River valley which ends near an embankment. Turn right before the embankment to follow a tarmac path to Volzhskaya Metro.

Family friendly features

This week's destination is obviously one that kids should be happy with, and Kuzminki Park itself is packed with "Attraktioni"(fair ground rides), playgrounds and go-karting, but at this time of year the focus is on ice rinks and troika rides. The Lomakov Antique Automobiles and Motorcycles museum (where you see Lenin's Rolls -Royce or Stalin's Limousine) is only one stop away from the end point near Lyublino Metro Station.

By Phoebe Taiplin
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 25, 2007, 12:09:57 AM
Having returned from tonights Christmas Eve dinner and liturgy at our neighborhood Russian Orthodox Church, it might be interesting to share some experiences for guys who live in cities without a large Russian population and don't have the chance to attend such an experience.

I worked today until 2pm.  I made sure to eat my (meatless) lunch before Noon so that I could totally fast from Noon thru the evening hours.

2:30pm:  Pick up some extra shrimp on the way home.  Our oldest daughter thinks we don't have enough.  Shellfish is allowed on certain fasting days, and a feature at the Christmas Eve "Holy Supper."  Picked up 2 more packages (32 oz) and continued toward home.

3:00pm:  Open the packages, rinse off the shrimp, and spread them on a towel to defrost and dry off.

3:30pm:  Peel 10 lbs potatoes for Potatoe salad (for tomorrow afternoon's meal) since the mayo has oil and is therefore prohibited from eating during the Nativity fast.

4:00pm:  Took a call from one of the church dinner coordinators.  Was I also planning on bringing cocktail sauce for the shrimp?  Ah, was I susposed to?  Of course.  Consult with daughters who inform me that you can make a cocktail sauce using a bottle of common ketchup and mixing in horseradish sauce...carefully....don't over-do the horseradish. 

4:10pm:  Race off to supermarket to buy a big bottle of ketchup and a little jar of horseradish sauce.

4:25pm:  Thank goodness supermarket is just two blocks away.  Back home with ingredients.  Oldest daughter helps and presto....yes, it tastes just like the cocktail sauce sold in supermarkets.  Wow!  I never knew that.  We'll remember that one.

4:50pm:  Call to my oldest daughters fiance.  Reminder that we are leaving at 5:15pm.  He's just around the corner and will help carry our "stuff" to the car.

5:00pm:  Shrimp is defrosted nicely and dry.  Put in plastic bowls and seal for trip to church.  Take cocktail sauce out of freezer....it got cold in a hurry!

5:05pm:  Wow, we are actually walking out to car.  This is going much too smoothly.  What are we missing?

5:10pm:  We're missing serving platters for the shrimp!  Yikes.  Pull back up and race inside.  Open a cabinet...ah hah.  These two silver platted ones should do just fine.  Rinse off platters and dry with towel which held shrimp just a few minutes ago.  Who will ever know?  After all, it's shrimp on both towel and the platters.  We won't tell anybody.

5:15pm:  Now what are we forgetting.  Okay, drive to church.

5:23pm:  Pull into parking lot.  Assign daughter's fiance to carry the heavy stuff--that would be 7 boxes of church candles which I had worked on and prepared this week.  Daughter carries cocktail sauce and I carry 8 lbs of shrimp into the church cultural hall.

5:27pm:  Wash hands in the church's large professional kitchen.  We do a lot of fundraising selling Russian breads and goodies to the Phoenix Russian community.  Hands washed, greet the mostly lady crew inside the kitchen and am informed that I must arrange the shrimp on the platters, cover the platters, pour the cocktail sauce into serving bowls and cover, then am assigned a space for it all in one of the large wall-to-wall refrigators.  Enlist help of oldest daughter.  Mission accomplished.

5:35pm:  Walk across parking lot to the church.  Outside the door stop to make the sign of the cross and bow before entering.  Oldest daughter's fiance is taking the tedious months-long process of becoming Orthodox and it is nice to see that he now does these things without instruction.  He is sincere and learning well.

5:38pm:  Step into supply room at back of church and arrange candles on shelves for future services.  Clear up a little mess left by one of the deacons who was working on a incense lamp.

5:41pm:  Walk into sanctuary.  Buy a large candle.  Bow for a moment and make the sign of the cross.  Walk forward and kiss the first icon--the icon of the Nativity.  Making the sign of the cross I leave it and go right to the next large icon.  It is the icon of Christ.  Make the sign of the cross and kiss the icon.  Say a brief prayer of thanks for Christ's birth.  Move to the left side of the church.  At the Virgin Mary icon I cross myself, kiss the icon, light my candle at this icon, and then pray for my wife who is in Russia, for our youngest daughter in Russia, for our middle daughter who is spending the evening with friends, for my brother and for extended family members. 

5:47pm:  Modestly bow before the congregration (we must submit one to another in love) and then walk to the back of the church.  Climb the stairway up to the choir loft.  I arrange the service books for our section (base/baritone) and consult with the section leader of the tenors about 2 newer songs we will be singing in both English and Old Slavonic.  The choir director listens intently and then points out a couple of passages of which she has concerns.

6:00pm:  The service is starting.  The deacons and readers will do all the chanting for the first 10 minutes of the service so the choir gets ourselves arranged and stand waiting for our cues.  During the liturgy we will chant responses and sing songs in response to the deacons and priest.  Once started we'll be "on" non-stop thru the entire service.

6:12pm:  We are "on," chanting the first in a series of "Lord have mercy" alternating between English and Old Church Slavonic.  It's so beautiful down in the sanctuary with all the candles and flowers (electric lights are out and the light is supplied by hundreds of candles) but up in the choir loft we don't get to enjoy this truly beautiful sight.  But the music is beautiful and so we try to make a joyful noise to the newborn baby Christ.

7:05pm:  The Nativity Vespers service is over.  Parishioners file forward in a single line to kiss the Nativity icon, then move to the cultural hall for the "Holy Supper." 

7:15pm  Sasha (Alexander), Andrei (Andrew) and I collect the candles and clear the candle holders.  There will be a 9am service tomorrow morning so we must clear things now.  It goes by quickly.

7:20pm:  Step back inside the cultural hall.  Am invited by several friends to sit at their table but oldest daughter and her fiance have saved a spot for me with a group of our Ethiopian sub-congregration.  Sit down.  I have been on my feet for hours and it just feels so good to sit for a while.

7:25pm:  Meal begins.  There is a printed program because we will pray and sing our way thru all 12 events/colours of Christmas before eating.  It goes quickly:  Father David invites us to take a handful of clean straw and scatter it over our table to symbolize that Christ was born in a manger with the animals.  The tablecloths are white....Jesus was wrapped in cloth and white symbolizes purity.  We take a whole garlic clove and then honey is passed around the table.  Dip the garlic in honey and then eat it.  Ugh!  But we do it every year.....the picture of life which consists of both the "ugh" (garlic) and the sweet (honey).  The priest walks down the two serving lines and lightly sprinkles blessed water on the food.  Now deacon Alexi prepares us for remembing those who have died and gone on before us.  An empty chair is placed at the head table and deacon Alexi reminds us that life brings eventual death, and we carry in our hearts the hope that one day we will see our loved ones in heaven by God's grace.  The priest then asks us to stand beside our tables.  We take a small glass of wine placed before each plate.  He makes a toast for thanking God for his goodness and for sending a Saviour for our sins in the form of a baby....the light of the world.  We drink the toast and sit down.  It's time to eat.

Such a delicious meal and such variety!  There were actually more than 12 dishes because the Ethiopians have the same tradition, but they don't have the same kind of Nativity foods.  So, our blended congregation was treated to at least 20 or more various dishes.  All very delicious!  All meatless.

We started each serving line with kutya the rice and nuts and honey mixture Olga so graciously told us about earlier in this thread.  At the end of each line was a large kettle of borsch.  Red in colour, borsch is a symbol that while born today....someday Christ would die and his blood would be the requirement for our salvation and only by partaking of, and accepting his sacrifice, could we someday live with God in eternity.

8:15pm:  Meal is winding down.  We don't have "desserts" because we are still "fasting" and desserts represent a celebration.  That will come tomorrow on Christmas day when the fast is over.

8:20pm:  Deacon Alexi leads us in singing "Memory Eternal" the song for saints and relatives departed this life.  We alternate it in English and Old Slavonic.  Then he and Priest David start our singing of Christmas carols.  We sing together for about 10-12 minutes.

8:32pm:  Time to clean up.  Thank God I'm not on this year's Nativity "cleanup" committee.  Did that last year.  I deserve a break.

8:45pm:  Drive home.  We're tired and tomorrow is an even bigger day.  Say goodnight to daughter's fiance and we step inside.  Whew.

8:55pm:  Change clothes and put leftover borsch (gift of my elderly Belarussian friend Helen) along with the stuffed (no meat) cabbage rolls (a gift from Tatiana and Ivan) into fridge.  Our friends are worried that I don't eat right when away from my wife...if they only knew.

9:15pm:  Call Aya in Moscow.  Of course she wants a minute-by-minute and menu item-by-menu item description of the evening.  I comply....up to a point.  That was when she asked about the serving platters for the shrimp.  Her words were something like this, "you didn't use those old beat-up silver patters did you?"  "You did remember to use the nice glass serving platters, correct?  You do remember we talked about it, yes?"

Silence.  Ah, cough, gulp. 

Then with a literal gusto of confidence, "of course my darling.  They looked wonderful.  Everybody commented about the ah, those ah, yes the glass platters.  Right oh, took 'em right out of the dining room cabinet.  Very lovely, indeed."

She didn't buy it.  Wrong cabinet.  I couldn't even identify the correct room they were in. 

I'm in the doghouse.

Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Merry Christmas everyone!







Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 25, 2007, 09:45:22 PM
New Years-Christmas time photos
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 25, 2007, 09:47:24 PM
The beauty of Russia and Ukraine in winter!
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 25, 2007, 09:50:21 PM
Some beautiful sights...
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 25, 2007, 09:55:05 PM
And more...
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 31, 2007, 04:57:09 PM

Moscow New Year:
http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=fN5__RHgPUI
 

New Years Tree in Moscow
http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=I0Rg4dh8CZo


Red Square
http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=bMsUVOxswpU


Red Square concert New Years
http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=irL1MJskCsM


Red Square Christmas tree
http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=Mdv6i8bEGl8

 
Putin live at Red Square New Year
http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=eMpXUHqx1YY
 
 
Putin on national TV new year greeting
http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=kf3T6z0kPgE
 
 
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Olga on January 09, 2008, 04:48:20 PM
 Source: Pravda.Ru 25.12.2007

Christmas is considered to be the mother of all holidays. The significance of the holy night, when baby Jesus was born is immense for the entire world. The course of new history and the modern-day chronology is directly linked with the birth of Jesus Christ.

Christmas used to be the most popular and the most important holiday in Russia. On Christmas Eve Russians were not allowed to eat and celebrate during the day. The holiday would begin for everyone at night, when the first star appeared on the sky. Parents would tell their children stories about the birth of Jesus Christ, how the Three Wise Men came to worship baby Jesus.

A wonderful tradition to decorate a fur tree appeared in Russia during the time of Peter I the Great, the Emperor who ruled Russia in the 18th century. The first Christmas tree came to Russia from Germany. The evergreen tree is still considered to be a symbol of everlasting life. Fur trees appeared in every Russian home soon afterwards.

On Christmas day Russians used to visit each other, sing church songs and Christmas carols hailing the birth of baby Jesus.

Christmas used to be Russia’s biggest holiday before the Revolution of 1917. On Christmas day of December 25, 1812, Emperor Alexander I signed the manifesto about the creation of the temple to honour Russia’s victory over Napoleon "to signify Our gratitude to Divine Providence for saving Russia from the doom that overshadowed Her". The document marked the birth of one of Moscow’s best-known cathedral, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the tallest Orthodox Church in the world.

The Cathedral had taken many years to build and did not emerge from its scaffolding until 1860. Some of the best Russian painters (Ivan Kramskoi, Vasily Surikov, Vasily Vereshchagin) continued to embellish the interior for another twenty years.

After the Revolution and, more specifically, the death of Lenin, the prominent site of the cathedral was chosen by the Soviets as the site for a monument to socialism known as the Palace of Soviets. This monument was to rise in modernistic, buttressed tiers to support a gigantic statue of Lenin perched atop a dome with his arm raised in blessing.

On December 5, 1931, by order of Stalin's minister Kaganovich, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour was dynamited and reduced to rubble. It took more than one blast to destroy the church and more than a year to clear the debris from the site.

With the end of the Soviet rule, the Russian Orthodox Church received permission to rebuild the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in February 1990.

A construction fund was initiated in 1992 and funds began to pour in from ordinary citizens in the autumn of 1994. The completed Cathedral of Christ the Saviour was consecrated on the Transfiguration day, August 19, 2000.

Bolsheviks banned the holiday of Christmas in Russia nationwide from 1917. The Bethlehem star was replaced with the red five-point star. The green fur trees were also banned as a symbol of Christmas, the holiday of the bourgeoisie. The tree returned to Soviet Russia in 1933 with a new title - the New Year tree.

However, Russians continued to celebrate Christmas at their own risk. Christmas services were secretly held in private homes, in concentration camps and in exiles. People had courage to celebrate the brightest day of the year taking the risk of losing their jobs, freedom and even lives.

Christmas finally returned to Russia in 1991. It became an official holiday for all nations of the Russian Federation. However, Russia celebrates Christmas on January 7, on the new calendar style.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 09, 2008, 07:45:50 PM
Olga, welcome back to you and Legal!  We missed you and hope that your trip was wonderful and meaningful for the two of you.  God's richest blessings to you both.

I can remember all of 2000 passing the Catherdral several times each week as the work was wrapping up.  The workmen were truly skilled artisians and they laboured on this project with a national pride and love for what they were restoring.  It was a spiritual experience I think for most of them.

What a beautiful and inspiring Cathedral!  Is is so huge inside, yet worshippers move with a sense of quite reverence.  At times you can hear a pin drop....that is saying something in a typical Russian Cathedral where there are no pews for seating.  Those of us in the West have to stop and watch and listen to understand what the restoration means for the Russian faithful.

Bless you Olga for writing about this magnificient church.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Olga on January 09, 2008, 08:16:28 PM
Thank you, Mendeleev for your warm words and welcome. (only I did not write about this magnificent church, I found the  article and I thought it could be interesting information (http://casa-latina.ru/s/s/icon_blush2.gif) )

The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour has its own web site where you can read about the Cathedral's history more and also see photo gallery.

http://www.xxc.ru/english/index.htm


(http://www.emc.komi.com/01/21/img/hhg.jpg)

(http://img1.liveinternet.ru/images/attach/b/2/0/679/679071_Foto002.jpg)

(http://img0.liveinternet.ru/images/attach/b/2/0/678/678537_Moskwa_2007__foto_Gra_380.jpg)

Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Olga on January 09, 2008, 08:22:48 PM

(http://www.ierei-korenev.ru/sermon/pic/zoom/luka3.jpg)

(http://www.ierei-korenev.ru/sermon/pic/zoom/luka5.jpg)
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Olga_Mouse on January 13, 2008, 05:52:18 AM

Christmas divine service in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour


Indeed! Religion invades our TVs with same persistence as communism did before.

Evening of January 7: channels 1, 2, 3 show religious services!

P.S. The good point was that the 1st channel showed "The chronicles of Narnia" - guess it fell into their idea of Christmas fairytale  :happy0023:
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Olga on January 13, 2008, 11:14:48 AM
Building the bright future for the soviet people the irreligious communism was crushing the sacred things of the soul of Russian nation at the same time. Now it is time to resuscitate the cultural and spiritual values as the most significant basis of any health nation.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 13, 2008, 12:19:34 PM
Olga, I agree completely with your wise response.  Lenin used concepts of Orthodoxy and substituted communism in their place and it is a relief to see the "holy" returned to Holy Mother Russia.  This will help Russia rebuild the concept of the rule of law and of respect for the rights of each individual.

The state still has precedence with the annual message from the President on New Year's Eve/Day.  Mr Putin has done a good job of allowing the spiritual side of Russia and the Church to return alongside the state. 
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 30, 2008, 10:50:51 PM
We'll be reusing some of last year's popular thread of "Christmas in Russia...what it's like" but adding some new material this season.  This thread will be different than some of our other excellent holiday threads in that we'll approach the cultural sights, sounds, foods, religious celebrations, parties, and yes, we'll play some music too!


A Russian Ukrainian New Year and Christmas

The very first year of living in Moscow seemed almost bass-ackwards for me.  The 4th Thursday of November rolled around and there was no Thanksgiving.  For an American, that seemed to go over with me like an underground airplane.  It just felt funny.  Different.

When 25 December rolled around it was just another day.  People working, nobody cooking, shopping, the Metro was busy, and there was a feeling of anticipation about the New Year, but nothing yet about Christmas.  However the phone lines were jammed.  Trying to call to the West to speak to my daughters was a project.  We connected but not without some trials trying.

But over the years I've come to appreciate the Russian holiday season and I like it.  In fact there is no place like home (Moscow) for the holidays! 


[attachimg=#] Russian's call it a "New Years' tree"
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 30, 2008, 11:30:02 PM
Let's start with that New Year's tree.  In Russian a fir tree is "Yel-ka" елка and much like in the West you can see them for sale on street corners and empty lots.  What you may be surprised to discover is that not everyone can afford a whole tree.  So sellers are more than willing to give you a nice branch, or if you have only a little money a not so nice branch, to take home and decorate.


How do you decorate a New Years' tree?
However you would like.  A majority of Russian and Ukrainian trees are decorated from top to bottom rather than the familiar round and round the tree as in America/Canada.  But there is no hard and fast rule.  Whatever helps you get in the holiday mood!


[attachimg=1] Fairly typical style of decorating top to bottom.


Just as every city has the obligatory Lenin statue, every city and village has a New Years' tree in the centre square.  It's tradition.  And the evening when it's lights are first switched on is a big deal for everyone, so get there early if you want a good spot to stand and watch.


[attachimg=5] Kiev, 2007


Unlike the American tradition of decorating a home and tree the day following Thanksgiving, Russians are in no hurry to put up a tree.  It can wait for a while, even up to a day or so before New Years'.  That is a personal decision and as the holidays become more and more commercialized as in the West, businesses now put up a New Years' tree much earlier than before.

Unlike the West, presents don't go under the tree, so there is no hurry except your own family timetable and tradition.


[attachimg=2] Moscow, 2007



Tree hunting can be a fun experience, now how do you get it back home?  Metro, bus, private taxi?


[attachimg=3]


Businesses have large/tall trees, but most homes put a small tree (or branch) on a table.


[attachimg=6]


Some of the most fun decorations can be found in little street kiosks and shops along the Arbat, etc.


[attachimg=4]
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 30, 2008, 11:50:05 PM
Why are the dates different between East and West?

Before the 1917 revolution, Russia operated according to the Julian calendar.  That's 13 days, give or take a few seconds, behind the more modern Gregorian calendar. When the Communist Party came to power they elected to join the modern world and moved all government and civil functions to the Gregorian calendar.

The church refused to accept the new calendar. The Communists refused to accept the old Orthodox holidays. So today instead of two holidays-New Years' and Christmas-technically there are four!  But in reality only 3 are celebrated.

We'll count them down:
1- New Year's on 1 January.
2- Christmas on 7 January.
3- The "old new year" (according to the old calendar) is also celebrated on 13 January.

Confused?  Good!  Just remember that it's in this order: New Year- Christmas- Old New Year.  That is 13 days of celebration and time off from work.  Now that's my kind of country!


[attachimg=#]

Technically it's a 10 day official state holiday by law, however often the President can extend it further by decree and if not, some employers give the extra 3 days to employees.  Either way, 10 or 13, what a way to live!
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 01, 2008, 12:06:51 AM
Where are all the presents?
It's magic.  At about 5 or 10 minutes, in some cases 5 or 10 seconds, before the stroke of Midnight on New Years' Eve, presents begin to appear under the tree!  You must see it to believe it!  Presents come out from hiding in closets, from shelves, under sofas, etc, and magically make their way either to the tree or the family table, depending on family tradition.

Your gift is not a Christmas gift, it's a New Years' gift.



When do I give my presents?
This one is tricky if you are not there.  Just as you don't wish someone a happy birthday or Happy New Year in advance, you don't give a present in advance either.  So you designate someone to place your gift under the tree, or present it at the table for you.  It's okay to tell a lady to hold a package unopened until Midnight on New Years' Eve.  She'll understand.

Mendeleyev doesn't recommend giving presents, especially in the dating period, twice (as in 25 December and again on 1 January) as that tends to signal that you have the kind of financial resources you may not have.  Even if you do, you don't want to be misunderstood as if you are trying to buy love, rather a gift at the right time and on the right day honours love and committment.


How many presents should I give/send?
Most families give a gift per person, sometimes two especially if to children.  Don't let someone you've met over the internet manipulate you into giving massive amounts of presents to children and family.  Its not a normal practice.  Something nice of good quality is the best practice.  Besides, if you show up at a large family gathering with loads of gifts and everyone else is giving only one or two, it looks as if the rich Westerner is trying to "buy" family loyality/love.  That is not the way you wish to be perceived.

Remember that in Russian-Ukrainian-Belarussian culture recopricity is an important function.  You don't want to place others in the position where they feel they are now obligated to give to you at the same level when that is likely far beyond their financial means.


[attachimg=#]
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 01, 2008, 12:43:25 AM
Hey, what happened to Santa?

The Soviets shot him down during the Cuban missle crisis.  It was a mistake and they're sorry, but his place has been taken by a fake dude from North Carolina ever since.  You didn't know that did you?

Okay, maybe that's not entirely correct.  So lets' talk about Santa.  Santa is becoming known in the FSU as a commercial venture, but he doesn't have the franchise for Christmas in this part of the world.  The man to deal with is Ded Moroz (Russian: Дед Мороз).  As you can guess from the word Дед it means Grandfather Frost


[attachimg=#]


Grandfather Frost brings presents to children but usually at New Year parties for kids by the New Year Tree, such as school settings, etc. This guy has a much easier job than Santa in the West! 

Get this for a job:  He drinks vodka freely (the Russian definition of a workaholic is someone who drinks on the job) and is accompanied by Snegurochka (Russian: Снегурочка), or 'Snow Maiden' , his granddaughter.  Just between you and me, Snegurochka has grown up and baby oh baby is she hot!


[attachimg=#]


His dress code is different too: Grandfather Frost wears a heel-long fur coat, a semi-round fur hat, and white valenki or high boots (sapogi), silver or red with silver ornament. Unlike Santa Claus, he walks with a long magical staff, does not say "Ho, ho, ho," and drives a troika instead of a sled with reindeer.


[attachimg=#]



[attachimg=#] Grandfather Frost training class for Snow Maidens!
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 01, 2008, 01:15:20 AM
It's Russian holiday trivia time: 

It would be fun to play, "Who is that writer/composer?"

Hints:
- He was born in Ukraine.
- But lived his adult life in the USA.
- He was Jewish.
- He wrote one of the most famous Western Christmas songs in modern history.

Who was he.......and what is that very famous song?
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: David Rochlin on December 01, 2008, 05:57:24 AM
It's Russian holiday trivia time: 

It would be fun to play, "Who is that writer/composer?"

Hints:
- He was born in Ukraine.
- But lived his adult life in the USA.
- He was Jewish.
- He wrote one of the most famous Western Christmas songs in modern history.

Who was he.......and what is that very famous song?


"Let it snow, Let it snow, let it snow,"  Sammy Cahn,  is the answer, but the question is not as easy as it appears, as there were runner's up. 
Irving Berlin wrote "White Christmas" and was born in Belarus, but people and borders were vague enough so maybe it could be Ukraine...

"Carol of the Bells" actually was a Ukrainian song, before it was adapted in English, and might qualify.  depending upon whether adapting would count as authorship.


Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Jared2151 on December 01, 2008, 06:21:16 AM
Dang, my guess was Irving Berlin (sigh)
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 01, 2008, 09:11:51 AM
Both of you were correct!  Irving Berlin considered himself Ukrainian and as David has pointed out, boundary changes have clouded the birthplaces for some. For whatever reasons Berlin's birthplace is actually disputed as some say it was Tyumen, Russia.  But since he always claimed to have been born in Ukraine we'll allow him that designation.  It was Irving Berlin who wrote "God Bless America" too.

Sammy Cahn was of Polish descent and born in NY city.  But no matter, you both mentioned Irving Berlin so our distinguished committee has declared you co-winners! 

So as co-winners of the trivia, RUA is pleased to announce that you both will be awarded the 'honourary certificate' (as in the certificate doesn't really exist!) naming each of you to the exalted position of: Grandfather Frost Trivia Prikashchik (Pri-kash-chik is a very old Russian term for administrator.)   tiphat
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 01, 2008, 09:36:01 AM
This thread will frequently feature music.  After such a stellar trivia response with not just one, but two winners, of course the first song we'll feature is "White Christmas!"


By the Drifters:


By Martina McBride:

[attachimg=#]



As we speak the weather in Moscow is cloudy and 33 °F / 1 °C.  There are no snow showers exprected until Friday so we'll also play "Let it Snow" to help get in the mood.


By Jessica Simpson:

[attachimg=#]
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: David Rochlin on December 01, 2008, 05:35:29 PM

Sammy Cahn was of Polish descent and born in NY city.  But no matter, you both mentioned Irving Berlin so our distinguished committee has declared you co-winners! 

administrator.)   tiphat


You are quite right about Cahn, but apparently he didn't both write and compose "Let it snow..."  The composer, Jule Styne was the one with a Ukraine connection.  His parents were born in Ukraine.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 01, 2008, 07:13:34 PM
David, and that is why you are one of only two (so far) Grandfather Frost Trivia Prikashchik's on this forum!   :)

So let's play another Christmas song co-written by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn!


Clay Aiken sings "The Christmas Waltz"


Lyrics
The Christmas Waltz:
Frosted window panes, candles gleaming inside
Painted candy canes on the tree
Santa's on his way, he's filled his sleigh with things
Things for you and for me

It's that time of year when the world falls in love
Ev'ry song you hear seems to say "Merry Christmas,
"May your New Year dreams come true"
And this song of mine in three-quarter time
Wishes you and yours the same thing, too

(It's that time of year when the world falls in love)
(Ev'ry song you hear seems to say)
"Merry Christmas, may your New Year dreams come true"
And this song of mine in three-quarter time
Wishes you and yours the same thing, too


[attachimg=#]
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 01, 2008, 08:12:25 PM
Would you like to send your favourite lady a New Years' Card?

Or a Christmas card?  Even both?  For free?  In Russian?  

Okay lets do this!

Here are step by step directions on how to send her a Russian holiday card:

-Go to http://eng.davno.ru/cards/ch.html

-See the menu on the left?  
The very top item reads Поздравительные новогодние открытки. These are NEW YEARS cards.

The next item under it reads открыток с Рождеством. These are CHRISTMAS cards.

Remembering that New Years' comes before Christmas, choose which one you wish to send. If you wish you can follow this format to send her both--but if you do only one make certain it's for New Years'.


Now that you've selected which holiday, you will see cards appear in the middle of the page.  There will be tons of pages of New Year cards and several pages of Christmas cards.

Next:
-Choose a card and click on it
-Fill in "to whom/and from" information.  Use our guide below to help you.
-Put a heading (Заголовок) on the line (Such as happy new year, etc)
-Fill in some text (Текст) in the text message box (either in English or copy from samples below)
-Next scroll down and choose your immaginary Выберите марку (post mark).  
(The rest of the directions are listed below)


Translation guide:
Кому: (To)
Введите имя:  (Enter her name here)
Введите E-Mail: (Enter her email address here)


От: (From)
Введите имя:  (Your name goes here)
Введите E-Mail: (Your email address goes here)


Заголовок: (Heading or Greeting)

Sample heading:  С новым годом! (Happy New Year!)

Or for Christmas: С Рождеством! (Merry Christmas!)




Текст: (Text of your message goes in this box)
You can write a short text in English or use the sample one below.

Sample text to cut and paste:  Желаю тебе счастливого Нового года! (I wish you a happy New Year!)

Or for Christmas:  Я желаю Вам с Рождеством Христовым! (I wish you a merry Christmas!)



Sample ending:  Я целую Вас. С уважением, (_____).  (I kiss you.  Sincerely, (your name)
Alternate sample ending:  С поцелуем, (_____).   With a kiss, (your name)


Next you choose from a "stamp"...cool idea!  It reads Выберите марку so just click on the stamp design you prefer.


Now the line: Хотите послать эту открытку нескольким получателям? asks if you wish to send this card to more than one person.  If so, select the very next box and select the number of recepients in multiples of five.  Most of us will just send one card per person.

Okay, the clickable box at the bottom simply allows us to preview the letter before sending.  Click it.

Now it looks just like a postcard!

If it's okay, click the bottom left button.  If you need to make corrections, click the bottom right button.


Leave it checked where it says: "Прислать уведомление о прочтении открытки" if you wish to be notified by email when your lady reads your card.


The next screen should say something like this:
Ваша открытка была успешно отправлена -- (You card was successfully sent).


Your card is set to be delivered to your lady on the day of the holiday.


You will notice that this screen has more cards shown so that you can choose another and send it to someone else.  When finished save this link to your favourites and congradulate yourself on a job well done!


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Внимание!: If you are in the stage of writing more than lady and you aren't conversant in Russian, we'd recommend that you not try to send the same card to more than one lady at the same time.  Yes, this site gives you that option, but if you aren't precise, Olga could receive Vera's card and Tatiana could receive Natasha's card--with your name on it.  Baaaaad idea.  Do one person at a time.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 01, 2008, 09:05:21 PM
In 2002 I began playing The Corrs for anyone in Russia who would listen.  I'd stumbled quite literally upon their music (a CD was on a showroom floor and I stepped on it) and of course in picking up the CD noticed some hot ladies on the cover.

Hmm, I said to myself.  "Looks great, I'll buy it."  In the checkout line the question of whether they could successfully carry a tune did cross my mind, but not too much.   :happy0023:

I've found that Russians love talent.  They love music and acting and ballet and opera and theatre, etc.  So when these hot chicks (sisters no less!) take up flutes, violins, guitars, drums, & keyboards and begin to play, most Russian's usually end up hinting that if I don't leave the CD in their home that Oleg the local mafia guy will play havoc with my life in very unpleasant ways.  So, I keep on spreading the CD's around and at each home they've found a very happy new owner.

And Oleg leaves me in peace.


From Ireland, here are The Corrs with John Lennon's "Happy Christmas"



The Corrs "Dreams" at London Christmas festival



The Corrs "Oh Holy Night"



Finally, The Corrs from their concert in Belfast:


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Jared2151 on December 02, 2008, 08:37:32 AM
The "Happy Christmas" video was great, until they started showing the Clinton's.

You could almost hear Bubba mentally ticking off  "I'd do her, and her, and ..."

Meanwhile, Hilly sits there pretending to have a sense of rhythm and trying to pass off looking like she's having a good time.  :sick0012:
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 02, 2008, 08:59:53 AM
Traditional Russian Christmas stories, part 1


The Story of the Snow Maiden
Once upon a time there was an old man and his wife.
They had everything they wanted,
A cow, a sheep, and a cat on the hearth,
but they didn't have any children.
Often they were sad and grieved.

One day during winter the white snow fell up to their knees.
The neighbor's children rushed out onto the street.
They slid on their sleds and threw snowballs,
and began to make a snowman.

Grandfather looked out of the window,
watched, and said to Grandmother:
"Well, wife, we sit here looking at the neighbor's children in our old age,"
"Let's you and I go out and build a snowman too."
And the old lady became merry as well.
"Well, let's go, Grandfather, onto the street."
"but why build a snowman, when I already have you?"
"Let's build a daughter, Snyegurochka!" (Snow Maiden)

No sooner said than done!
The old people went out into the garden and began to build a daughter.
They used two deep blue beads for eyes,
made two dimples in her cheeks,
and a piece of red ribbon for her mouth.
How good, their snow daughter, Snyegurochka.
Grandmother and grandfather looked and looked at her,
they loved her, and couldn't take their eyes off of her.

All of a sudden Snyegurochka's mouth began to smile,
her hair began to curl.
She began to move her arms and legs and then she walked through the garden and into the izba!(small wooden house)
Grandmother and grandfather couldn't believe their eyes,
they were so surprised they couldn't move!
"Grandfather!" cried Grandmother,
"Yes, it is, we have a living daughter, our dear little Snyegurochka!"
And into the izba they rushed, and what a joy it was!

Snyegurochka grew, not by the day, but by the hour.
And with each day, Snyegurochka grew more beautiful.
Grandmother and grandfather wouldn't let her out of their sight.
They doted on her.

Snyegurochka was as white as the snow,
her eyes were like deep blue beads,
her blond hair reached down to her waist.
But Snyegurochka didn't have any color in her cheeks or lips.
Still, she was so beautiful!

Spring came,
the leaves came out on the trees,
the bees flew about the fields,
the skylark sang.
All the boys were as happy as could be,
and the girls sang gay songs of spring.
But Snyegurochka grew sadder and sadder,
She looked out of the window and wept.

Then came bright summer,
the flowers blossomed in the gardens,
the grain ripened in the fields.
Snyegurochka grew more and more sad,
she avoided the sun,
she would stay in the cool shady places,
and best of all, she liked the rain.

Grandmother and Grandfather were very worried,
They kept asking her:
"Are you ill, little daughter?"
"I am fine, Grandmother." she would answer,
but she remained in her corner, feeling sad,
she wouldn't walk on the street.

One day her friends came,
they were going into the forest to gather berries,
raspberries, bilberries, and wild strawberries.
They came and called to Snyegurochka:
"Come with us, do come Snyegurochka!"
Reluctant Snyegurochka was to go into the forest,
reluctant Snyegurochka was to go into the sun,
but Grandmother and Grandfather insisted:
"Go, go, Snyegurochka,"
"go, go, little daughter,"
"you will have fun with your friends."

Snyegurochka took a little basket,
and went into the forest with her friends.
Her friends walked about the forest,
wove garlands of flowers, and sang songs.
But Snyegurochka found a cool stream and sat by it,
she sat looking at it, and dipped her fingers in it,
playing with the droplets.

Evening came.
The girls played even more merrily,
wearing their garlands,
they built a bonfire and began jumping over it.
Reluctant was Snyegurochka,
to play with them at this.
Her friends kept asking her to join them,
so she walked up to the fire.
She stood ther trembling,
her face as white as could be,
her hair fell loose about her.
"Jump, Jump, Snyegurochka!
Cried her friends.

Snyegurochka took a deep breath and jumped!
Over the fire was a hissing sound,
and Snyegurochka....
VANISHED!!
Rising from the fire was a wisp of steam.
It formed a cloud, and rose higher and higher,
into the sky.

Snyegurochka had melted.


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 02, 2008, 09:10:21 AM
Snegurochka, the Snow Maiden (granddaughter of Grandfather Frost)


Russian teen sensation Natasha Baranova and some of her lovely friends give a family-oriented version:


Over in Moldova however we caught Snegurochka at a holiday party wearing a mini-skirt!

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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Jared2151 on December 02, 2008, 09:19:56 AM
Melts my snow ..... lol
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 02, 2008, 09:26:28 AM
Jared, as you are one of only two official RUA Grandfather Frost Trivia Prikashchik's I think that the Snow Maiden would look forward to your Rus/Ukr visit over the holidays!  You are now someone of great status!   :)
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 03, 2008, 10:37:20 AM
Chocolate Babka Recipe


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Sponge:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
3 ounces cake yeast
2 cups warm milk


Dough:
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
10 egg yolks
2 eggs
4 to 5 cups all-purpose flour, as needed
1/2 cup butter, clarified

Filling:
14 ounces almond paste
5 egg whites
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped


Make the sponge: Combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and warm milk; then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature 1 hour.Make the dough: In bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a whisk, mix together the sugar, vanilla, salt, egg yolks and eggs until well blended. Fit the mixer with a dough hook, add the flour and sponge, and mix until combined; then drizzle in the butter. Mix with the dough hook until incorporated.

Place it in a greased bowl, covered, and let it rest and rise until doubled in volume, about 1 1/2 hours.

Meanwhile, make the filling: Fit the mixer with the paddle attachment and mix together the almond paste, egg whites, and butter. Add the chocolate and mix until combined.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Lightly flour a work surface, turn out the dough and punch it down to release the built up gases. Divide the dough in 1/2. Cover 1 piece with a damp towel as you roll the other
piece into a rectangle 8 by 14 inches and 1/4-inch thick. Let the dough rest while you roll the other out. Spread each with 1/2 of the filling, then roll them up jellyroll style and pinch the seams to seal them. Flatten the dough slightly with a rolling pin, then twist the dough 6 to 8 times. Allow the dough to rest a few minutes. Make spirals with the dough and place them in 2 greased 8-inch cake pans. (Alternatively, lay the dough straight out in 2 greased tube pans.) Cover each pan with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until almost doubled in volume, about 30 to 60 minutes.

Bake the cakes for 45 minutes; then let cool in the pan.


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 03, 2008, 10:55:01 AM
Russian Holiday foods/recipes

You may find a great list of speciality holiday recipes for Russian-Ukrainian-Belarussian foods here on RUA: http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php/topic,2339.new.html#new


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 03, 2008, 07:10:58 PM
Its time to visit the home of Grandfather Frost!


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His village, Veliky Ustyug, is 856 years old this year and is so far north that the temperature year around never rises above 0*Celcius.

For the next 8 minutes and 20 seconds you'll be treated to a tour of the village!  You'll see:

- How horses share the streets with cars.

- Women washing clothes in a hole cut in ice of the frozen river.

- View younger women dressed up in traditional holiday costumes.

- Old Cathedrals, including the oldest stone Cathedral in northern Russia.

- See children from other Russian regions travel to visit Grandfather Frost.

- Learn that the village mayor coordinates the answers to mail, which arrives daily by the box loads, to destinations all over the world.

- Watch how "GF Frost" boots are made in an old outdated (and chilly) factory.

- Marvel at how the "Snow Maiden" by his side is always a smokinhotkova!

- Listen to GF Frost declare, when asked if he is the same as Santa Claus, declare "Nyet, he's my friend!"

- and you'll see GrandFather Frost soak in his BANYA after all the children are gone!


Its here in this video:


[attachimg=#] Village home of Grandfather Frost
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 04, 2008, 10:38:52 AM
The Nativity Fast


This fast schedule can be a bit confusing because of the difference in calendars from East to West.  In the West, this fast runs for 40 days instead of four weeks and is observed from November 15 to December 24.  Sometimes the fast is called Philip's Fast (or the Philippian Fast), as it traditionally begins on the day following the Feast of St. Philip the Apostle (November 14).  

If you are dating an Armenian lady or know an Armenian family, the Armenian Apostolic Church (also Orthodox) celebrates Nativity on January 6. Their Fast of Advent begins on November 19. They then observe a Fast of the Nativity for one week prior to the Feast of the Nativity on January 6.

In Russia the dates for the Fast are 28 November to 6 January.


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Why do Orthodox fast before Christmas?
A good explanation is offered by Orthodox Wiki: "Fasting with humility and repentance is believed to enable one to draw closer to God by denying the body worldly pleasure. Although the fast influences the body, the emphasis is placed on the spiritual facet of the fast rather than physical deprivation.

Orthodox theology sees a synthesis between the body and the soul, so what happens to one affects the other. The church teaches that it is not enough to fast from food; one must also fast from anger, greed and covetousness. In addition to fasting, almsgiving is also emphasized."


How do you explain the fast if someone asks why you participate:
- Christ fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, eating only fruits and berries.  He spent the time in prayer.
- The fasts are designed to assist one to be more like Christ, spending more time in prayer.
- Every time you feel hungry, instead of eating, say a prayer asking God for discipline in your spiritual life.
- Discipline...in the Orthodox faith one should try to discipline the flesh (body).  The flesh leads to sin but the spirit leads to everlasting life.
- Such a prolonged discipline leads to a very joyful celebration to the feast of Christ's nativity on Christmas day!


[attachimg=#] Inside Orthodox Church in New Jersey.


What exactly can or cannot be eaten?
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the fast traditionally entails fasting from red meat, poultry, meat products, eggs, dairy products, fish, oil, and wine. Fish, wine and oil are allowed on Saturdays and Sundays, and oil and wine are allowed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The fasting rules permit fish, and/or wine and oil on certain feast days that occur during the course of the fast: Evangelist Matthew (November 16), Apostle Andrew (November 30), Great-martyr Barbara (December 4), St. Nicholas (December 6), St. Spiridon and St. Herman (December 12), St. Ignatius (December 20), etc. The Nativity Fast is not as severe as Great Lent or the Dormition Fast.

So, what items do you give up during a fast:
- Meat of any kind (except fish on certain days).
- Oil in cooking.
- Wine, beer, vodka....any kind of alcohol.
- Dairy products.
- Egg products.
- All parties and celebrations are delayed until after 7 January.
- Some couples give up sex completely, others curtail the frequency during the fast.
- It is a good time to try to give up unhealty habits like smoking, swearing, etc.



Are there exceptions to the "rules?"
Yes, when traveling one is not obligated to fast.  You should not fast when there are non-Orthodox guests in your home as fasting is a spiritual exercise between you and God. Neither should persons who are ill, the very young or elderly, etc.  Pregnant or nursing mothers are exempt from fasting. Each individual is expected to confer with their confessor priest regarding any exemptions from the fasting rules, but should never place themselves in physical danger so that diabetes and those with other medical conditions often participate as much as appropiate and this is called a "modified fast."



How does the fast end?
With a feast! On Christmas Eve the Orthodox believers must eat nothing. They come to a church in the evening to begin the Christmas celebration.  Most American churches have a delicious meal using fasting foods (fish, shrimp, rice, and vegetables) before the Christmas service which begins anywhere from 9 or 10pm or even later towards Midnight.  In Russia when the first star appears in the sky the believers are allowed to eat sochivo (a lenten dish - boiled rice with honey and fruits). The name of the day before Christmas is sochelnik (from sochivo). When you come home after the divine service you can eat what you want usually it is after 2 am.

On Christmas day the family will have a large feast, general with extended family members and this celebration will last thru most of the day.


[attachimg=#] A Russian church in New Jersey, near NYC.



With such a serious topic, how about a little humour from church bulletins:
- At the Saturday evening Vespers service the sermon topic will be "What is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.  

- Thursday is our All Souls Eucharist; come along and pray for all those who have died during this service.  

- The Priest unveiled the church's new tithing campaign bumper sticker slogan last Sunday: "I Upped My Pledge--Up Yours."
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 04, 2008, 11:48:40 AM
Christmas Fun!

Do you remember the Western version of the fairytale story of "The Three Pigs" and the Big Bad Wolf?

Turns out that we had it all wrong!  Here is the correct, and much more funny story of "The Three Pigs"-- made into a Christmas story Russian style.

Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 05, 2008, 11:27:07 AM
St. Nicholas Cake - Russian
(Different from the Dutch dried fruit cake by the same name)


Ingredients:
4 oz butter
4 large eggs
14 oz honey
14 oz unbleached all-purpose flour
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp powdered ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp powered cloves
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp baking powder


Procedure:
Cream the butter and separate the eggs. 
Add the room temperature yolks, one at a time, to the butter and beat well. 
Mix in the honey. 
Sift the flour, baking powder, and spices twice and add to the butter mixture.
Whip the egg whites until stiff. 
Fold a little of the egg whites into the batter, then add the rest of them, folding them gently into the batter.
Pour the batter into a guttered and floured loaf pan. 
Bake in a preheated 350 Degrees F. oven until firm on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 hour. 

Cool, in the pan, for 10 minutes, then remove and finish cooling on a wire rack.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 05, 2008, 11:30:44 AM
The city of Kiev is preparing for the New Year and Christmas.  The current temperature is 10 degrees Celcius, skies are overcast and cold rain is forecast for the weekend.


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 05, 2008, 12:18:54 PM
A December Wedding!

While beautiful, its not as typical because a couple cannot have a church wedding during the fast.  They have just married at the Kiev "RAGS" (equal to the Russian ZAGS).

All "celebrations" are postponed until after the fast is over.  My wife and I were married on 26 December, and then went to St Petersburg for a honeymoon.  However we delayed our reception dinner until the night of Christmas day, after sundown on 7 January so that we could comply with the Orthodox fasting period.


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 05, 2008, 12:59:28 PM
The streets of Kiev are filled with kiosks selling New Years' decorations and gifts!


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 06, 2008, 05:41:08 PM
We really shouldn't be giving you this recipe.  Yet.   :)   Because it doesn't conform to the Orthodox fast.  But we'll give it now and like lots of other families, save this for the celebration on Christmas day!

We're going to learn how to make Ukrainian cottage cheese fritters!


Ukrainian Syrnyky (cottage cheese fritters)
(syrnyky is plural form of the word syrnyk, the first syllable is stressed)


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Ingredients:
500g of cottage cheese (about a pound)
half a glass of sugar
3 eggs
2 cups of flour
Half of one stick of melted butter
1 cup of sour cream
a little salt


Method:
Whisk eggs with salt and sugar into thick froth. Add minced cottage cheese, one and a half (1.5) glasses of flour. Knead thoroughly. Put the dough onto the board sifted with flour, and form a thick roll. Slice it into pieces as thick as a finger. Put each slice into flour, and make its form like a cutlet with a knife:


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Fry in butter in a frying pan at medium heat, both sides. Serve in sour cream.

Смачного!
(Smačnoho = Bon Appetit)


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 06, 2008, 11:34:03 PM
An American films the meal on Christmas Day in Ukraine
 

Stumbling across this video, I realized that it's a amateur, therefore very "real" look at Ukrainian Christmas thru the eyes of an American traveler, probably there to visit a lady but I'm not certain.  It is impressive that he has learned enough Russian that his host family can understand him, he understands them, and the men in this family try to help him improve his language skills.

For members planning to travel soon and wish to see how the holidays are celebrated, follow this link:


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mirror on December 06, 2008, 11:35:25 PM
Mendy, where is your New Year holiday's avatar? A?
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 06, 2008, 11:44:02 PM
Mirror, thank you for the reminder!  I have one but had forgotten about it!   :)   Now I must find what I did with it.   :happy0023:

Your avatar looks very fashionable!  :THUB:     tiphat
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 06, 2008, 11:51:19 PM
Weather report from Moscow:


10 days ago there was some snow:



But this morning it is warm and the grass is turning green and as my wife said, "the trees are confused."  Some of them think it's spring and look as if they are ready to bloom.  The coming cold weather will damage them, I'm afraid.


This morning on Red Square there is no snow and it's warm.  Today's forcast is almost 46 degrees F.


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By Tuesday however there should be snow showers and then again on Thursday and Friday with temperatures dropping fast by the end of the week.


Moscow streets are very beautiful now.  Only a few years ago and you would not have seen many public decorations until just days or a week before New Year.  But now things are becoming more "commercial" and the lights are especially lovely at night.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mirror on December 07, 2008, 12:11:01 AM
Mirror, thank you for the reminder!  I have one but had forgotten about it!   :)   Now I must find what I did with it.   :happy0023:

Your avatar looks very fashionable!  :THUB:     tiphat

Lovely avatar,Mendy! Did Ded Moroz decorate Yelka in your house already?
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 07, 2008, 12:23:50 AM
Quote
Ded Moroz decorate Yelka

Mirror, yes and much to the delight of our youngest daughter who even at 19 still loves these sort of things.  My MIL has caught the New Years bug too.

Mirror, how about at your home?

A couple years ago I brought over a 4 foot New Years tree from the USA in my luggage.  I purchased it for about $50 and it is digital with lights already in the branches.  The lights make little patterns and fades, change colours, etc.  I took it completely apart and then spent a day assembling it as the "trunk" was too long for even a large piece of luggage. 

I had brought it as a special request of our youngest daughter because at the time we couldn't find one like it in Moscow.  Well, about a week later we were walking in GUM, and there was the same tree which had caused my so much headache to bring to Russia!   :'(

So yes, the tree was hauled out of the 'black closet' and is up and well lighted.

Last year I found the cutest pair of slippers--decorated like Christmas reindeer--and when touched they say "ho ho ho, jingle bells."  They had been intended for a niece, however once MIL saw how they worked they ended up as a hallway decoration and we found something else cute for the niece.

This year that dang pair of slippers is still going and driving me out of my mind because every time someone rounds the hallway near the toilet, whether day or in the dead of night, the slippers on the wall break into "ho ho ho, jingle bells."    :fighting0025:

Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mirror on December 07, 2008, 01:05:28 AM
Mirror, how about at your home?

Well. We have small Yelka which one we always decorate with bright toys and multycolored lights. But looks like our Yelka's lights don't work correctly so today I am going to buy new one and we will decorate Yelka tommorow. I will take photo of our Yelka in night lights around and will show it here if you want.

I don't know how to surprise my son with New Year presents from Ded Moroz because he truly believes still in a real Ded Moroz. :-X
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 07, 2008, 07:25:10 AM
Mirror, please do post your photos!  I believe that our members would be thrilled to see how a RW decorates her home, and you are a very good photographer as well.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 08, 2008, 02:17:15 PM
New Years' Gift Idea


THE MADONNAS OF LENINGRAD by Debra Dean
Publisher Wm. Morrow
(Historical Novel)


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Looking for a gift for a Russian who reads English or a Western relative who is intereted in Russia?

A wonderfully spare and elegant novel in which the 900-day siege of Leningrad during World War II is echoed by the destructive siege against the mind and memory of an elderly Russian woman suffering from Alzheimer's. The novel shifts between two settings: 1941 Leningrad, when the city was surrounded by German troops, and the present-day, as Marina, who had been a docent at Leningrad's Hermitage Museum during WWII, prepares for the wedding of her granddaughter off the coast of Seattle in the Pacific Northwest. THE MADONNAS OF LENINGRAD is first and foremost an eloquent tribute to the beauty and resilience of memory, especially as contrasted to the incomparable devastation that comes with its loss to Alzheimer's.

The Hermitage houses many of Europe's greatest treasures, from Greek and Roman sculpture to masterpieces from the Renaissance and the Dutch Baroque period, to some of the greatest paintings of the impressionists. In the Fall of 1941, the collection's very existence was threatened by the looming German invasion. As German troops tightened their grip on the city, Marina and her colleagues scrambled to evacuate the hundreds of thousands of priceless pieces of art from the former Tsarist Palace. As they did so, they committed the masterpieces of art to memory, creating for themselves and for future generations what they called a "Memory Palace."

The novel shifts between the present and Marina's past almost seamlessly. In the present, Marina is slowly losing her grip on reality. She has trouble deciphering between what is happening at the wedding, and events that took place decades ago during the siege of Leningrad. Scenes of starvation during the war are juxtaposed with the marriage feast, and with Marina's memories of the empty Hermitage and its absent paintings. As Marina's thoughts focus on the Siege of Leningrad through the prism of the empty Hermitage and its absent art-works, it becomes clear that the skill that once sustained her - her ability to remember what she has lost - is slowing leaving her.

THE MADONNAS OF LENINGRAD is a moving novel of tremendous impact, beautifully told. The concluding scene is both heartbreaking and joyful, and one you will not forget soon.



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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 08, 2008, 02:35:36 PM
Ukrainian CHRISTMAS KUTYA (from RUA moderator Chris)

This is a Christmas tradition each year for Ukrainians, and many Russians.

To the Ukrainians Christmas is not Christmas without Kutya, a ritual dish and an integral part of the Holy Night Meal, is served only during the Christmas cycle of holidays which ends with the Feast of Jordan on January 19. Kutia is often the first dish in the traditional twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper (also known as Svyateh Vetchnyat). It is rarely served at other times of the year.

The origin of this dish goes back to days immemorial when the early Ukrainian ancestors first cultivated wheat. A relic of customs practised three thousand years before the Christmas era. This dish should be prepared several days ahead of of time for flavour to develop. It keeps very well in the refrigerator for 2 weeks or so. Kutya is high in nutritional value and should be eaten any time.


Ingredients
2 cups cleaned wheat berries
3-4 quarts water
1 cup cleaned poppy seeds
1/3 cup honey
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup hot water
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans


Method
1.   Wash wheat in cold water and soak overnight in the 3 to 4 quarts of water.
2.   The next day, bring the water to a boil then simmer for 4 to 5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3.   The wheat is ready when the kernels burst open and the fluid is thick and creamy.
4.   Chop the poppy seed in a food processor (or coffee grinder) (or you can buy ground poppy seeds in some deli's) and set aside.
5.   Mix honey, sugar and hot water.
6.   Mix the honey mixture, poppy seeds, and chopped nuts and wheat.
7.   More honey can be added to taste.
8.   Keep in refrigerator.   


Traditional Ukrainian Cookery:


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: ECR844 on December 08, 2008, 02:39:58 PM
"Mendy,"

  Thanks for posting pics of how Russia looks during the holidays. They are very nice. Please continue to share them with us.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 08, 2008, 03:14:40 PM
If you have a few extra grand sitting idle, here is a bottle of vodka called "Christmas Fairtale."


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: ECR844 on December 08, 2008, 03:38:08 PM
"Mendeleyev,"

That's right up there with the Faberge Egg jewel encrusted vodka


(http://img.alibaba.com/photo/10842452/Vodka_Imperial_Collection.jpg)

Ignore the tall 'thin' refill bottle in the middle that goes for a mere $100.00... But the Vodka and shot glasses on the left fit inside the egg on the right. :o
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: ECR844 on December 08, 2008, 03:47:08 PM
If you have a few extra grand sitting idle, here is a bottle of vodka called "Christmas Fairtale."


(Attachment Link)

http://glavvino.com/tale_en.htm

(http://glavvino.com/gallery/tale_1.jpg)
(http://glavvino.com/gallery/tale_2.jpg)
(http://glavvino.com/gallery/tale_3.jpg)


http://www.alibaba.com/catalog/11487437/Christmas_Fairy_Tale_Vodka.html
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 08, 2008, 04:50:27 PM
Recipe from Mendeleyev's Mother (may her memory be eternal)


It not Slavic but is European. My family was Dutch and so we set out wooden shoes instead of stockings on the night of Christmas Eve for St Nicholas to leave little candies, etc, inside the shoes.

My mother had a wonderful tradition of making fruit candlesticks which we'd eat on Christmas Eve.  At the bottom was a pineapple ring (the candle stand) from canned pineapples.  Then she'd set half bananas (as if candles) upright inside each ring.  Then she would top the bananas with red cherries (fire).  Then she'd take whipped cream and dish it around the bottom of the rings (for snow). 

After singing some songs and wishing each other a Merry Christmas we'd eat our "candles!"   


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 09, 2008, 10:52:29 AM
Time for some "Russian" Christmas music!

There is not the wealth of "Christmas Carols" in Slavic traditon for a couple of reasons.  First for years the music of Christmas was mainly liturgical and primarily written by the great Russian classical composers.  Second, 78 years of Communism downplayed the Christmas themes at a time when the rest of the world was exploding with a new genre of simple and fun Christmas songs.

But we'll seek out some of the songs available so that you can play them here.


"Fluffy Christmas" by Лиза Монд (Lisa Monde).
(With references to Santa instead of Grandfather Frost, and recorded in English, this song is aimed at a Western market.)

The snowflakes are falling on my hair.
I am waiting for New Year to come.
Big Christmas-tree is shining over there.
I admire it and whisper to myself:

«My dear Santa, please, do come
And bring me puppy, white, as snow,
Also as fluffy, as the snow,
And very tender, as sea wave».

At Christmas night I heard the Rudolf's bells,
And I understood that Santa was here.
I got out of my bed and opened the door.
A small basket was standing there.

And in the basket there was
A little puppy of my own,
Also as fluffy, as the snow,
And very tender, as sea wave.

My dear Santa, please, do come
And bring me puppy, white, as snow,
Also as fluffy, as the snow,
And very tender, as sea wave.



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Trans Siberian Orchestra "A Nutcracker Suite"
(Adaptation of the classical ballet, the Nutcracker, or Щелкунчик/"Shchelkunchik" is a fairy tale-ballet in two acts, three scenes, by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.)
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Olga_Mouse on December 09, 2008, 10:57:52 AM

Weather report from Moscow:

10 days ago there was some snow:

(Attachment Link)


Hey, hey, you took a photo of the house I live in without my permission!!
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: ECR844 on December 09, 2008, 11:19:30 AM

Weather report from Moscow:

10 days ago there was some snow:

(Attachment Link)


Hey, hey, you took a photo of the house I live in without my permission!!

I bet you have plenty of room to scurry around in the presidential residence, eh :D :P 8) :laugh:
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Olga_Mouse on December 09, 2008, 11:22:14 AM

I bet you have plenty of room to scurry around in the presidential residence, eh :D :P 8) :laugh:


Actually there was not the presidential residence, but my street...

Photo taken around 15:30 - 16:00, judging by the direction and density of the traffic...
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 09, 2008, 11:30:02 AM
Olga, I knocked on the door but you weren't home!   :biggrin:


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Olga_Mouse on December 09, 2008, 11:35:06 AM

Olga, I knocked on the door but you weren't home!   :biggrin:

(Attachment Link)


Mendy, it was NOT the picture I was refererring to  :D
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 09, 2008, 12:01:13 PM
Я знаю.  Do you really live on this street?  It's a lovely area, especially in winter.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 09, 2008, 11:13:45 PM
Announcement:

Yesterday President Dmitry Medvedev called on the Russian people to observe a vigil in honour of Patriarch Alexi II, who died on Friday morning and whose funeral was yesterday, Tuesday.

Therefore today, Wednesday, we will not post any special New Year or Christmas features in this thread. This thread will open again after sundown on Wednesday evening. Thank you for your graceful understanding.

We have complete coverage of the funeral here at RUA. As such an event rarely occurs, we encourage you to visit and share in this experience with the Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarussian people who considered Alexi to be their spiritual leader: http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php/topic,1962.msg73607.html#msg73607


May the memory of Your servant Alexi II be eternal. Amen.


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 10, 2008, 11:30:14 PM
Thank you to everyone for your respect and solidarity with the Russian people during this time of loss.  A friend with whom I work asked me if the death of a Patriarch had the same effect on religious people here when a Pope dies.

Not even close, I replied.  In Russia the history of Orthodoxy and the Russian culture is so intertwined that the impact is far greater.  It touches everyone at some level, not just those who are religious.  The Patriarch in Russia is for all practical purposes the 2nd most powerful influence in the country.  At times in history given a weak Tsar, the influence of a strong leader in the form of a Patriarch was even greater. 

We in the West because of separation of church and state tend to want to separate it for Russia also.  But Russia doesn't buy into that concept and never has in history.  So things we see as exclusively religious are often viewed very differently in the heritage and culture of the Russian people.  With that understanding, the death of a Patriarch culturally touches even those Russians who are of other religions.

If you've not done so you might want to express your regret at the Patriarch's passing to your lady.  The funeral is over now so don't overdo it, but an acknowledgment on your part could help her feel like you are reaching out to understand her world.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 10, 2008, 11:59:18 PM
Snegurochka (Snow Maiden)
Снегурочка


A long time ago in the forests of Russia there lived a peasant by the name of Ivan with his wife, Maria. Although they loved each other very much and had many friends, they were unhappy because they had no children.

One winter day, they watched the village children build a snowman. "Let's build a snowman, too!," said Ivan. And they proceeded to craft a pretty little maiden out of snow. Struck with their creation, Ivan said, "Little snowmaiden, speak to me." Maria exclaimed, "Yes, come to life so you can romp and play like the other children!" Before their very eyes, Snegurochka became a real girl. "I have come from the land of winter, ice and snow," said the little girl. She ran and hugged them. There was joyous singing, dancing and celebrating in the village that night. All that long Russian winter Snegurochka romped and played with the other children. Everyone loved her. She, Ivan and Maria were very happy.

Then one day, when the first signs of spring appeared, Snegurochka came to Ivan and Maria, and with tear-filled eyes told them that she must go away, up North to the land of snow. They begged her to stay. Upset, Ivan jumped up and shut the door to the hut so the Snow Maiden couldn't leave, and Maria hugged her tight. But as she held the little girl, the child melted away. Ivan and Maria wept bitterly.

All spring and summer they were lonely. Summer turned into fall and fall into winter and once again it was cold and icy outside. One night a familiar voice was heard. "Mother! Father! Open the door! The snow has brought me back once more!" Ivan threw open the door and Snegurochka ran into their arms. All that winter she lived with them and played with the other village children. But in the spring she had to go back North, whence she had come. This time Ivan and Maria did not weep, knowing she would return once more when winter appeared on the land. And so it was that the Snow Maiden brought warmth and joy to Ivan and Maria during the long, cold, Russian winter for many, many, many years.



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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 11, 2008, 11:08:28 PM
Here is a very nice video of the holidays in Moscow:




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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 12, 2008, 12:00:29 AM
The Russian connection to the song "Silent Night"

In 1818, a roving band of actors was performing in towns throughout the Austrian Alps.  On December 23 they arrived at Oberndorf, a village near Salzburg where they were scheduled to perform the story of Christ's birth in the Church of St. Nicholas.

Unfortunately, the St. Nicholas church organ wasn't working and would not be repaired before Christmas.  Because the church organ was out of commission, the actors presented their Christmas drama in a private home.  That Christmas presentation put assistant pastor Josef Mohr in a meditative mood.  So, instead of walking straight to his house, Mohr took a longer way home.  His path took him up over a hill overlooking the village.

From that hilltop, Mohr looked down on the peaceful snow-covered village.  Reveling in the wintry night's majestic silence, he gazed down at the glowing scene.  His thoughts about the Christmas play he had just seen reminded him of a poem he had written a couple of years earlier.  The poem about the night when angels announced the birth of the long-awaited Messiah to shepherds on a hillside.

Mohr decided those words would make a good carol for his church to sing the following evening at their Christmas eve service. However, he didn't have any music to which that poem could be sung. So, the next day Mohr went to see the church organist, Franz Xaver Gruber.

Although he only had a few hours to come up with something, by that evening, Gruber had composed a musical setting for Mohr's poem which could be sung with a guitar (since the organ was broken).  On Christmas Eve, the little Oberndorf congregation heard Gruber and Mohr sing their new composition to the accompaniment of Gruber's guitar.
 
 Weeks later, well-known organ builder Karl Mauracher arrived to fix the St. Nicholas church organ.  When he finished, Mauracher stepped back to let Gruber test the instrument.  When Gruber sat down, he began playing the melody he had written for Mohr's Christmas poem.  Deeply impressed, Mauracher took the music and words of "Silent Night" back to his own Alpine village, Kapfing.  There, two well-known families of singers, the Rainers and the Strassers, heard it.  Captivated by "Silent Night," both groups put the new song into their Christmas season repertoire. 

The following Christmas of 1819, the Rainer Family Singers sang "Stille Nacht" in the village church of Fügen (Zillertal).  Three years later they sang it for royalty.  Emperor Francis I of Austria and his ally Czar Alexander I of Russia were staying in the nearby castle of Count Dönhoff (now Bubenberg Castle).  The Rainer Family performed the carol and were invited to Russia for a series of concerts.

In 1834 the Strasser Family Singers sang "Silent Night" for King Frederick William IV of Prussia.  He was so taken with what the Strassers called their "Song of Heaven," that he commanded it to be sung by his cathedral choir every Christmas Eve.

It spread through Europe and in 1839 the Raniers brought the song to America as the "Tyrolean Folk Song" where they sung it at the Alexander Hamilton Monument, outside Trinity Church, in New York city. Since then it has been translated into over 300 languages and dialects.


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- Joseph Mohr wrote the words for "Silent Night" while assigned to a pilgrim church in Mariapfarr, Austria in 1816.

- Franz Gruber composed the music for "Silent Night" on December 24, 1818 at his residence in Arnsdorf, Austria.


This is a very pretty rendition of "Silent Night"



Silent Night
Тихая ночь, святую ночь
Все спокойно, все ярко
Круглый Ен Девы Матери и ребенка
Святой Детская так торгов и мягкая
Спящий в небесном мире
Спящий в небесном мире

Тихая ночь, святую ночь
Сын Божий, любовь в чистом свете
Излучающие балки из Твоих святых лицом
Что заре погашения льготного
Иисусу: "Господи, в Твои рождения
"Господи, в Твои рождения

Тихая ночь, святую ночь!
Пастухи землетрясение на глазах
поток с небес издалека
Небесный хостов петь Аллилуиа!
Христос, Спаситель родился
Спаситель родился


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: ECR844 on December 12, 2008, 08:09:41 AM
Here's a version in Russia by 'Yulia.'

Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Jared2151 on December 12, 2008, 08:55:04 AM
Absolutely beautiful .....  :loving:
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 13, 2008, 07:36:43 PM
A traditional New Years' song


В лесу родилась елочка (V lesu rodilas' yolotchka)
In the woods was born a Christmas tree

В лесу родилась елочка,
В лесу она росла,
Зимой и летом стройная,
Зеленая была.

Метель ей пела песенку:
"Спи, елочка, бай-бай!"
Мороз снежком укутывал:
"Смотри, не замерзай!"


Трусишка зайка серенький
Под елочкой скакал.
Порою волк, сердитый волк
Рысцою пробегал.


Везет лошадка дровенки,
А в дровнях старичок,
Срубил он нашу елочку
Под самый корешок.


Теперь она, нарядная,
На праздник к нам пришла
И много, много радости
Детишкам принесла

LISTEN to the Russian version:


English lyrics
In the woods was born a Christmas tree,
it was growing in the wood
In summer and winter it was straight and green.
The snow sang it a lullaby:
Sleep Christmas tree, sleep tight!
The frost put snow around it saying: don't freeze!
The rabbit hopped under it, the angry wolf just ran by.
An old man came and chopped it down.
And now you are here beautiful on the party here with us.
And you gave children lots and lots of happiness and fun.



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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 14, 2008, 09:56:10 PM
Have you heard "Last Christmas" sung in Russian?

This is a great sound and accompanied by some great holiday scenes to put you in the mood. 


In the background you can hear "С Новым Годом!" (Happy New Year!)



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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 15, 2008, 09:32:23 PM
The Christmas story of Babushka


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As we explore the world of Russian and Ukrainian holiday traditions, music and food, its time that we complete our cast of characters with the traditional story of Babushka.  Everyone knows that its a common word for elderly lady or sometimes grandmother, but this one particular Babuskha has a special place in the story of Slavic Christmas. So, here is the story:

Once in a small Russian town, there lived a women called Babushka. Babushka always had work to do sweeping, polishing, dusting and cleaning. Her house was the best kept, most tidy house in the whole village. Her garden was beautiful and her cooking was wonderful. One evening she was busy dusting and cleaning, so busy that she didn't hear all the villagers outside in the village square talking about and looking at the new star in sky.

She had heard about the new star but thought, 'All this fuss about a star! I don't even have the time to look because I'm so behind with my work. I must work all night!' So, she missed the star as it shone brightly, high overhead. She also missed the little line of twinkling lights coming down towards the village at dawn. She didn't hear the sounds of the pipes and drums. She missed the voices and whispers of the villagers wondering whether the lights were an army or a procession of some sort. She missed the sudden quiet of the villagers and even the footsteps coming up the path to her door. But the one thing that she couldn't miss was the loud knocking on her front door!

'Now what is that?' she wondered, opening the door. Babushka gaped in amazement. There were three kings at her door with one of their servants! 'My masters need a place to rest,' the servant said, 'and yours is the best house in the village.' 'You want to stay here?' asked Babushka. 'Yes, it would only be until night falls and the star appears again,' the servant replied. Babushka gulped. 'Come in, then,' she said.

The kings were very pleased when they saw all of the of the home-baked bread, pies and cakes. She dashed about, serving them, asking lots of questions. 'Have you come a long way?' 'A very long way,' sighed Caspar. 'Where are you going?' 'We're following the new star,' said Melchior. 'But where?' The kings didn't know, but they believed that it would lead the to a new-born king, a King of Earth and Heaven. 'Why don't you come with us?' asked Balthasar. 'You could bring him a gift like we do. I bring gold, and my colleagues bring spices and perfumes.' 'Oh, I'm not sure that he would welcome me,' said Babushka, 'and what could I bring for a gift? Toys! I know I could bring a toy. I've got a cupboard full of toys,' she said sadly. 'My baby son, died when he was small.' Balthasar stopped her as she went to tidy the kitchen up. 'This new king could be your king too. Come with us when the star appears tonight,' he said. 'I'll think about it,' sighed Babushka.

As the kings slept, Babushka tidied up as quietly as she could. 'What a lot of extra work there was!' she thought, 'and this new king, what a funny idea, to go off with the kings to find him.'

Babushka shook herself. There was no time for dreaming, all this washing-up and putting away had to be done. 'Anyway,' she thought, 'how long would she be away? What would she wear? What about the gift?' She sighed. 'There is so much to do. The house will have to be cleaned when they've gone. I couldn't just leave it.' Suddenly it was night-time again and the star was in the sky. 'Are you ready, Babushka?' asked Balthasar. 'I'll come tomorrow,' Babushka called, 'I must just tidy here first and find a gift.'

The kings went away sadly. Babushka ran back into her house, keen to get on with her work.

Finally, she went to the small cupboard, opened the door and gazed at all the toys. But they were very dusty. They weren't fit for a baby king. They would all need to be cleaned. She cleaned all of the toys until each one shined. Babushka looked through the window. It was morning! The star had came and gone. The kings would have found somewhere else to rest by now. She could easily catch them up, but she felt so tired. She had to sleep. The next thing she knew, she was awake and it was dark outside. She had slept all day! She quickly pulled on her cloak, packed the toys in a basket and ran down the path the kings had taken.

Everywhere she asked 'Have you seen the kings?' 'Oh yes,' everyone told her, 'we saw them. They went that way.' For day Babushka followed the trail of the kings and the villages got bigger and became towns. But Babushka never stopped. Then she came to a city. 'The palace,' she thought. 'That's where the royal baby would be born.' 'No, there is no royal baby here,' said the palace guard when she asked him. 'What about three kings?' asked Babushka. 'Oh yes, they came here, but they didn't stay long. They were soon on their journey.' 'But where to?' asked Babushka. 'Bethlehem, that was the place. I don't imagine why. It's a very poor place. That's where they went.' replied the guard. She set off towards Bethlehem. It was evening when Babushka arrived at Bethlehem and she had been travelling for a long time. She went into the local inn and asked about the kings. 'Oh yes,' said the landlord, 'the kings were here two days ago. They were very excited, but they didn't even stay the night.' 'And what about a baby?' Babushka cried. 'Yes there was.' Said the landlord. The kings asked about a baby, too.' When he saw the disappointment in Babushka's eyes, he stopped. 'If you'd like to see where the baby was,' he said quickly, 'it was across the yard there. I couldn't offer the couple anything better at the time. My inn was really full, so they had to go in the stable.'

Babushka followed him across the yard. 'Here's the stable,' he said. He left her in the stable. 'Babushka?' Someone was calling her from the doorway. He looked kindly at her. She wondered if he knew where the family had gone. She knew now that the baby king was the most important thing in the world to her. 'They have gone to Egypt, and safety,' he told Babushka. 'And the kings have returned to their countries. But one of them told me about you. I am sorry but you are too late. It was Jesus that they found, the world's Saviour.'

Babushka was very sad that she had missed Jesus and it is said that Babushka is still looking for him.



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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 16, 2008, 09:22:59 AM
Honey Prianiki (Gingerbread) for the Holidays (медовые лряники)


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Gingerbread, or prianiki, iss a favorite treat throughout Europe including Russia, Lithuania, Estonia and Poland. In the beginning, prianiki is made of flour, honey and sometimes, egg. With the creation of leavening agents, such as baking soda and baking powder, prianiki took on height. Honey began as an essential ingredient as refined sugar was not available in Europe or Russia in centuries past.

Baking prianiki is a matter of pride for many Slavic communities. During the 1500 to 1800s, some of the most popular bakers of ginger bread were Nuremberg in Germany, Torun in Poland and Tula, Vyazma and Arkhangelsk in Russia. In Tula, bakers garnished their prianiki with berry jams while Vyazma introduced the use of molasses. Arkhangelsk created fancy little shaped cakes, bathed in colored icings.

Traditional prianiki is dense, spicy and chewy, not crunchy as is the case with modern ginger cookies. Prianiki were and are made in many shapes and are often stamped with a wooden press to produce a design on the surface of the cake. Possibly the most popular prianiki comes from Tula, south of Moscow and famed home of metal crafts and samovar production. Not surprising considering prainiki is perfect with a hot, dark cup of tea!

What follows is a traditional Russian recipe for prianiki. It's easy to prepare and sure to be a joy during the Holidays, or any time throughout the year. This recipe will make about 15 - 18 cakes. Of course, you can cut your dough into any desired shape.


Honey Gingerbread ingredients
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups honey
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 kg (2.2 lbs) flour [NOTE: 1 lb is about 4 cups]
2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
powdered sugar and cinnamon


Method
Beat eggs and sugar until thick. Add honey and vanilla and mix well. Sift flour, soda, cinnamon and nutmeg and fold into mixture. Set aside for 24 hours. Dough should be stiff.

Roll out on a flat sheet. Either cut into shapes or roll up tightly and cut into 1/4 inch thick widths.

Bake on greased cookie sheet at 375 for 15 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and cinnamon.


Or if you don't fancy that recipe, here is another popular alternative:

Prianiki - Gingerbread (лряники)

Ingredients
1 oz butter
6 oz honey (I like wildflower honey best)
6 oz jam (plum is preferred, quince is good too)
1 egg
8 oz plain flour
2 oz icing sugar (confectioner's sugar)
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp each cardomon, ginger, and cinnamon
1 tbs crushed blanched almonds
2 tbs freshly squeezed lemon juice


Method
- Cream together butter and honey
- Add egg and beat
- Blend in baking soda, spices and almonds
- Add enough flour to make a soft ball of dough
- Cover with waxed paper and refrigerate for 1 hour
- Heat oven to 350 F and prepare a lightly floured board
- Roll out dough to 1/8" thickness
- With a 2 - 3" floured cutter, cut out an even number of circles
- Cut each circle in half
- Spread half with jam and place other half on top, sealing edges
- Place on greased baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes
- Reduce oven heat to 325 F and bake for 10 more minutes
- Cool cakes on a wire rack
- Combine lemon juice and icing sugar, drizzle over cooled cakes


Or you can find a Russian store and buy some!


[attachimg=#] Gingerbread with cowberries.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 16, 2008, 09:34:56 AM
Today's topics on "A Russian New Year and Christmas" is brought to you by the fine folks at the RUA Culture and Recipe section.  These hard working elves have been slaving over a hot microwave in order to bring you the time tested and most popular Russian, Ukrainian and Belarussian recipes for everything from borsch to chicken cutlets to vegetable and meat salads.

When you want the ability to creat a Russian table at your fingertips, visit RUA recipes!  With separate threads for breads/pies/cakes, soups, salads, holiday dishes, etc, we've made your next entertaining project easy to research and copy.

And now on special you can download or copy any of the holiday (New Year-Christmas-Easter) recipes for FREE!  It's our gift you to you, but hurry this offer won't last forever.     tiphat


Just click on: http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php?topic=2339.0


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 16, 2008, 12:43:54 PM
Holiday Prisoners


No mention of New Years or Christmas would be complete without an acknowledgment and salute to prisoners in Russian prisons.

Even when guilty, the prisoner leaves behind a family of which often includes innocent children who will suffer because of the transgressions of a parent.  Our hearts go out to those little ones.

And in Russia one doesn't need to be guilty of a crime to go to prison--even today.  Grigory Pasko, journalist, will spend his another New Year as a free man this year, after several years behind bars.  His crime was writing stories not approved by the government.

In Pasko's book, Мы поем глухим (We sing to the Deaf), Grigory describes the 3 shifts he endured in prison.  Imagine a prison so crowded that prisoners sleep in shifts!  Every day he was awakened by the shouts of "Get up so someone else can sleep!"

Pasko was lucky, he spent most of his time in "red colonies," although he was transferred on average 3 times per year to different prisons.  Such transfers are done to keep the families of prisoners off guard so they don't establish routines of regular visits and support to prisoners.  Another current tactic, taken from the Tsars and Stalin, is to transfer prisoners far, far away from the homes of their families.


[attachimg=#] Modern Russian prison yard.


Prisons in which the authorities have gained control of the prison life are called "red" colonies.  Prisons where the authorities are not in control are called "black" colonies.

That's an over simplification so here is more of an explanation: Life in prisons is regulated by "vorovskye zakony"- "thief law", an oral collection of traditions, some of which go back to the times of the tsars. This "law" is interpreted by the highest of the four "suits" (castes) - the "blacks" or "thieves". There is a further elite to be found inside of this elite comprised of "established" or "legalised thieves" (vory v zakone), these represent the very top of the criminal underworld, and number only a few hundred in the whole of Russia (mafia).

The majority of the prisoners are in the second caste- the "greys" or "lads" (muzhiky). The third caste includes those who cooperate with the administration; it is called the "reds" or "rams". The fourth caste includes mostly those who have committed serious violations against the "thief’s law." Castes are also further divided into subgroups. Detailed materials about Russian prison culture are available at www.prison.org in the Russian language.

Obviously prison administrations are never happy about "thieves" having the final word about life inside a prison. But, the reality is that in every colony there is a more or less open war going on between the administration and the "blacks". The prisons themselves are divided into "red" ones, where the administration has an upper hand, and has managed to establish a network of informers amongst the prison population - thus enabling the ruling caste to become the "rams" (reds), not the "thieves". The prisons where the "thieves" have the upper hand are called "black". Usually, the higher security level a prison has, the more solidarity there is between prisoners, and the more the “thieves" tend to have an established position - thus higher security prisons are more likely to be "black" ones.
 
Even today in Russia, an "investigation" can continue after one has been tried and sentenced so that the state can "finalize" it's case against the defendant.  In common language--the prosecution doesn't yet have an airtight case but wants to wrap it all up in case the prisoner decides to make an appeal.  Often it is on holidays that investigators approach prisoners with the promise of allowing more family access in exchange for a full confession or more details upon which to build a case against you.


Here is a common recipe for "Prison New Year cake" from Pasko's book:
Take one handful of breadcrumbs made from gray bread, a couple of spoonfuls of powdered milk, water, and sugar. If you’ve got some condensed milk or a spoonful of honey, that’s super. Mix it all together, set it out in the winter cold next to the window bars for 20-30 minutes, and voila, your holiday cake is ready. So tasty you’ll be licking your fingers!


Russia's most famous political prisoner is Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who has so far spent 1,725 days in jail, and has another 1,195 to go, if he serves the full sentence passed by the Moscow City Court. He could now face even more time in jail now: on July 1, 2008 new charges accusing him of laundering $28.0 billion were filed by Russian prosecutors.

Khodorkovsky was convicted in a Moscow court but sentened originally in one of Russia's infamous "telephone sentences," the practice by which judges are told what the sentence should be through a phone call from the executive office (President).

Khodorkovsky has not managed to stay out of trouble even in prison.  Last year Russia's highest court convicted the jailed oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky for violating official regulations that forbid prisoners to share food with each other.

Khodorkovsky was placed in an isolation cell for 10 days this past June on a food sharing violation. Khodorkovsky attorney's pointed out that the ban on sharing food clearly violates Russian and international law, but that didn't seem to matter to the Supreme Court.


Journalist Grigory Pasko closes with a holiday wish for today's prisoners:
Of course I understand how it is for them, sitting in faraway places, to meet the new year with a sense of foreboding about a new term or new problems. I understand, because I’ve gone through it myself.

And this is why I sincerely wish all of them on this day to be upbeat and merry nevertheless – to spite their enemies and to bolster the spirits of their families.

Remember: everything’s got to end sometime. Even a prison term…



[attachimg=#] Tatoos tell everything about a prisoner's rank.



Mendeleyev note:  My first Moscow apartment overlooked a prison yard and it became my evening source of "entertainment" to sit on my balcony and watch the proceedings.  Better than Russian TV!

Several months into life there came to an abrupt halt however when I filed two stories via Satellite at Radio Mayak studios to NBC's Los Angeles downlink, one of which dealt with prison life, much from observations on my balcony.  In a hurry to meet a deadline I had ignored the practice that "as a courtesy" such a story needed to be cleared by the Russian Press Dept.

My "sentence" was a stern 48 hour notice to move to a new district which turned out to be a blessing.  My new apartment was in the former Soviet writers district, a much nicer neighborhood and more modern apartment--including hot water in summer!  And the rent was $100 cheaper per month. 

I got off more than lucky....could have had my visa revoked.


[attachimg=#] Offer a prayer for prisoner and their families.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 16, 2008, 03:03:07 PM
Can an American write "Russian" Christmas music?


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In 1944, in an attempt to improve Soviet-American relations, a holiday symphonic concert was held in Denver, Colorado. The intention was to premiere new works by Soviet and American composers. Sixteen days before the concert, it was discovered that the Soviet music selected to be performed - Prolkofiev's March, Op. 99 - had already premiered in the United States. With only sixteen days, 23-year-old American Alfred Reed was assigned to write a new piece of "Russian music" to be performed at the concert. Thirteen days later, on December 12, 1944, on nationally broadcast NBC radio, "Russian Christmas Music" by Alfred Reed made its debut. Two days later, it was performed in concert in Denver.

"Russian Christmas Music" was influenced by an authentic Russian Christmas song "Carol of the Little Russian Children" used as a theme for the introduction, and Reeds research of the liturgical music of the Eastern Orthodox Church, which is purely vocal and non-instrumental, for thematic ideas to complete the score. One critic wrote "Alfred Reed has captured the sonorities, rhythmic inflections, clarity, and flowing phrases of the human voice in his composition".

The composition is one movement that can be divided into four distinct sections:

The opening, "Carol of the Little Russian Children," is slow-paced and uses an instrumental of bells, tubas and clarinets for its melody. Voices join with the instruments, and the section ends (approximately 3 minutes).

The "Antiphonal Chant" has a more upbeat tempo than the opening and uses an instrumental of trombones, horns, trumpets, and cornets to carry the melody, followed by a more frenzied sound when the woodwinds enter, escalating to a loud ending (approximately 2 minutes).

The "Village Song" is still upbeat but mellower, features solos of the english horns and flutes, bounces between the woodwinds and the brass, softens and ends with a solo of the english horns (approximately 5 minutes).




Footnote:  Alfred Reed, a West Virginia, was a blind composer and life-long student of Russian and Armenian music history.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 16, 2008, 04:15:33 PM
The New Year comes first....


New Year is the principal winter holiday and Christmas follows in January. The New Year's tree (called "yolka") is identical to a Christmas tree and is decorated in the same way, with ornaments, lights, and garland.

Folklore holds that Ded Moroz ("Grandfather Frost") is charged with the responsibility for delivering presents on New Year's Eve. He is a large, bearded and grandfatherly man resembling Santa Claus, although he has no saintly identity. He emerges on New Year's Eve with a gargantuan, overflowing sack of gifts and dispenses them to each family. The actual procedure of doing this is not a significant component of the mythology.

Instead of elves to help him, Ded Moroz has his grand-daughter Snegurochka ("Snowmaiden"). Snegurochka is generally portrayed as an attractive young blond girl, often dressed in light winter attire.

Presents are the essential part of the New Year. There is no requirement of waiting until the morning of New Year's Day to open them; instead, they are usually presented and opened shortly after the clock strikes midnight and the greetings with the New Year begin.

Perhaps one would think that with the observation of such traditions on New Year, there comes a certain solemnity that precludes party-style celebration. This is not true. In fact, both are easily reconciled. New Year's parties, complete with drinking and dancing, are in fact very common, especially among young people.

Presents are generally a thing intended to be shrouded in mystery and surprise.
It is a vital element of the present that it is picked out by the person giving it, that it is sincere and comes from the heart. It is also important to be surprised; advance knowledge of your present defeats the entire purpose. Presents are generally things of quality but modest in quantity.

It is also a matter of principle that presents retain a fog of mystery. That is to say, it is inappropriate to inquire as to when, where, and how your present was obtained, before or after receiving it. It is also forbidden to ask about the price. The less you know, the better, and the more magical it is.



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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 17, 2008, 04:37:45 PM
For our Ukrainian friends here is a Ukrainian Christmas carole:




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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 20, 2008, 02:01:25 AM
The staff and Moderators of RUA hope you enjoy these Christmas songs and scenes:


This song by Enya features the Russian Monastery on Solovki island which is located in the White Sea. The monastery was founded there in 1430.  Stalin closed the Monastery and made it into a Gulag prison camp where thousands died from inhumane treatment, starvation, exposure to the elements and disease.

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It is now again a Monastery dedicated to praying for those who suffered and serving Russia's less fortunate.


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Here is another Christmas song, dedicated to Russian and Ukrainian children who will spend this New Year and Christmas in an orphanage:

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This little doll lives in the orphanage at Makeevka (Макіївка), Ukraine. Over 80 children live at the Snowdrop Orphanage there.



[attachimg=#] A dormitory room at the orphanage.


The Orphanage furnace is broken this year and several Western agencies are collecting funds as it will cost about $12K to repair the furnace.  Extra blankets and warm clothing is also needed for the children until the repairs can be made. The group "Quilts for Orphans" an international group is coordinating the fundraising.  The telephone number if you are interested is 1(574) 936-3700 in the USA.


[attachimg=#] Ukrainian boys at the orphanage.



"Christmas Secrets" Enya



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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 21, 2008, 11:00:50 PM
Mrs Mendeleyeva was laughing last night about how Russians manage to squeeze every last drop of juice of a holiday.  Previously the season started on New Years' Eve and lasted thru Christmas on 7 January and then on thru the "Old New Year" on 13/14 January.

Now more and more Russian families are finding ways to stretch the holiday to 25 December-1 January-7 January-to 14 January.   :chuckle:


Some days ago we featured music from Russian singer "Yulia."  Turns out she is Yulia MacLean from New Zealand, a Russian bride, with several hit albums under her corsett.

Here she is with "Mary's Boy Child"



Hark the Herald Angels Sing


Silent Night and Video show



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Title: A Mini Guide to Celebrating Christmas and New Year in Ukraine/Russia
Post by: Mila on December 23, 2008, 09:50:10 AM
    The purpose of this post is to try to give some useful information on how Christmas and New Year are celebrated here in Ukraine versus western countries. Of course, if you are married to a Russian/Ukrainian lady, then you will be already familiar with most/all of what I am about to say...
  To begin with, New Year is a much more important holiday for Ukrainian /Russian people than Christmas. We celebrate New Year on December 31-1st of January. We even have New Year tree instead of Christmas tree. Usually our people celebrate New Year for three or more days, but for the majority of older people, Christmas is a more important holiday and of course this is a big holiday for religious people. For younger people, especially those in their twenties, celebrating New Year on New Year's Eve makes them feel part of the international community and less isolated from the rest of the world. We start to say "Happy New Year" at midnight of December 31 and usually 2-3 days before, people can just say to each other” WITH COMING HOLIDAY”; this phrase is very common for us. To my mind, all the preparations for celebrating New Year are the same all over the world; that’s why there is no sense to describe. But I would like to mention what kind of tradition we have at midnight of December 31. Usually when the chiming clock starts to beat 12.00, people try to think of a treasured wish and we all believe that this wish will certainly come true. Then we drink champagne and say each other “Happy New Year!” Lots of people go outdoors and light fireworks. But it is not appropriate in our country to grab the nearest person and start kissing; so, be careful please, :)as it may cause not very good consequences. You may only kiss your wife or girlfriend.
  Well, what about presents? I think it depends on your imagination; so I can only mention that there are no forbidden gifts on New Year and Christmas holidays. But, it is very common in our culture to give money to family members, as it is much easier when they buy what they really need or want. But nobody gives money on these holidays to friends - only presents. By the way, everybody knows that our women like to receive flowers almost on almost every occasion; :)of course, you can give flowers to your woman/wife, but in addition to a present, since giving only flowers is not very nice.
   I would like to add some more information about our Christmas. In Ukraine/Russia we have Orthodox Christmas on January 6-7. Usually, we celebrate this holiday only with relatives. Majority of children buy cakes and go to visit their Godparents. In return, Godparents buy very good presents for them and treat the children with home made food and sweets. There are lots of traditions and customs of celebrating New Year holidays in villages and they are very interesting in their own way.
   Regarding New Year and Christmas holidays, I can’t help mentioning Old New Year. We celebrate this holiday on January 13-14 and this is more of a religious holiday in comparison with New Year, which is a state holiday. A long time ago, our people celebrated New Year according to the Gregorian calendar; so it falls on 13-14. From January 1918 (i.e. after the October Revolution of 1917) with changing a power, we changed our traditions as well and started to celebrate New Year, according to the Julian calendar, on December 31-Jan1. That’s why we still have a tradition of celebrating Old New Year, especially among older people.     
   I wish everyone Merry Christmas and a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year! And if you are still looking for that special someone to share your life with, I wish you the best of luck with your search in 2009!
Here are a few phrases you may find useful (phonetic pronunciations shown in parenthesis):
English                                           Russian                                            Ukrainian

New Year                                      Noviy god                                        Noviy rik
Christmas                                    Razhdestvo                                     Ryzdvo                         
Happy New Year                        S Novim godom                              Z Novim rokom
Merry Christmas                        Schaslivovo Rozhdestva                Schaslivogo Rizdva
Old New Year                              Stariy Noviy god                               Stariy Noviy rik
Happy Old New Year                 S Starim Novim godom                  Z Starim Novim rokom
New Year greetings                   Novogodnie pozhelaniya               Novorichni pobazhannya
Grand Father Frost                    Ded Moroz                                         Did Moroz
Snow Maiden                              Snegurochka                                    Sniguron’ka
With coming holiday                 S Nastupauschim                            Z Nastupauchim
Present                                        Podarok                                             Podarunok                                       

   If you are coming to Ukraine and you end up meeting the parents/grandparents of your girlfriend/wife, it is worth bearing in mind that you could really impress them by wishing them Merry Christmas or Happy New Year in Ukrainian, since foreigners are generally not expected to know any Ukrainian at all.


Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 23, 2008, 01:32:03 PM
There is a very excellent post from our new RW member, Mila.  Mila has written a very nice post as "a mini guide to celebrating New Years and Christmas!" in the Culture section.

I think you'll like her writing style and enjoy what she has to say.  You can follow this link:
http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php?topic=5454.msg0#new



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Title: Re: A Mini Guide to Celebrating Christmas and New Year in Ukraine/Russia
Post by: mendeleyev on December 24, 2008, 10:54:02 AM
Mila, this is wonderful and I've linked it to our existing NewYear/Christmas thread, http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php?topic=5271.0. 

Thank you for posting the terms and I'll also be placing those (along with Russian Cyrillic) to the other thread soon.   

Welcome to RUA and we look forward to more of your contributions!  :uaflag:
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 24, 2008, 11:17:44 AM
Christmas in Bulgaria

We don't always give attention to some of the smaller former Soviet affiliated countries but last night we were spending some time with a Bulgarian family and that prompted the idea to post some information on Christmas in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria is a Slavic country and they use the Cyrillic alphabet in Bulgarian language however it's distinctively different from Russian, although some words are the same but most aren't.

Unlike Russia, Bulgaria does celebrate Christmas on 25 December and as I write this it is already Christmas day there.  Like other Slavic countries, the New Year holiday is the most important and is when gifts are exchanged.

So for any of you who may have a beautiful Bulgarian lady (they are very lovely too!), here is the latest Christmas news from the Bulgarian national news service, Sofia Echo:

His holiness patriarch Maxim will lead the evening mass on Christmas eve, starting at 6pm Bulgarian time in the Alexander Nevski Cathedral in central Sofia.

Bulgarian Orthodox priests from Australia, Canada, the US and the general secretary of the third synod, episcopal  Naum, as well as other priests from the cathedral will take part in the ceremony.


[attachimg=#] Bulgarian Orthodox Patriarch Maxim


On December 25 at 9.30am, outside the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, patriarch Maxim will present the ceremonial mass for the Birth of Christ.

The two services will be covered live by Bulgarian National Television and Bulgarian National Radio.

For the first time, the Bulgarian mass will be televised across the rest of the Orthodox world as well, with television crews having arrived from Russia, Greece and Ukraine.
(Sofia Echo News)


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From the evening I learned a fascinating factoid about Bulgaria--when Bulgarians nod their heads up and down, they mean NO. When they move their heads from side to side, they mean YES.   

It seems that a popular Christmas dish in Bulgaria is Baked Eggs with Spinach.  Here is the recipe if you'd like to try it:

Ingredients:
5 eggs,
300g sirene (cheese, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirene)
medium onion (finely chopped)
handful of spinach (finely chopped)
50g butter,
1 bunch of parsley,
salt


Preparation:
Mix the finely chopped spinach, onions, parsley and cheese (crumbled) and divide into 5 ovenproof bowls. Add equal parts of butter, salt and 1 tablespoon of water to each then bake in a preheated oven at 180 C. After 15-20 minutes, break an egg on top of each and add some more water if too dry. Cover with lids and bake until a crust is formed on.

Serve with a couple of olives as garnish alongside fresh bread and a cold beer. It makes 5 servings and takes about 30-35 minutes from start to finish.


(Since this recipe was given to me in these meausurements you'll have to convert them. Obviously since most of us probably won't have ready access to Bulgarian Goat Sirene--substitute any cheese, the more dry the better.)
 
Title: Re: A Mini Guide to Celebrating Christmas and New Year in Ukraine/Russia
Post by: Jinx on December 24, 2008, 11:28:34 AM
 Thanks for the post Mila, a lot of good info there.

 I have a question for Mila or any other Russian Woman or guy married to a RW. How do you celebrate HER Christmas on January 7? I have to admit I have not done a good job of recognizing this holiday with Nataly and she has let me know about it.  :(  What should I do? Should we go to Church, should I encourage some kind of get together with her Russian/Ukrainian friends, what? 

 Old New Year is another one, are we really supposed to get excited about midnight on Jan. 14?  :o   It's just so odd to me, but I don't want to ignore HER holidays.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 24, 2008, 12:28:40 PM
Russian Sochivo

Sochivo is wheat Lenten kasha with dried berries and honey. It is served as a principal dish at Christmas Eve.  Christmas Eve is called Sochelnik in Russian. The name is derived from the food eaten by monks on this day – “sochivo”, made of boiled wheat or rice and honey.

It is forbidden for orthodox Christians to eat or drink anything on that day before the first star in the sky appears.


Boil rice. Add some honey and fresh fruits or canned fruits. Mix it.

Also you can use dry fruits but before adding it to rice you should boil it too or just put dry fruits for 5-10 min in very hot boiled water and they will be soft.

Our family likes to sprinkle chopped nuts (walnuts, etc) on top before serving.


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 24, 2008, 12:31:34 PM
Perhaps one of the favourite Christmas songs in Ukraine and in Russia is the Pine Tree Song.  It is this tree that makes up the "New Years Tree" found in homes and all over the towns.


В лесу родилась ёлочка,                 A pinetree was born in the forest

В лесу она росла,                             It was grown in the forest,

Зимой и летом стройная,             It was slender in winter and in  summer

Зелёная была.                                 It was green.

 

Метель ей пелп песенку:               The storm sang a song to her:

Спи, ёлочка, бай-бай,                     'Sleep little pinetree, bay-bay,

Мороз снежком укутывал:           The freeze shields by snow:

Смотри, не замерзай!                   Watch out so as not to freeze.'

 

Трусишка зайка серенький          A fearful rabbit is

Под ёлочкой скакал.                       Jumping on the pinetree,

Порою волк, сердитый волк,         Sometimes a wolf, the angry wolf

Рысцою пробегал.                           Carelessly runs away.

 

Снуг по лесу частому                      Snow covers the forever forest

Под холодом скрипие,                     Under the cold roar,

Лошадка мохноногая                      The horse with hairy legs

Торопиться, бежит.                      Hurriedly runs.

 

Везёт лошадка дровеньки,             The horse is carrying the tree

А в дровнях старичок,                    An old man is sitting on the tree

Срубил он нашу ёлочку                    He cuts down our pinetree

Под самый корешок.                       From its stock.

 

Телерь тв здесь, нарядная,           Now here you are, solemnly,

На праздник к нам пришла            Come with us to celebrate

И много, много радости                  And lots of happiness was

Детишкам принесла.                      Carried by you to children.



Differences in tree decorations:
Sometimes you can't tell the difference between a Russian News Years Tree and a western Christmas Tree, but sometimes it is possible.  Generally, and there will certain be exceptions, but generally the Ukrainian and Russian decorations will run up and down the tree, vertically.  Often in the west we tend to wrap decorations around the tree which slowly make their way around the tree from top to bottom.


It is normal in the home of an elderly pensioner to find a branch of a pine tree serving as their New Year's tree.  It is all they could afford.  In general Ukrainians and Russians don't like artificial trees.  They have a keen sense of nature and most would rather have a small and imperfect real tree than a perfect artificial replacement. 

Although the times are changing and young families sometimes do purchase an artificial tree.  Still however the market for artificial trees, while growing, is very small.

It is very common for News Years trees to be only a small height.  Rather than free-standing on the floor, most trees sit on a table top.


Here is the lighting of the city New Year's Tree in Kiev:



Here is the New Year's tree in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine:




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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 24, 2008, 02:28:05 PM
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One of the dishes served on Christmas Eve, 6 January, will be Borsch.  Watch this video for just 3 short minutes and you'll learn in English from a famous Russian chef how to make Borsch




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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 24, 2008, 02:36:39 PM
It took long enough for winter to arrive in Moscow, but it's finally here with the required cold, snow and ice to make the holidays feel traditional!


Winter streets-Moscow:


I'm getting cold just watching!


Winter in Moscow:


Skiing in Russian snow!


True, they are not angels, but these ladies certainly make one wish to jump on the nearest plane and celebrate Christmas in Russia as soon as possible!  Their music is not bad either:


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Winter in Siberia:
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 24, 2008, 03:05:29 PM
Severe Weather


Can people really live and work in places where it gets -70* (F) below Zero?  That doesn't include the wind chill index either.  Apparently so.  



Kids throw boiling water into air--at 40* (F) below zero, you can watch it freeze in mid-air!



Way out in Siberian Yakutsk this German guy has some winter shots of the traffic:



Driving a large truck on ice and snow in Russia:



More Russian truckers on snow and ice:



Watch this commercial!



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Title: Re: A Mini Guide to Celebrating Christmas and New Year in Ukraine/Russia
Post by: Mila on December 24, 2008, 03:06:12 PM
Hi guys! Thanks for your nice words concerning my post, glad that you liked it :) Mendeleyev, thanks for linking it to your wonderful New Year/Christmas tread, i like it also :THUB: Well, i would like to answer the questions about how do we celebrate our Christmas on January 7th. This holidays is as important for us, as Catholics Christmas, actually, almost no difference at all, just different days of celebrating. Usually, all family members get together and have a nice dinner. Of course, religious people go to church and then come home and have a nice time at home or any other place. As for Old New Year, January 14th, we say to each other "Happy Old New Year" but we don't have a big celebration, some people even ignore this holiday, as we even work on these days, if it is not weekends. So, it is better to congratulate your girlfriend/wife or close friends with this holiday than just to forget :)To my mind, it is always nice to be interested in everything what has something to do with your soulmate, as all women like attention and care :)
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 24, 2008, 03:22:47 PM
In Ukraine, these guys are ready to catch the train in very cold weather:


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From a Moscow apartment, watch this view of Russian winter.  First its too cold for children to venture outside so a mother must be very good at entertaining little ones in addition to all her other household duties.
Heat can be erratic:  Most Russian and Ukrainian apartments have "central heating."  By that we mean it is fed via steam, to entire blocks and rows of apartment buildings.  Individual apartments have steam radiators, most often without controls entirely or with valves so old and rusted that to adjust them is an invitation to a disasterous steam explosion.  When it's too hot, one cracks open a window.  When it's too cold you close the window.  That is your "thermostat."  In fact, apartments built before the early 2000s don't even have thermostats.  A thermostat is made to control the flow and the flow is controlled not by you, but by Boris down at the local steam station.

If you want to know the temperature most apartment dwellers have a thermometer attached to an outside window.  Inside, you already know if it's warm or cold.  What you want to know is, how cold is it outside?

In daytime much of the steam is diverted away from the apartment blocks (the Russian term is "sleeping zones") and fed to business and shops which are open in daytime.  It may become chilly in your apartment so you'll "layer" your clothing depending on the warmth inside your home.

At night the opposite takes place.  Well, it's susposed to take place.  Working past 4pm at the office can get chilly because thats about the time when the steam begins to be redirected back to apartment blocks in the "sleeping zones."  Employees who work late begin to "layer" clothing as they continue to work.

When to take a shower:  Morning is not a good time.  Your body will be softened by the warm water, and exposure to the freezing temperatures and wind combine for the perfect recipe for pneumonia.  Showers are safer at night after you've completed all the outdoor activities.

Its not uncommon at night for your apartment to become very warm as you go to sleep but by morning it may be drifting back to the chilly side of living.

Those modern electric somavar hot water kettles are busy on cold winter days and nights.  Tea is a staple all year long, but doubles as medicine for sore throats in winter.

Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 24, 2008, 03:25:51 PM
On a cold "Christmasy" night it's fun to crawl into a warm bed with your lady.  Here is how that is done (as if any of you guys needed help!):   :chuckle:

- Clear the room.  Just a few minutes ago it was a living room, dining room or day work space.
- Pull out the sofa. 
- Lift up the sofa top and bring out the blankets and pillows where they were stored.
- Make the bed (fitted sheets are useless here--every sheet is "flat."
- Arrange the blankets, the cover, and the pillows.
- Pillows are the square European style (very unlike the long American style pillows).
- Your lady probably likes the bright designs on her sheets.  They can be very colourful.  The most colourful I've seen were made in Ukraine and Belarussia.
- Your lady probably likes a coverlet on top of it all.  It's two sheets sewn together, with designs and literally stuffed with a blanket inside.  Very colourful.  Very warm with that blanket stuffed inside it!
- Now, slip inside and snuggle!   8)

And in the morning you store the bedding inside the sofa, fold it back into it's daytime sofa shape, move the furnishings back into their daytime arrangement and presto....you're back in the living room, dining room, work space, etc.


Some key things to know:
- Because of the differences in sizes, American bedding in particular doesn't work well in Russia.  The fitted sheet--useless, it's too wide, made for a thick mattress not found too often in Russia, and not practical.  The flat sheet can be used but is way too big for those narrow bed sizes.  The pillowcases won't fit those square pillows either.
- Americans love thick and fluffy bath towels, especially in winter.  Beware, they take up too much space in those small European washing machines, not to mention the narrow towel racks in bathrooms already cramped for space. 
- What does make a good gift is a nice thick wool blanket.  Especially the twin bed sizes--they'll work fine on a regular "double bed" in Russia.  The thicker and more colourful...the better.


Bedding Glossary:
Bed (кровать)
Coverlet (покрывало)
Blanket...as in woolen blanket (шерстяное одеяло)
Pillow (подушка)
Sofa (диван)
Towel (полотенце)

Yes, in day the sofa is called a диван (di-vahn) and by night it is a кровать (kra-vat).

Bedding footnote:  A man just meeting a lady should never take a bedding gift.  It's considered in the "intimate" catagory and better left for after a relationship is well established.  You don't want to offend her family in an early meeting. 


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 24, 2008, 03:30:31 PM
"Winter Evening"
Poem by Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin

The mist of the storm covers the sky,
The whirlwinds of snow are spinning;
Now, like a wild beast it calls,
now it cries like a child,
Now about the roof, decrepit,
Suddenly it rustles the thatches,
Now, like a traveler overdue,
to us on the window knocks.

Our ancient hut
is mournful and gloomy.
Why have you, my old lady,
Become silent at the window?
Is it the howl of the tempest
That makes you, my friend, fatigued,
Or are you drowsing under the hum
Of your spindle?

Let's drink good friend
Of my poor youth,
Let's drink away grief; where is the tankard?
It will make our hearts gay.
Intoxicate, me with a song, like a titmouse
Quietly living across the sea;
Intoxicate me with a song, like a girl
Who went for the water in the morning.

The mist of the storm covers the sky,
The whirlwinds of snow are spinning;
Now, like a wild beast, it calls,
Now it cries, like a child.
Let's drink, good friend
Of my poor youth,
Let's drink away grief; where is the tankard?
It will make our hearts gay.


Painting:
Mrs Mendeleyeva's rendition of the city of Kaluga which won it's catagory in 2002 exhibition, "Blue Kaluga."


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Cool videos:

Dramatic winter storm filmed from window of Moscow apartment:



Fresh flowers are popular for New Year and Christmas in Ukraine and Russia. Watch this attractive gal get out of a cold car to shop for colourful flowers in freezing snow:



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Title: Re: A Mini Guide to Celebrating Christmas and New Year in Ukraine/Russia
Post by: mirror on December 25, 2008, 08:32:10 AM
So, it is better to congratulate your girlfriend/wife or close friends with this holiday than just to forget :)To my mind, it is always nice to be interested in everything what has something to do with your soulmate, as all women like attention and care :)

Send more presents and she will be  more grateful !  :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 25, 2008, 02:58:49 PM
24 and 25 December


Today in the West it's Christmas and perhaps your lady has emailed or called to wish you a happy Christmas (or even a merry Christmas).

Her Christmas is still couple weeks out, and first she will experience the most important holiday in that part of the world, New Years' Eve/New Years' Day on 31 December-1 January.


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Several of our RUA members have asked just how the Christmas Day is approached so we'll do that now:

The Holy Supper

Christmas, just like New Years, is celebrated over two days.  Ukrainians and Russians have been fasting for 40 days and the last meal eaten on Christmas Eve keeps most of that fast--no oil, no eggs or dairy, no meat (except at this meal there is fish), and almost no alcohol (one small wine toast).

But don't worry, the food is both delicious and plentiful!

One should TOTALLY fast from all foods from Noon to the evening feast.  Some believers fast all day before the evening feast.



There are several themes running thru the "The Holy Supper:"
- A white tablecloth reminds the family that Christ was wrapped in cloths at this birth, and the white represents his purity.

- Straw or hay is spread around the table settings as a reminder that the Saviour of the world was born in a humble manger.  Our family puts little bit of straw in a bowl which is passed around the table as each person takes a handful to "decorate" around his/her place setting.

- Three candles in the center call to mind that his birth was at night and likely by candlelight.  The 3 candles represent the fact that with his birth was the idea of the "trinity."

- There are 12 foods to serve, in a variety of colours, and these represent the 12 Apostles.

- When the family approaches the table they each take a piece of bread and eat it, a symbol that the family will share this meal together as part of a sacred holiday.

- Next everyone takes a small piece of garlic, dips it into honey and eats.  This combination of bitter/sweet is a symbol of how life is, yet a family together can support each other in those times.

- Next the host (or a priest if present) says an Orthodox prayer for the meal.  Then before being seated a small toast of wine is made (the only alcohol during the meal).  Wine is a symbol of Joy in the Christian Scriptures and this is the season of joy.

- Then the host (or a priest if present) sprinkles lightly some church 'holy water' over the gathered food as a blessing.


Traditionally, the "Holy Supper" consists of 12 different foods, symbolic of the 12 Apostles. Although there is also some variation in the foods from place to place and village to village, the following is a good summary of what is typically served.


In some families, the father begins the Christmas meal by leading the family in the Lord's Prayer, a prayer of thanksgiving for the blessings of the past year and for the good things to come in the new year. The head of the family greets those present with "Christ is Born!" - the traditional Russian Christmas greeting - and the family responds with "Glorify Him!" The Mother then draws a cross with honey on each person's forehead, saying a blessing - "In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, may you have sweetness and many good things in life and in the new year." The Lenten bread (Pagach) is then broken and shared. The bread is dipped first in honey to symbolize the sweetness of life and then in chopped garlic to symbolize life's bitterness.



The twelve foods are:
- Mushroom soup with zaprashka; this is often replaced with Sauerkraut soup
- Lenten bread ("pagach")
- Green cabbage leaves stuffed with seasoned sauerkraut, tomatoes, or peppers stuffed with rice/vegs.
- Pickled herring with marinated onions
- Baked cod
- Fresh Apricots, Oranges, Nuts, Figs and Dates
- Beet and potatoe vinigerette Salad
- Kidney beans (slow cooked all day) seasoned with shredded potatoes, lots of garlic, salt and pepper to taste
- Peas
- Parsley Potatoes (boiled new potatoes with chopped parsley and margarine)
- Bobal'ki (small biscuits combined with sauerkraut or poppyseed with honey)
- Red Borsch




The (Christmas) Nativity Feast
On Christmas morning many families will go to church and on the other hand many will stay home.  The balance of the day will be spent in final preparations for the bigger feast, the traditional Christmas Day feast.

This feast is literally designed to "break the fast" of the previous 40 days.  So as you can imagine there will be lots of meat, oil, dairy, and of course alcohol for toasting! It doesn't have to be as elaborate, but it usually is and most certainly there are dishes with meal and oil!


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Счастлйвого Рождества! (Merry Christmas!)

Title: Re: A Mini Guide to Celebrating Christmas and New Year in Ukraine/Russia
Post by: mendeleyev on December 25, 2008, 05:31:49 PM
Jinx, I hope that this will be helpful: http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php/topic,5271.msg75540.html#msg75540
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 30, 2008, 04:04:16 PM
December scenes from Ukraine

[attachimg=#] still time to buy gifts before New Years


[attachimg=#] residents thankful to finally have snow


[attachimg=#] even the New Year tree seems cold


[attachimg=#] watch your step, its icy!


[attachimg=#] trees will be sold up to New Years Eve


[attachimg=#] peaceful park


[attachimg=#] some go for the babes (1 on sidewalk, 2 from store)


[attachimg=#] some go for the culture


Whatever your reason for travel to Ukraine, enjoy this time of year!
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 30, 2008, 04:17:37 PM
Each year the Christian charity group from Canada "Loads of Love" takes over 1,000 Ukrianian orphans to McDonalds.  Ranging from ordinary kids with no parents, to retarded and physically handicapped kids, these children enjoy a meal and a few hours of fun.  Most of them cherish this once-a-year experience so much that they take their empty cups, napkins, and empty french fry containers back to the orphanage when the event is over.

Here is a sample of the kids at McD:


More of the kids:


Open Arms Ukraine is another group giving hope to Ukrainian orphans:


Ransomed Daughter is another organization worth knowing:


Kharkov Orphanage:


Orphanage for Jewish children in Odessa:


No matter our individual faith expressions, at this time of the year it is good to ask God how we can help even in a small way to become the "father to the orphan."  There are some very fine groups operating in the FSU who day after day demonstrate love and care to the children who need our prayers and support.


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 31, 2008, 12:29:04 PM
It's a new year!


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Perhaps there is no better time to experience the mood and pulse of the Russian people’s devotion to family, their culture, and to their Motherland than over the New Year’s holiday celebration.  Just to hear the Russian national anthem on this solitary moment can be the experience of a lifetime:  Come to Moscow and spend New Year's Eve in Russia.  Gather with extended family and friends in a compact apartment crowded to the walls with those you love and cherish. 

At about 8pm the salads begin to appear on the table, then soon followed by a never-ending stream of food as favourite Russian culinary delights make their way from the kitchen to the living room table over the next several hours. 

Sometime during the evening the music starts and lively dancing and toasts begin.  The finest champagne is held in reserve for after the midnight bells toll from the clock at the Kremlin.  Across Russia all eyes and hearts turn toward Moscow.  Just before midnight every television station switches to the Kremlin whose distinct red walls are dressed in a dramatic display of lights bathed in falling snow from Red Square.

President Medvedev appears on the screen and in his solemn style delivers the traditional greeting to the Russian people.  It is usually a very short speech and all across Russia the music has stopped.  Dancing feet become still.  It seems as even the sounds of the streets and the hissing steam from the heat radiators also grow silent.

Traditionally the president offers words of best wishes to the people and afterward comes the announcement for which everyone has been waiting:  The President announces the length of the government holiday.  His pronouncement will affect everyone from government office workers to school children and their teachers to policemen and to many private business workers.  And at the end of his one minute speech the Kremlin clock tolls midnight and the President ends his address with the familiar С Новым годом (sno-vim godom), Happy New Year!

Those in the apartment, especially the elders and war veterans, stand at attention, glasses in hand, waiting for the playing of the Russian national anthem.  Immediately it begins and afterward the glasses are raised heavenward in toasts to health, wealth, and happiness for the coming new years.  Kisses, three times on alternating checks, are offered around the room.

Quickly New Year cakes appear on the table.  And fruit.  And more champagne.  Dancing begins again and now the sound of fireworks can be heard across the land.  The night sky is charged with colours so vivid, so bright, and so promising. 


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Children are bundled in heavy winter coats and carried outside to watch the dazzling displays as the cascading lights arch across the normally dark and brooding Russian skies.  The celebration of fireworks outside, and parties indoors, will continue until 3 or 4 in the morning. 

For many, sleep will come eventually but usually on a crowded sofa or even a blanket on the floor depending on the number of guests.  Others will wait out the night, often it is the men who sit in the kitchen or in a hallway and chain-smoke away the remaining hours until dawn begins to belatedly peer across the Russian horizon.

For those who managed to sleep even for a little while, morning comes quickly on January first and the winter snows have created a new white landscape across the Motherland. 

Oh there is nowhere like Russia for breakfast!  In a land where there are no designated foods for specific mealtimes, any Russian breakfast can be an exciting adventure.  But on New Years morning it is very special:  Leftover New Years cake, champagne, sausage and cabbage from the night before, marinated beet/potatoe salad, and a spoonful of red or black caviar on thick black bread with butter.  Who needs an egg when you're having champagne and caviar for breakfast at 8am!

Most families have a tradition of walking to an important square or park in their city on New Years morning.  Naturally for Muscovites that traditional walk is on or around Red Square.  The tomb of the Unknown Soldier is passed reverently with memories of past conflicts from invading neighbors. 

Once on Red Square, typically teeming with folks dressed up like Eskimos and with the usual aloofness forgotten for just a day, greetings of С Новым годом, even to perfect strangers punctuate the brisk morning air.  Surrounded by churches many step inside briefly to pray before continuing the annual tradition.

Happy New Year!  С Новым годом, from the Mendeleyev family in Moscow, Russia.


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 31, 2008, 12:35:27 PM
Special notes on the New Year


Those of you married or engaged to a RW know that expression very well, "its our tradition."  

One of my favourites is to greet everyone on the street or at the bus stop.  As you can imagine, those stoic Russians who rarely acknowledge each other, who rarely smile, and who rarely greet a stranger on the street, they think I'm a nut case when I turn on the jolly old Saint Nick charm at New Years and Christmas.

So, when walking around the streets I greet everyone with a big smile and a hearty greeting.   Now if you're going to make this work you can't be shy about it.  You need to smile, spread your arms wide like greeting a long lost friend, take a deep breath, and let 'er rip!  To everybody, even the police!

С новым годом! is Happy New Year!

С Рождеством Христовым!  is Merry Christmas!

Just go for it.  It's a new year so don't be shy.  Now in Russia they will look at you kind of funny.  But it will put a smile on most faces.  I've sent old babuskhas giggling down the street while my wife turns beet red.  I've made businessmen laugh and return the greeting.  One time I greeted a bus driver with С новым годом!  No response.  He just kept driving.  So I ripped off a С Рождеством!  He sent the cashier back to check as to whether I was drunk.  

Children love it--it's so unRussian they'll think you're an American, or even worse.    :party0031:


[attachimg=#] Early hours today in Moscow!
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 02, 2009, 11:17:24 AM
New Year Traditions

Here are two Russian traditions of note. The first involves single girls asking the first man they meet out and about after midnight for his name. His name is supposedly the name of her future husband.

The second is that if you run into Дед Мороз & Снегурочка (Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden) in the city after midnight you’re supposedly about to have a very good year.

Счастья, здоровья и любви всем! (Happiness, health, love to all)


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Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mirror on January 04, 2009, 01:44:00 AM
I hope you all know a big Russian tradition -гадания. And it is a right time to do that....especially from13th to 14th Jan.  :)

 I like this one and my friends always ask me погадать:

   КЛАССИЧЕСКОЕ ГАДАНИЕ НА ВОСКЕ ПРОИСХОДИТ ТАК. Готовите воск и воду, как описано ранее. Гадать можно как одной, так и с хорошими подругами, важно, чтобы среди вас не было тех, кто вам завидует, с кем вы в ссоре, случайных людей. Гадать на воске нужно, когда взойдет луна. Если вас несколько, сосуд должен быть большой, чтобы отливки не смешивались, если одна, хватит большой глубокой тарелки. Растопив воск в железной чашке ( или у каждой должна быть своя свеча) и загадав желание, начинайте гадание - медленно лейте воск в воду и дайте ему остыть, не надо дуть на воск или толкать, чтобы он плавал. Когда воск остынет, нужно взять его в руки, перевернуть и смотреть на обратную сторону, которая была обращена к дну сосуда, именно она дает информацию. Если вам нужна помощь в трактовке символов, вы можете обратиться на странницу описания символов гадания на кофейной гуще, эти гадания звенья единой цепи и символы их почти всегда идентичны. Кроме того, часто хороший совет при гадании на воске может дать сонник.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 05, 2009, 08:47:34 AM
Mirror is telling about fortune telling, if practiced, generally done after the New Year and Christmas holiday, usually between 6 and 19 January.

A professional friend in Kiev, a 35 ish single mom, does this but I've not personally seen it practiced so will try to explain what Mirror has written.

Fortune-telling by wax: Melt a piece of wax in a spoon and pour it into cold water. Guess what the image means.

Fortune-telling by mirror (not the person but an actual mirror): You need two big and equal size mirrors to set them opposite each other. Between them you place two candles so that there must be a long corridor lighted with candles. A person who does it must be alone or with somebody who is also interested in it. They must keep silence. No animals must be present in a room. You sit in front of one mirror so that to see the reflection in another one. The moment you see your future groom you must cover the mirror with a cloth otherwise who knows what may happen...

Not all Orthodox will do this practice, but those who do acknowledge that Biblical scripture teaches that divination is a sin condemned by God. So are the Russian orthodox churchgoers. But how strange it might sound, Russians believe that the divination is not sin, if it is done from 6th to 19th January. This period is called ‘Sviatki’.  And so to these persons, Sviatki practiced just as it was in this manner, is okay.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mirror on January 06, 2009, 12:02:02 AM
Mirror is telling about fortune telling, if practiced, generally done after the New Year and Christmas holiday, usually between 6 and 19 January.

It is a great fun so we do it with my friends and what I know many girls do it also and same time we celebrate Крещение господне and take a ice bath in the river 19th Jan.   It is really cold I may say when you take a bath in  - 31 C.  ;D  .I practice it too...sometimes  :) and never catch a cold.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Jared2151 on January 06, 2009, 08:42:10 AM
I'm curious, why are the people filling jugs with water ?

Is it because there is no common water supply system ?

LOL ... personally, I'd be afraid to drink the water that some guy is standing in.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mirror on January 06, 2009, 09:41:20 AM
I'm curious, why are the people filling jugs with water ?

Is it because there is no common water supply system ?

LOL ... personally, I'd be afraid to drink the water that some guy is standing in.

People truly believe that 19th Jan open water (rivers,lakes) becomes magic,healthy,clear and if you will save a water you will see that this water will be clean ,fresh till next 19th Jan.

My cousin saved a water from previous 19th Jan and it is still crystaly fresh and nothing inside. People use this water ("Santa water") against any problems and people believe that this water can "clean"  rooms from bad energy, can make people healthier etc.
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: Jared2151 on January 06, 2009, 10:31:17 AM
Mirror,

   Thank you for educating this newbie.  ( I love it when I learn something new )
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 06, 2009, 10:43:29 AM
Similiar idea, somewhat different, from the Orthodox holy water which is being consecrated today, as 6 January is the Western Orthodox celebration of Theophany (baptism of Christ in the Jordan river). It is 19 January in the East (FSU). Most families keep a small jug/bottle in the fridge all year to add a few drops to medicines, cold remedies, etc.


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Wikipedia: A quantity of holy water is typically kept in a font placed near the entrance of the church where it is available for anyone who needs it. Holy water is sometimes sprinkled on items or people when they are blessed, as part of the prayers of blessing. For instance, in Alaska, the fishing boats are sprinkled with holy water at the start of the fishing season as the priest prays for the crews' safety and success.


[attachimg=#] Priests will bless river.


Orthodox Christians most often bless themselves with holy water by drinking it. It is traditional to keep a quantity of it at home, and many Orthodox Christians will drink a small amount daily with their morning prayers. It may also be used for informal blessings when no clergy are present. For example, parents might bless their children with holy water before they leave the house for school or play.


[attachimg=#] Sprinkling water on the people.


The use of holy water is based on the story of Jesus' baptism by Saint John the Baptist in the River Jordan and the Orthodox interpretation of this event. In this view, John's baptism was a baptism of repentance, and the people came to have their sins washed away by the water. Since Jesus had no sin, but was God himself, his baptism had the effect of Jesus blessing the water, making it holy, that is used fully for its original created purpose to be an instrument of life.


[attachimg=#] Waiting for priest to bless water.


Previous posts: http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php/topic,1962.msg69012.html#msg69012
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 07, 2009, 03:53:06 PM
Today, 7 January, is Christmas day in Russia!


Last night my wife and family went to church at 11pm and it finished in the wee hours of morning.  From there they traveled to Aunt Lyuba's apartment for a wonderful meal.  Then she called me, tired but happy.  I miss them.

Merry Christmas everyone!


[attachimg=#] Рождество - это так прекрасно!
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 07, 2009, 03:58:34 PM
[attachimg=#] A Moscow Christmas!
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 08, 2009, 01:02:50 PM
Merry Christmas from the Russian Mongolic population up in cold places like Bratsk in Siberia! All these photos are from the city of Bratsk in the Irkursk Oblast.


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Bratsk has been selected by the world scientific community as one of the 30 most polluted areas in the world.  Aluminium smelters spew tiny particles which look like snow even in summer and the average factory worker must retire before age 50 due to failing health. But the people are hardy survivors with wonderful spirits.


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In addition to Russian, the Buryat language (Буряад хэлэн) a Mongolic language is spoken here.


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Fearing Buryat nationalism, Joseph Stalin had more than 10,000 Buryats killed. In 1958, the name "Mongol" was banned. Many were forced out of their homes and transplanted elsewhere in Russia to dilute their culture.  That is how so many of them came to this area.


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Want to know more about Bratsk?  Follow this RUA link: http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php?topic=3320.msg77704#new



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Stalin made Bratsk a Gulag prison city after the war to house Red Army soldiers (and families) who had been captured by the Germans.  Capture was a crime of treason during Stalin's reign. In 1947, the Gulag Angara prison labour camp was constructed near Bratsk, with capacity for up to 44,000 prisoners for projects such as the construction of the railway from Tayshet to Ust-Kut via Bratsk.


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Want to know more about Bratsk?  Follow this RUA link: http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php?topic=3320.msg77704#new


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Religions include Buddhism and Christianity.


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С Рождеством Вас поздравляю. Счастья, радости желаю!
Title: Re: A Russian New Year & Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 13, 2009, 09:53:05 AM
Today is 13 January and New Year's Eve!

Well the "old new year" that is.


Today is new years eve on the old Julian calendar still observed by the Orthodox.


I am so ready to:
- take down the seasonal decorations.  Day after tomorrow the tree can be put into it's box and back in the closet until next year.

- those little cute Christmas bell dishtowels can be packed away.

- I'll be given permission to take that string of lights off the balcony and pack them away.

- The Christmas cards taped to the door can come down and thrown in the recycle bin.

- The "Merry Christmas" sign on our patio gate can be packed away until next year.


But first, one more little celebration, not as big as the current new year's eve, but a celebration still the same.


Note to self:
- go ahead, polish off the rest of that vodka bottle tonight.  Ya don't drink dat much anyhows.

- day after tomorrow move this thread and merge it with last's years Christmas thread to use parts of it again next year.

- wish everyone on RUA a.....

Happy Old New Year!



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Title: Re: A Mini Guide to Celebrating Christmas and New Year in Ukraine/Russia
Post by: ECR844 on January 27, 2009, 12:31:11 PM
Jinx, I hope that this will be helpful: http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php/topic,5271.msg75540.html#msg75540

"Mendy,"

I tried to follow your link above and i got a message that says this board is off limits.. ??..??
Title: Re: A Mini Guide to Celebrating Christmas and New Year in Ukraine/Russia
Post by: mendeleyev on January 27, 2009, 12:46:12 PM
ERic, sorry, that thread has been merged with an older one since that posting.  Most of the Christmas threads were grouped here after the holidays were over, combining 2 years into one thread. http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php?topic=1971.0
Title: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 24, 2009, 09:44:19 PM
We could have started this thread two weeks ago on the 15th as that is when Orthodox Christians in the West begin the celebration of Christmas. But even on a Russian/Ukrainian forum that might have been somewhat presumptuous.

This Sunday however, 29 November, is when your lady will begin her preparation for Christmas which falls on 7 January in the East.

We'll talk about the Nativity Fast more but for now we have a special guest. We asked Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to stop in briefly to say hello to RUA members. Wow, looks like he has a special guest too--it's Grandfather Frost!


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In the photo above Grandfather Frost is showing off some of his Christmas photos to Mr Putin, who has an eye for the ladies. Rumor has it that Grandfather Frost has quite a collection of lovely lady photos in various stages of holiday attire and that should explain why Mr Putin is so intent on getting to know the book in much greater detail.


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 25, 2009, 02:40:48 AM
Christmas in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Moldova, Armenia, etc, what's it like?

Well, its very special now that folks all across the former Soviet Union are now enjoy the opportunity to celebrate it freely.  As you can imagine, the weather alone can make the holiday to be beautiful...romantic....nostalgic.

A great way to see how your lady lives is over the coming holidays.  You'll see her family, the best of Russian foods, theatre and museum exhibitions, Church services, concerts, and you'll experience the fullness of Russian traditions.

We won't ignore Ukraine either.  While many traditions are similiar there are some interesting and fun differences.

So, let's get started with just a few items which will be helpful to understand Christmas in the East a little better.

Here we go!


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Our specials guest hosts for this year's 2010 celebration of Christmas will be Grandfather Frost and his granddaughter the Snow Maiden, called Snegurochka.

What, no Santa Claus?

No. Santa doesn't service most of the Eastern world. That is the territory of Grandfather Frost. Who does a might fine job we must admit!

Oh, so they're the same old dude?

No, Grandfather Frost doesn't deliver gifts in his sleigh. He has a troika (we'll explain later) and he does like to flirt with the girls and he drinks vodka. In a limited sense he brings presents to children, however, unlike the secretive ways of Santa Claus, he often brings them in person, at the celebrations of the New Year, at New Year parties for kids by the New Year Tree. The "in-person" gifts only occur at big organized celebrations, where the gifts can be "standardized." But ask him to deliver presents down a chimney or to adults and he'll tell you to call UPS or DHL.  :chuckle:

By the way, he rather hates it when folks mistakenly call him "Father Frost." He's not a priest (heavens, anything but!) and he's been around long enough to earn the title of Grandfather Frost.


[attachimg=#] In Kharkov he takes the Metro!


Hold the phone! Did you say Christmas 2010. We have to get thru 2009 first. Nope, already did that last year, 7 January 2009. Just as you move forward half a day when flying to Russia, you'll also lose a Christmas. This Christmas in Russia will be 2010. We'll explain the calendar differences in a moment.

Other than those differences between Grandfather Frost and Santa Claus, he does love children and a beard. Does that count?

While sometimes dressed in white or red, the official (it was made so by Stalin himself) dress code for a good Grandfather Frost is blue. You'll see the Snow Maiden in blue a lot, too.


[attachimg=#] Official blue


We should perhaps make sure we have the dates down pat first.  And the order of the holidays.

You know how we kind of run Christmas and New Year's together in countries like the USA, Canada, the UK?  Well, magnify that several times in Russia.  That time of the year turns into one big long holiday, normally decreed by the President and employees (except in essential services) get a very long holiday, paid, with their families.

First off let's look at dates:

- The Russian New Year comes first.  It's the biggest holiday of the year, by far.
- Christmas follows closely behind on January 7.

For those wondering why Christmas is January 7 it's really rather simple.  Historically Christmas was always celebrated in January.  However several hundred years ago a Roman Pope adjusted the calendar to catch up for "leap years" over the several previous centuries.  All calendars in the Western world were adjusted.  The Patriarchs in the East (over which the Pope has no authority) felt it better to leave the calendar alone.  

The Roman Catholic change of the calendar moved western Christmas from January up earlier into December.  By the way it also changed the date of Easter, but we're talking about Christmas here.  It doesn't mean that the west is right and the east is wrong or vice versa.  We're just using two different calendars, thats all.

And just in case you're wondering, you don't give gifts on Christmas day. Just as a tree is a New Year tree, gifts are given on New Year's day and called "New Year gifts."


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on November 27, 2009, 12:20:54 AM
Soon we'll explore the world of Russian holiday traditions, music and food, but first we complete our cast of Russian New Year and Christmas characters with the traditional story of Babushka.


Traditional Russian Christmas story of "Babushka"

Once in a small Russian town, there lived a women called Babushka. Babushka always had work to do sweeping, polishing, dusting and cleaning. Her house was the best kept, most tidy house in the whole village. Her garden was beautiful and her cooking was wonderful. One evening she was busy dusting and cleaning, so busy that she didn't hear all the villagers outside in the village square talking about and looking at the new star in sky.

She had heard about the new star but thought, 'All this fuss about a star! I don't even have the time to look because I'm so behind with my work. I must work all night!' So, she missed the star as it shone brightly, high overhead. She also missed the little line of twinkling lights coming down towards the village at dawn. She didn't hear the sounds of the pipes and drums. She missed the voices and whispers of the villagers wondering whether the lights were an army or a procession of some sort. She missed the sudden quiet of the villagers and even the footsteps coming up the path to her door. But the one thing that she couldn't miss was the loud knocking on her front door!

'Now what is that?' she wondered, opening the door. Babushka gaped in amazement. There were three kings at her door with one of their servants! 'My masters need a place to rest,' the servant said, 'and yours is the best house in the village.' 'You want to stay here?' asked Babushka. 'Yes, it would only be until night falls and the star appears again,' the servant replied. Babushka gulped. 'Come in, then,' she said.

The kings were very pleased when they saw all of the of the home-baked bread, pies and cakes. She dashed about, serving them, asking lots of questions. 'Have you come a long way?' 'A very long way,' sighed Caspar. 'Where are you going?' 'We're following the new star,' said Melchior. 'But where?' The kings didn't know, but they believed that it would lead the to a new-born king, a King of Earth and Heaven. 'Why don't you come with us?' asked Balthasar. 'You could bring him a gift like we do. I bring gold, and my colleagues bring spices and perfumes.' 'Oh, I'm not sure that he would welcome me,' said Babushka, 'and what could I bring for a gift? Toys! I know I could bring a toy. I've got a cupboard full of toys,' she said sadly. 'My baby son, died when he was small.' Balthasar stopped her as she went to tidy the kitchen up. 'This new king could be your king too. Come with us when the star appears tonight,' he said. 'I'll think about it,' sighed Babushka.

As the kings slept, Babushka tidied up as quietly as she could. 'What a lot of extra work there was!' she thought, 'and this new king, what a funny idea, to go off with the kings to find him.'

Babushka shook herself. There was no time for dreaming, all this washing-up and putting away had to be done. 'Anyway,' she thought, 'how long would she be away? What would she wear? What about the gift?' She sighed. 'There is so much to do. The house will have to be cleaned when they've gone. I couldn't just leave it.' Suddenly it was night-time again and the star was in the sky. 'Are you ready, Babushka?' asked Balthasar. 'I'll come tomorrow,' Babushka called, 'I must just tidy here first and find a gift.'

The kings went away sadly. Babushka ran back into her house, keen to get on with her work.

Finally, she went to the small cupboard, opened the door and gazed at all the toys. But they were very dusty. They weren't fit for a baby king. They would all need to be cleaned. She cleaned all of the toys until each one shined. Babushka looked through the window. It was morning! The star had came and gone. The kings would have found somewhere else to rest by now. She could easily catch them up, but she felt so tired. She had to sleep. The next thing she knew, she was awake and it was dark outside. She had slept all day! She quickly pulled on her cloak, packed the toys in a basket and ran down the path the kings had taken.

Everywhere she asked 'Have you seen the kings?' 'Oh yes,' everyone told her, 'we saw them. They went that way.' For day Babushka followed the trail of the kings and the villages got bigger and became towns. But Babushka never stopped. Then she came to a city. 'The palace,' she thought. 'That's where the royal baby would be born.' 'No, there is no royal baby here,' said the palace guard when she asked him. 'What about three kings?' asked Babushka. 'Oh yes, they came here, but they didn't stay long. They were soon on their journey.' 'But where to?' asked Babushka. 'Bethlehem, that was the place. I don't imagine why. It's a very poor place. That's where they went.' replied the guard. She set off towards Bethlehem. It was evening when Babushka arrived at Bethlehem and she had been travelling for a long time. She went into the local inn and asked about the kings. 'Oh yes,' said the landlord, 'the kings were here two days ago. They were very excited, but they didn't even stay the night.' 'And what about a baby?' Babushka cried. 'Yes there was.' Said the landlord. The kings asked about a baby, too.' When he saw the disappointment in Babushka's eyes, he stopped. 'If you'd like to see where the baby was,' he said quickly, 'it was across the yard there. I couldn't offer the couple anything better at the time. My inn was really full, so they had to go in the stable.'

Babushka followed him across the yard. 'Here's the stable,' he said. He left her in the stable. 'Babushka?' Someone was calling her from the doorway. He looked kindly at her. She wondered if he knew where the family had gone. She knew now that the baby king was the most important thing in the world to her. 'They have gone to Egypt, and safety,' he told Babushka. 'And the kings have returned to their countries. But one of them told me about you. I am sorry but you are too late. It was Jesus that they found, the world's Saviour.'

Babushka was very sad that she had missed Jesus and it is said that Babushka is still looking for him.

(Story credit:  www.whychristmas.com)


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: sparky114 on November 27, 2009, 02:41:59 AM
Great Mendy

Well yes this weekend we need to start doing things for Christmas, as i was reliably informed a couple of days that we have 2 Christmases to plan and organise one here in the UK and one when we will be in Russia :o

So I will enjoy this thread


Mark

Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: Chris on November 27, 2009, 06:46:11 AM
I had this as my Avatar last Christmas


This is Bull of Frost (Chys Khan), which is Yakutian colleague of Russian Grandpa Frost (Ded Moroz) and Santa Claus.

Bull of Frost dwells in Tomtor, Oymiakon ulus, which is the coldest place in Siberia.

Winter lasts for 9 months in Tomtor, where the lowest temperature registered in Tomtor is -71,2 degrees Celsius.

Due to the climate, there are no bulls or cows there.   :)

Scholars confirm that Bull of Frost is actually Mammoth, which is important personage in shamanic traditions.

For example, a large wooden representation of Mammoth was in a western "gallery" of Evenk shaman's tent etc.

Recently Yakutian Bull of Frost-Mammoth befriended Russian Grandpa Frost (Ded Moroz) and became popular in Russia   ;D

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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on November 28, 2009, 12:46:39 AM
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There are two times every year in Russia when the menu at the Kremlin restaurants, the cafeterias at the Federal Duma, and the schools across Russia make dramatic culinary adjustments. Even Western restaurant chains like TGIF, etc, adopt some elements of a Russian 40 day fast at Christmas and Easter.


Western Orthodox Christians (Christmas on 25 December)
The 40 day Nativity fast began on 15 November and ends on 24 December.


Eastern Orthodox Christians (Christmas on 7 January)
The 40 day Nativity Fast is from Sunday, 29 November to 6 January.


The Nativity Fast is one of the four Canonical Fasting Seasons in the Church year. This is a joyous fast in anticipation of the Nativity of Christ. That is the reason it is less strict than other fasting periods. The fast is divided into two periods. The 1st period is November 15th through December 19th when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, dairy, fish, wine, and oil) is observed. There is dispensation given for wine and oil on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Similarly, fish, wine, and oil are permitted on Saturdays and Sundays. The 2nd period is December 20th through 24th when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, dairy, fish, wine, and oil) is observed. There is dispensation given for wine and oil only on Saturday and Sunday during this period.


Here are the guidelines:
Meat, Dairy, Fish, Wine, and Oil are generally off limits except for certain days.

Abstinence includes refraining from the food and drink mentioned above, as well as from smoking. The Eucharistic Fast means abstaining from at least the previous midnight for communing at a morning Liturgy.


Acceptable exemptions to the fast:
- When given an exemption by a priest.
- When traveling.
- When a guest in someone's home.
- When guests are in your home.
- For legitimate health reasons.
- Young children are exempt.
- Elderly are exempt (although often they are the most pious).
- When fasting would call undue attention--the fast is for personal discipline, not to make others uncomfortable.
- When a woman is pregnant.


Do Not Fast between December 25 and January 5 (even on Wed and Fri); if you are pregnant or nursing a newborn; during serious illness; without prayer; without alms-giving; according to your own will without guidance from your spiritual father.


What items do you give up during a fast:
- Meat of any kind (except fish on certain days).
- Oil in cooking.
- Wine, beer, vodka....any kind of alcohol.
- Dairy products.
- Egg products.
- All parties and celebrations are delayed until after 7 January.
- Some couples give up sex completely, others curtail the frequency during the fast.
- It is a good time to try to give up unhealty habits like smoking, swearing, etc.


"Wow, this is strict!" some will say.  So,

What is the purpose of the Orthodox fast:
The purpose of fasting is to focus on the things that are above, the Kingdom of God. It is a means of putting on virtue in reality, here and now. Through it we are freed from dependence on worldly things. We fast faithfully and in secret, not judging others, and not holding ourselves up as an example.

Fasting in itself is not a means of pleasing God. Fasting is not a punishment for our sins. Nor is fasting a means of suffering and pain to be undertaken as some kind of atonement. Christ already redeemed us on His Cross. Salvation is a gift from God that is not bought by our hunger or thirst. We fast to be delivered from carnal passions so that God's gift of Salvation may bear fruit in us.

We fast and turn our eyes toward God in His Holy Church. Fasting and prayer go together.
Fasting is not irrelevant. Fasting is not obsolete, and it is not something for someone else. Fasting is from God, for us, right here and right now. Most of all, we should not devour each other. We ask God to “set a watch and keep the door of our lips.”

- Christ fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, eating only fruits and berries.  He spent the time in prayer.
- The fasts are designed to assist one to be more like Christ, spending more time in prayer.
- Every time you feel hungry, instead of eating, say a prayer asking God for discipline in your spiritual life.
- Discipline...in the Orthodox faith one should try to discipline the flesh (body).  The flesh leads to sin but the spirit leads to everlasting life.
- Such a prolonged discipline leads to a very joyful celebration to the feast of Christ's nativity on Christmas day!


[attachimg=#] Celebration meal after Nativity.

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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on November 28, 2009, 01:26:23 AM
Here is just a quick sampling of restaurants in Russia & Ukraine which adopt a fasting menu during holidays:


Moscow

Traktir na Parkovoy
Phone: (017) 203 69 91      
Address: Pobediteley Ave., 11
Open: 12:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.


The Louisiana Steak and Grill
Pyatnitskaya St., 30, block 4
Phone 7-095-9514244  
Types of Cuisine: European, Mexican  
Metro Station Tretyakovskaya, Novokuznetskaya
Near Tretyakov Gallery
Average Bill 50-70 USD


China Town Restaurant
Mira Pr., 12, building 1
Phone 7-095-1055098, 2076252  
Types of Cuisine Chinese, Uighur  
Metro Station Prospekt Mira, Suharevskaya
Locations Sadovoye Koltso
Average Bill 10-20 USD


Starlight Diner
Bolshaya Sadovaya Ulitsa, #16a
Metro Mayakovskaya. Tel: 290-9638. Open 24 hours.
Korovy Val, #9a, metro Oktyabrskaya. Tel: 959-8919. Open 24 hours.





St Petersburg

Onegin
Sadovaya St., 11
Phone  +7-812-1178384  +7-812-1178384  
Types of Cuisine Russian, European  
Metro Station Nevsky Prospect, Gostiny Dvor
Locations Savior-on-the-Blood, Kazan Cathedral, Summer Garden, Nevsky Prospect, Mikhailovsky Castle
Average Bill 70-100 USD




Other locations

Russian Railways will be featuring a Nativity Lenten menu on all trains across Russia.

Beginning Sunday, 29 November Aeroflot is offering passengers a choice of a regular or Nativitiy fasting meal.

All TGI Friday's restaurants across Russia add a fasting menu during the season.




Government

According to ITAR-TASS, as with tradition all restaurants, cafeterias and cafes at the Kremlin, both houses of Parliament and the White House government buildings all have special menus for the Nativity fast.


In large cities like Moscow, St Peter, and Kiev it's common for many of the upscale high ticket restaurants for chefs to participate in culinary exhibitions featuring dishes created from fasting acceptable ingredients.

We'll add to this list as this is only a sampler to start.

If traveling over the holidays you'll find that markets will sell meats, etc, but inventories are reduced accordingly as the number of Russians who fast each year is on a dramatic upswing according to sources like Vladimir Malyshkov, head of Russia's Consumer Market Services department and reports by news organizations such as RIA Novosti.


RUA Culinary recipes/menu ideas for fasting:

http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php?topic=2339.0



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If fasting is not your thing, don't worry as you'll have most of the usual options.
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on November 28, 2009, 03:13:07 PM
Below: Police buses parked on Mokhovaya Street bring in OMOH troops for security at the Red Square celebration of New Year's Eve.


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(Note: not all the recipes shown below are "fast safe" but are certainly very tasty.)


From Irina Renner in Long Island, USA:


Russian Christmas Coffee Cake - a Christmas Morning Treat
Ingredients:1 cup sugar
Filling and Topping
 
1/2 lb. butter (or margarine)
 3/4 cup sugar
1 pint sour cream
 4 tablespoons cinnamon
3 unbeaten eggs
 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
2 1/2 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
 
 
Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Cream together sugar and margarine. Mix in the sour cream. Add the unbeaten eggs, one at a time. In a separate bowl mix the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Combine the flour mixture gradually into the butter/egg mixture. The dough will become stiff. Spoon half the dough into a well-greased and floured 10-inch tube pan. Mix together the topping ingredients: sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Sprinkle 3/4 of the topping/filling over the first half of the dough. Add the remaining dough and sprinkle rest of topping. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees. Cool 1 hour before removing from the pan.


Russian Christmas Tea Cakes
Ingredients:
1 cup margarine softened
 2 cup flour
1/3 cup confectioner's sugar
 1/2 cup pecans, or walnuts chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
 confectioners' sugar
 
Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cream the margarine, sugar and vanilla together until light and fluffy. Mix in the flour and pecans. Chill for 2 hours. Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in a 375-degree oven until very lightly brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Roll in confectioners' sugar before serving. Store in an airtight container. Makes 3 dozen.



Russian Spice Tea - Christmas Holiday favorite
Ingredients: 3 lemons
 2 quarts weak tea
3 oranges
 2 tbsp. whole cloves
1 pt. pineapple juice
 2 c. sugar
 
Preparation: Squeeze juice from the lemons and oranges. Pour some boiling water over the cloves and let stand for 10 minutes. Strain the juice and cloves. Add sugar and mix well. Add the tea and heat to boiling. Serve hot.



Instant Version - "Russian" Spice Tea:
Ingredients:
1/2 cup instant Nestea tea - unsweetened
 1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 1/2 cups orange-flavored TANG
 1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup instant Nestea Iced Tea Mix - Lemon flavored sweetened
 1 tsp ground cloves
 
Preparation: Combine all ingredients in large container and mix well. To serve, use 2 to 3 teaspoons of mix per cup and add hot/boiling water



[attachimg=#] Ukrainian girls invite you to celebrate!


From the Mendeleyev Moscow table:

Mushroom-Stuffed Potatoes

First, find the biggest potatoes in the sack, so that there will be room for plenty of mushroom filling. Peel and cut potatoes in half, and boil them until they aren't quite done.

After the potatoes cool a bit, carve out the centres and set the cut-out portions aside for use in other dishes, such as potato pancakes. The filling consists of chopped, sauteed mushrooms, embellished with some finely chopped onion.

For the topping mix 3/4 cup of sour cream with 2 tablespoons of flour, 2 tablespoons of oil, and 1/3 cup of grated cheese.

Then bake the mushroom-stuffed potatoes in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes, and then add the topping mixture for another 15 minutes.

(When fasting you may substitute the sour cream and cheese for non-dairy versions.)


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Above: if you've been following the RUA tour of Moscow you recognize the Lenin Library in this photo of the New Year tree near Manezhnaya Plaza.
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on November 30, 2009, 10:23:58 PM
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Some fairy tales are international. Here is the short 2 minute story of the 3 pigs and the big bad wolf.....Russian Christmas style. Very funny, especially the ending:





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All I want for Christmas New Year is a vodka flask -- with a red star naturally!
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 02, 2009, 07:19:36 AM
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As you can see above, Snegurochka the Snow Maiden wants us to know a little more about how trees fit into the celebration of the New Year and Christmas season.

First, Russians do decorate a “New Year Tree” (instead of Christmas tree) and there are of course similarities to Western Christmas trees. The Russian name is ёлка, “YOL-ka.” Remember the order of the Cyrillic alphabet where e is "yeh" and ё is "yoh" to help you get started with saying this fun Russian name.

To get ourselves in the mood for learning about a Russian New Year tree we need to sing a little song. So, learn this детские песни Елочка (children's song Yolichka) by heart and then return to this page.  Follow this link  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JhE-4LZsXk) to the song.


Good, now lets prepare our decorations for the tree. Of course we'll have the usual--decorations made of plastic and glass from previous years, and we'll add some fruit, yep real fruit (usually citrus), and some confetti (candy) tied on strings. That will take a while so find a seat at the table, grab some string and fruit and candy and get to work!


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Christmas itself is not a commercial holiday. Gifts are given (usually 1 or 2 per person) on New Years Day. They are considered to be “New Years Gifts.”


A few days before the New Year families buy a New Year’s tree and bring it home to decorate. Now we should warn you that while they are fur trees, a normal tree would be way too big in a small Russian apartment so it is common to use branches instead of the entire tree in many homes.

The photos of this full size tree are from a dacha and most dacha's are larger inside as they are country homes instead of small city apartments. A full size tree fits easily in most dachas.


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: froid on December 02, 2009, 07:33:38 AM
Hey Mendy...I hope you are going to go over the traditional New Years and Christmas meals.  This will be my first Christmas with Mila and Kirill and discussions about the "meal" have started and I could use some help and info. 
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 02, 2009, 07:45:33 AM
Most certainly, Froid. I think you have two experts in your home already, but we'll cover it soon.  tiphat
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 02, 2009, 07:49:53 AM
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The national tree of Russia is the white birch tree. However Russians and Ukrainians use a green pine tree just as is common in the West, for the New Year tree. Perhaps one of the favourite Christmas songs in Ukraine and in Russia is the Pine Tree Song.  It is this tree that makes up the "New Years Tree" found in homes and all over the towns.


В лесу родилась ёлочка,               A pinetree was born in the forest

В лесу она росла,                             It was grown in the forest,

Зимой и летом стройная,             It was slender in winter and in  summer

Зелёная была.                                 It was green.

 

Метель ей пелп песенку:               The storm sang a song to her:

Спи, ёлочка, бай-бай,                     'Sleep little pinetree, bay-bay,

Мороз снежком укутывал:           The freeze shields by snow:

Смотри, не замерзай!                   Watch out so as not to freeze.'

 

Трусишка зайка серенький          A fearful rabbit is

Под ёлочкой скакал.                       Jumping on the pinetree,

Порою волк, сердитый волк,         Sometimes a wolf, the angry wolf

Рысцою пробегал.                           Carelessly runs away.

 

Снуг по лесу частому                      Snow covers the forever forest

Под холодом скрипие,                     Under the cold roar,

Лошадка мохноногая                      The horse with hairy legs

Торопиться, бежит.                      Hurriedly runs.

 

Везёт лошадка дровеньки,             The horse is carrying the tree

А в дровнях старичок,                    An old man is sitting on the tree

Срубил он нашу ёлочку                    He cuts down our pinetree

Под самый корешок.                       From its stock.

 

Телерь тв здесь, нарядная,           Now here you are, solemnly,

На праздник к нам пришла            Come with us to celebrate

И много, много радости                  And lots of happiness was

Детишкам принесла.                      Carried by you to children.



Differences in tree decorations:
Sometimes you can't tell the difference between a Russian News Years Tree and a western Christmas Tree, but sometimes it is possible.  Generally, and there will certain be exceptions, but generally the Ukrainian and Russian decorations will run up and down the tree, vertically.  Often in the west we tend to wrap decorations around the tree which slowly make their way around the tree from top to bottom.


It is normal in the home of an elderly pensioner to find a branch of a pine tree serving as their New Year's tree.  It is all they could afford.  In general Ukrainians and Russians don't like artificial trees.  They have a keen sense of nature and most would rather have a small and imperfect real tree than a perfect artificial replacement.  

Although the times are changing and young families sometimes do purchase an artificial tree.  Still however the market for artificial trees, while growing, is very small.

It is very common for News Years trees to be only a small height.  Rather than free-standing on the floor, most trees sit on a table top.



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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 02, 2009, 07:54:04 AM
Each year the city in which your lady lives erects a large New Year tree. Mega cities have many such trees, but usually the main one is at the city square. The formal lighting of this tree is a big deal and families enjoy going to the square to watch on the evening when the tree's decorations and lights are first unveiled.


Here is the lighting of the city New Year's Tree in Kiev:



Here is the New Year's tree in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine:



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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: froid on December 02, 2009, 08:02:47 AM
Oh I know I have experts available...but I want to put some extra thought and effort into merging my own family traditions with the traditions from Russia as well.

For instance the Finnish thing we do is always on Christmas Eve and involves a ham.  Involves me dressed up as Joulupoki and visiting friends bringing them shots of cranberry liqeur, and the special pig candle. 

The Newfie more English thing is of course the turkey on Christmas day and all the usual things that go with that.  I BBQ the turkey even.  Mmmm.

And then because some family and friends end up travelling over Christmas we have our official Christmas BBQ in two weeks so that everyone can attend before we all split up and fly to different destinations. 

So I am just learning now what Russian things consist of so I can merge those with everything we already do. 
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 03, 2009, 12:41:06 AM
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The beautiful Ostankino Palace just north of Moscow is our setting for tonight's Christmas greeting to RUA readers. This will be one of the destinations on "Touring Moscow."

It was about 6 years ago that Mrs Mendeleyeva and I stood next to that tree on the right and enjoyed a outdoor summer concert by the Moscow Symphony on the grounds of Ostankino. I leaned back on that tree, she leaned back into me, and we spend about 2 hours of heaven there, frozen in time to the touch of a gentle wind, a lovely summer day, and the sweet sound of some of the world's most polished concert musicians making magic with their instruments.

Now as I see this palace again in it's winter mode, one can't help but wonder if Russia isn't the absolutely most beautiful and special place on the planet!

As it's bad luck to greet our Russian/Ukrainian/Belarussian friends in advance of the actual holiday, we'll whisper this greeting to the Western members only. Hold it down so that the Russian members don't catch on.  :-X We'll include them in a greeting on New Year's Eve and then on New Year's Day and again on Christmas Day in January.

It's time for some laughter! "City Gross" is a Russian comedian who pretends to be a French chef on Russian television. Think of the 3 Stoogies wrapped up in one guy in a white chef's hat. Its just 24 seconds and even if you don't get the language, hopefully you'll like his style anyway.


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Now on a more serious note, this past autumn the world lost one of the former Soviet Union's great singers. Muslim Magomaev was from Azerbaijan but beloved all over the region and many called him the "Frank Sinatra of Russia." Tonight we honour his passing with one of his favourite Christmas songs, the English version of "Silent Night." Ladies and gentlement of the RUA family, we present this memory as sung so supremely by Muslim Magomaev and his long-time singing partner and wife, Tamara Sinyavskaya:
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 04, 2009, 11:33:59 PM
Sometimes in Moscow these days you wonder just where winter has gone. Is if over that quickly?

But just in case you'd like to experience a typical Russian winter, watch this:


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 04, 2009, 11:45:33 PM
Coming soon we'll talk about how a Russian table looks in the FSU. To get us started Grandfather Frost has asked us to stay for some hot tea. As he has already heated up the water in his samovar, we'd best take a seat and oblige.



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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 07, 2009, 09:28:39 PM
Separating fact from fiction when it comes to the Russian holidays

Even a cursory cruise of the Internet reveals a vast amount of information about the New Year and Christmas holidays in the FSU. Much of the information out there is copied from site to site by numbskulls who think that the person who authored the original knew what he/she was talking about. The drivel is as high as cow poop in a Nebraska barnyard in early May when the snow has melted and the barnyard is mushy with an aroma that has been buried in ice thru the winter but now has been released into the nostrils of every living thing for 400 miles.
 
Wait, it's the Christmas season and one must be charitable. So, I'll start over. Sorry.

Take Two
Even a cursory cruise of the Internet reveals a vast amount of information about the New Year and Christmas holidays in the FSU. Regrettably much of the information is incomplete and lacking in a true Russian perspective.

How's that?  :laugh:

So let's separate some facts from fiction. We'll count them in Russian numbers.

один - If a site or author talks about "Father" Frost, run away.

Fact: One of the most simple facts is the story of Grandfather Frost. That is Russian Christmas 101.
    
два - Some say that Grandfather Frost was created by the Soviets as a substitute to Santa because of Santa's supposed connect to Christianity.

Fact: Pray tell, really? A golly ole dude handing out candy to kids is religious? Not true. In fact, just 11 years after the revolution, Grandfather Frost (not Santa) was declared "an ally of the priest and kulak" and outlawed. He was anything but a Soviet creation. Grandfather Frost was rehabilitated in 1937 when he was invited to entertain Russian children at the prestigious Palace of the Unions.


три - Christmas Trees were common in Russian until the Soviets banned them.

Fact: Not exactly. In 1916, in Imperial Russia the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church boycotted Christmas trees as a tradition because they originated from Germany, Russia's enemy during World War I. During the Soviet period the government simply moved the trees to New Year and called them "New Year trees" as they were considered to be a "bourgeois and religious practice." However the ban (that had started before the Soviet days) was actually lifted by the Communists in 1935, but Russians by that time seemed to like having their trees identified with the new year celebrations.

 
четыре - Only deeply religious people observe the Nativity fast.

Fact: We covered that in an earlier post. The fast is so common that it alters everything from school and government cafeteria menus to restaurant menus to supermarket inventory.


пять - Grandfather Frost is simply a  version of Santa Claus.

Fact: Santa is built around Saint Nicholas, but Grandfather Frost first originated from pagan sources. I'm only joking when calling them "cousins." Truthfully, they're not even in the same family. Besides you're just as likely to see Grandfather Frost in a blue outfit as a red one.


шесть - While browsing the Internet I saw an article which described how Russians bake a turkey for Christmas dinner. It also said that ham is a popular Christmas meat.

Fact: Most Russians don't like turkey. The turkeys available are usually scrawny little birds that neither took well or taste good. Ham is definitely not a very common Christmas dinner in Russia or Ukraine either.


So, what do Russian holiday meals serve?

We'll cover holiday foods very soon. In doing so we'll try to separate the facts from the fiction.


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Above: Saint Petersburg - Palace Square



Okay, trivia time!


What Russian city is this short 15 second scene from?

Hints: Notice the column which is briefly shown in the plaza, and looking at the buildings in the background they're painted a distinctive colour and sit on a very wide place. The buildings curve around the top of the plaza.

Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 12, 2009, 11:21:13 AM
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The Story of the Snow Maiden
Once upon a time there was an old man and his wife.
They had everything they wanted,
A cow, a sheep, and a cat on the hearth,
but they didn't have any children.
Often they were sad and grieved.

One day during winter the white snow fell up to their knees.
The neighbor's children rushed out onto the street.
They slid on their sleds and threw snowballs,
and began to make a snowman.

Grandfather looked out of the window,
watched, and said to Grandmother:
"Well, wife, we sit here looking at the neighbor's children in our old age,"
"Let's you and I go out and build a snowman too."
And the old lady became merry as well.
"Well, let's go, Grandfather, onto the street."
"but why build a snowman, when I already have you?"
"Let's build a daughter, Snyegurochka!" (Snow Maiden)

No sooner said than done!
The old people went out into the garden and began to build a daughter.
They used two deep blue beads for eyes,
made two dimples in her cheeks,
and a piece of red ribbon for her mouth.
How good, their snow daughter, Snyegurochka.
Grandmother and grandfather looked and looked at her,
they loved her, and couldn't take their eyes off of her.

All of a sudden Snyegurochka's mouth began to smile,
her hair began to curl.
She began to move her arms and legs and then she walked through the garden and into the izba!(small wooden house)
Grandmother and grandfather couldn't believe their eyes,
they were so surprised they couldn't move!
"Grandfather!" cried Grandmother,
"Yes, it is, we have a living daughter, our dear little Snyegurochka!"
And into the izba they rushed, and what a joy it was!

Snyegurochka grew, not by the day, but by the hour.
And with each day, Snyegurochka grew more beautiful.
Grandmother and grandfather wouldn't let her out of their sight.
They doted on her.

Snyegurochka was as white as the snow,
her eyes were like deep blue beads,
her blond hair reached down to her waist.
But Snyegurochka didn't have any color in her cheeks or lips.
Still, she was so beautiful!

Spring came,
the leaves came out on the trees,
the bees flew about the fields,
the skylark sang.
All the boys were as happy as could be,
and the girls sang gay songs of spring.
But Snyegurochka grew sadder and sadder,
She looked out of the window and wept.

Then came bright summer,
the flowers blossomed in the gardens,
the grain ripened in the fields.
Snyegurochka grew more and more sad,
she avoided the sun,
she would stay in the cool shady places,
and best of all, she liked the rain.

Grandmother and Grandfather were very worried,
They kept asking her:
"Are you ill, little daughter?"
"I am fine, Grandmother." she would answer,
but she remained in her corner, feeling sad,
she wouldn't walk on the street.

One day her friends came,
they were going into the forest to gather berries,
raspberries, bilberries, and wild strawberries.
They came and called to Snyegurochka:
"Come with us, do come Snyegurochka!"
Reluctant Snyegurochka was to go into the forest,
reluctant Snyegurochka was to go into the sun,
but Grandmother and Grandfather insisted:
"Go, go, Snyegurochka,"
"go, go, little daughter,"
"you will have fun with your friends."

Snyegurochka took a little basket,
and went into the forest with her friends.
Her friends walked about the forest,
wove garlands of flowers, and sang songs.
But Snyegurochka found a cool stream and sat by it,
she sat looking at it, and dipped her fingers in it,
playing with the droplets.

Evening came.
The girls played even more merrily,
wearing their garlands,
they built a bonfire and began jumping over it.
Reluctant was Snyegurochka,
to play with them at this.
Her friends kept asking her to join them,
so she walked up to the fire.
She stood ther trembling,
her face as white as could be,
her hair fell loose about her.
"Jump, Jump, Snyegurochka!
Cried her friends.

Snyegurochka took a deep breath and jumped!
Over the fire was a hissing sound,
and Snyegurochka....
VANISHED!!
Rising from the fire was a wisp of steam.
It formed a cloud, and rose higher and higher,
into the sky.

Snyegurochka had melted.


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 13, 2009, 11:25:06 PM
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Perhaps there is no better time to experience the mood and pulse of the Russian people’s devotion to family, their culture, and to their Motherland than over the New Year’s holiday celebration.  Just to hear the Russian national anthem on this solitary moment can be the experience of a lifetime:  Come to Moscow and spend New Year's Eve in Russia.  Gather with extended family and friends in a compact apartment crowded to the walls with those you love and cherish.  At about 8pm the salads begin to appear on the table, then soon followed by a never-ending stream of food as favourite Russian culinary delights make their way from the kitchen to the living room table over the next several hours. 

Sometime during the evening the music starts and lively dancing and toasts begin.  The finest champagne is held in reserve for after the midnight bells toll from the clock at the Kremlin.  Across Russia all eyes and hearts turn toward Moscow.  Just before midnight every television station switches to the Kremlin whose distinct red walls are dressed in a dramatic display of lights bathed in falling snow from Red Square.

President Putin appears on the screen and in his solemn style delivers the traditional greeting to the Russian people.  It is usually a short speech and all across Russia the music has stopped.  Dancing feet become still.  It seems as even the sounds of the streets and the hissing steam from the heat radiators also grow silent.

Traditionally the president offers words of best wishes to the people and afterward comes the announcement for which everyone has been waiting:  The President announces the length of the government holiday.  His pronouncement will affect everyone from government office workers to school children and their teachers to policemen and to many private business workers.  And at the end of his speech the Kremlin clock tolls midnight and the President ends his address with the familiar С Новым годом (sno-vim godom), Happy New Year!

Those sitting in the apartment, especially the elders and war veterans, stand at attention, glasses in hand, waiting for the playing of the Russian national anthem.  Immediately it begins and afterward the glasses are raised heavenward in toasts to health, wealth, and happiness for the coming new years.  Kisses, three times on alternating checks, are offered around the room.

Quickly New Year cakes appear on the table.  And fruit.  And more champagne.  Dancing begins again and now the sound of fireworks can be heard across the land.  The night sky is charged with colours so vivid, so bright, and so promising.  Children are bundled in heavy winter coats and carried outside to watch the dazzling displays as the cascading lights arch across the normally dark and brooding Russian skies.  The celebration of fireworks outside, and parties indoors, will continue until 3 or 4 in the morning. 


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For many, sleep will come eventually but usually on a crowded sofa or even a blanket on the floor depending on the number of guests.  Others will wait out the night, often it is the men who sit in the kitchen or in a hallway and chain-smoke away the remaining hours until dawn begins to belatedly peer across the Russian horizon.

For those who managed to sleep even for a little while, morning comes quickly on January first and the winter snows have created a new white landscape across the Motherland.  Oh there is nowhere like Russia for breakfast!  In a land where there are no designated foods for specific mealtimes, any Russian breakfast can be an exciting adventure.  But on New Years morning it is very special:  Leftover New Years cake, champagne, sausage and cabbage from the night before, marinated beet/potatoe salad, and a spoonful of red or black caviar on thick black bread with butter.  Who needs an egg when you're having champagne and caviar for breakfast at 8am!

Most families have a tradition of walking to an important square or park in their city on New Years morning.  Naturally for Muscovites that traditional walk is on or around Red Square.  The tomb of the Unknown Soldier is passed reverently with memories of past conflicts from invading neighbors. 

Once on Red Square, typically teeming with folks dressed up like Eskimos and with the usual aloofness forgotten for just a day, greetings of С Новым годом, even to perfect strangers punctuate the brisk morning air.  Surrounded by churches many step inside briefly to pray before continuing the annual tradition.

Happy New Year!  С Новым годом, from Moscow, Russia.


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 18, 2009, 09:37:14 PM
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So, what is Christmas time like to the average Russian family?

Well, first it's snowy and cold.  This video was shot from inside a Russian apartment, high above the street on 23 December 2006: 

Often it's too cold for children to venture outside so a mother must be very good at entertaining little ones in addition to all her other household duties.

Heat can be erratic:  Most Russian and Ukrainian apartments have "central heating." By that we mean it is fed via steam, to entire blocks and rows of apartment buildings. Individual apartments have steam radiators, most often without controls entirely or with valves so old and rusted that to adjust them is an invitation to a disasterous steam explosion. When it's too hot, one cracks open a window. When it's too cold you close the window. That is the "thermostat." In fact, many apartments built before the early 2000s don't even have thermostats as a thermostat is made to control the flow and the flow is controlled not by you, but by Boris down at the local steam station.

If you want to know the temperature most apartment dwellers have a thermometer attached to an outside window. Inside, you already know if it's warm or cold.  What you want to know is, how cold is it outside?

In daytime much of the steam is diverted away from the apartment blocks (the Russian term is "sleeping zones") and fed to business and shops which are open in daytime.  It may become chilly in your apartment so you'll "layer" your clothing depending on the warmth inside your home.

At night the opposite takes place. Well, it's susposed to take place. Working past 4pm at the office can get chilly because thats about the time when the steam begins to be redirected back to apartment blocks in the "sleeping zones." Employees who work late begin to "layer" clothing as they continue to work.

When to take a shower: Morning is not a good time. Your body will be softened by the warm water, and exposure to the freezing temperatures and wind combine for the perfect recipe for pneumonia. Showers are safer at night after you've completed all the outdoor activities.

Its not uncommon at night for your apartment to become very warm as you go to sleep but by morning it may be drifting back to the chilly side of living.

Those modern electric teapots (chai niki) are busy on cold winter days and nights. Tea is a staple all year long, but doubles as medicine for sore throats in winter.


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 18, 2009, 09:52:40 PM
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On a cold "Christmasy" night it's fun to crawl into a warm bed with your lady.  Here is how that is done (as if any of you guys needed help!)   :nod:

- Clear the room.  Just a few minutes ago it was a living room, dining room or day work space.
- Pull out the sofa. 
- Lift up the sofa top and bring out the blankets and pillows where they were stored.
- Make the bed fitted sheets are useless here--every sheet is "flat."
- Arrange the blankets, the cover, and the pillows.
- Pillows are the square European style (very unlike the long American style pillows).
- Your lady probably likes the bright designs on her sheets.  They can be very colourful.  The most colourful I've seen were made in Ukraine and Belarussia.
- Your lady probably likes a coverlet on top of it all.  It's two sheets sewn together, with designs and literally stuffed with a blanket inside.  Very colourful.  Very warm with that blanket stuffed inside it!
- Now, slip inside and snuggle!   


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And in the morning you store the bedding inside the sofa, fold it back into it's daytime sofa shape, move the furnishings back into their daytime arrangement and presto....you're back in the living room, dining room, work space, etc.


Some key things to know:
- Because of the differences in sizes, American bedding in particular doesn't work well in Russia.  The fitted sheet--useless, it's too wide, made for a thick mattress not found too often in Russia, and not practical.  The flat sheet can be used but is way too big for those narrow bed sizes.  The pillowcases won't fit those square pillows either.
- Americans love thick and fluffy bath towels, especially in winter.  Beware, they take up too much space in those small European washing machines, not to mention the narrow towel racks in bathrooms already cramped for space. 
- What does make a good gift is a nice thick wool blanket.  Especially the twin bed sizes--they'll work fine on a regular "double bed" in Russia.  The thicker and more colourful...the better.


Bedding Glossary:
Bed (кровать)
Coverlet (покрывало)
Blanket...as in woolen blanket (шерстяное одеяло)
Pillow (подушка)
Sofa (диван)
Towel (полотенце)

Yes, in day the sofa is called a диван (di-vahn) and by night it is a кровать (kra-vat).

Bedding footnote:  A man just meeting a lady should never take a bedding gift.  It's considered in the "intimate" catagory and better left for after a relationship is well established.  You don't want to offend her family in an early meeting. 


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 18, 2009, 10:03:12 PM
Here is one man's video of his trip to Kiev in December 2005 with some nice clips of the New Years Eve celebration on Independence Square:


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Here is an authentic Ukrainian "New Year's Table" with plenty of food and an explanation of some of the menu items.  Notice the turkey being prepared for baking.  Yes, it's so small compared to those big American birds we just enjoyed at Thanksgiving.  Not so tasty either.  It will be very tough when cooked.  Turkey is not as big of a
favourite over there--in part because their birds are more "natural" and without the massive growth hormones, don't have the same amount of fat which makes our turkeys so tender and flavourful...even if it is killing us slowly to eat our very delicious birds:


Now one of the most familiar Christmas songs in the west.  You probably already knew it was of Ukrainian origin!  Here is the "Carol of the Bells:"


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 18, 2009, 10:59:23 PM
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Blending in this time of year usually means that it's time to embarrass my wife and daughters. 

It's our tradition at holidays. She knows it's coming. Those of you married or engaged to a RW know that expression very well, "its our tradition." 

When you question your newly arrived wife as to why your cans of motor oil have been moved from the garage to underneath the bathroom sink counter, "it's our tradition." When you ask why she insists you must be fully dressed, shaved, hair combed and teeth brushed all just so you can step out to empty the trash, "it's our tradition."  When you ask why everyone in the family must sit silently on a bench near the door for 15-30 seconds before leaving for a trip, "it's our tradition."

So I have come up with just a few traditions of my own! They do tend to drive the ladies in my world a bit crazy, but that is the entire point!   

One of my favourites is to greet everyone on the street or at the bus stop. As you can imagine, those stoic Russians who rarely acknowledge each other, who rarely smile, and who rarely greet a stranger on the street, they think I'm a nut case when I turn on the jolly old Grandfather Frost charm at New Years and Christmas.

So, when walking around the streets I greet everyone with a big smile and a hearty greeting. Now if you're going to make this work you can't be shy about it. You need to smile, spread your arms wide like greeting a long lost friend, take a deep breath, and let 'er rip! To everybody, even the police!

С новым годом! is Happy New Year!

С Рождеством Христовым! or just С Рождеством is Merry Christmas!

Just go for it. It's Christmas time...don't be shy. Now in Russia they will look at you kind of funny. But it will put a smile on most faces. I've sent old babuskhas giggling down the street while my wife turns beet red. I've made businessmen laugh and return the greeting. One time I greeted a bus driver with С новым годом! No response. He just kept driving. So I ripped off a С Рождеством! He sent the cashier back to check as to whether I was drunk. 

Children love it--it's so unRussian they'll think you're an American...or even worse.

When my wife tells me that it's not an American tradition, I revert to that other old standby. You know, the one she beats me over the head with if I point out that one of her traditions isn't really a Russian tradition: Hey, it's a family tradition!

She can't argue with that one.   

С новым годом!  С Рождеством Христовым!

That's the way to "blend in" this time of year.


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 18, 2009, 11:18:43 PM
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Each year the Christian charity group from Canada "Loads of Love" takes over 1,000 Ukrianian orphans to McDonalds. Ranging from ordinary kids with no parents, to retarded and physically handicapped kids, these children enjoy a meal and a few hours of fun.  Most of them cherish this once-a-year experience so much that they take their empty cups, napkins, and empty french fry containers back to the orphanage when the event is over.

Here is a sample of the kids at McD:


More of the kids:


Open Arms Ukraine is another group giving hope to Ukrainian orphans:


Ransomed Daughter is another organization worth knowing:


Kharkov Orphanage:


Orphanage for Jewish children in Odessa:


No matter our individual faith expressions, at this time of the year it is good to ask God how we can help even in a small way to become the "father to the orphan."  There are some very fine groups operating in the FSU who day after day demonstrate love and care to the children who need our prayers and support.


The gospel of Saint James, the Apostle: Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. (1:27)


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 18, 2009, 11:43:52 PM
To readers: The following post is from the 2007 Christmas notes on RUA:


Having returned from tonights Christmas Eve dinner and liturgy at our neighborhood Russian Orthodox Church, it might be interesting to share some experiences for guys who live in cities without a large Russian population and don't have the chance to attend such an experience.

I worked today until 2pm. I made sure to eat my (meatless) lunch before Noon so that I could totally fast from Noon thru the evening hours.

2:30pm: Pick up some extra shrimp on the way home. Our oldest daughter thinks we don't have enough. Shellfish is allowed on certain fasting days, and a feature at the Christmas Eve "Holy Supper." Picked up 2 more packages (32 oz) and continued toward home.

3:00pm: Open the packages, rinse off the shrimp, and spread them on a towel to defrost and dry off.

3:30pm: Peel 10 lbs potatoes for Potatoe salad (for tomorrow afternoon's meal) since the mayo has oil and is therefore prohibited during the Nativity fast.

4:00pm: Took a call from one of the church dinner coordinators. Was I also planning on bringing cocktail sauce for the shrimp? Ah, was I susposed to? Of course. Consult with daughters who inform me that you can make a cocktail sauce using a bottle of common ketchup and mixing in horseradish sauce...carefully....don't over-do the horseradish.  

4:10pm: Race off to supermarket to buy a big bottle of ketchup and a little jar of horseradish sauce.

4:25pm: Thank goodness a supermarket is just two blocks away. Back home with ingredients. Oldest daughter helps and presto....yes, it tastes just like the cocktail sauce sold in supermarkets. Wow! I never knew that. We'll remember that one.

4:50pm: Call to my oldest daughter's fiance. Reminder that we are leaving at 5:15pm. He's just around the corner and will help carry our "stuff" to the car.

5:00pm: Shrimp is defrosted nicely and dry.  Put in sealed bowls for trip to church. Take cocktail sauce out of freezer....it got cold in a hurry!

5:05pm: Wow, we are actually walking out to car. This is going much too smoothly. What are we missing?

5:10pm: We're missing serving platters for the shrimp. Yikes! Pull back up and race inside. Open a cabinet...ah hah. These two silver platted ones should do just fine. Rinse off platters and dry with towel which held shrimp just a few minutes ago. Who will ever know? After all, it's shrimp on both towel and the platters. We won't tell anybody.

5:15pm: Now what are we forgetting. Okay, drive to church.

5:23pm: Pull into parking lot. Assign daughter's fiance to carry the heavy stuff--that would be 7 boxes of church candles which I had worked on and prepared this week. Daughter carries cocktail sauce and I carry 8 lbs of shrimp into the church cultural hall.

5:27pm:  Wash hands in the church's large professional kitchen. We do a lot of fundraising selling Russian breads and goodies to the Phoenix Russian community. Hands washed, greet the mostly lady crew inside the kitchen and am informed that I must arrange the shrimp on the platters, cover the platters, pour the cocktail sauce into serving bowls and cover, then am assigned a space for it all in one of the large wall-to-wall refrigators. Enlist help of oldest daughter. Mission accomplished.

5:35pm: Walk across parking lot to the church. Outside the door stop to make the sign of the cross and bow before entering. Oldest daughter's fiance is taking the tedious months-long process of becoming Orthodox and it is nice to see that he now does these things without instruction. He is sincere and learning well.

5:38pm: Step into supply room at back of church and arrange candles on shelves for future services. Clear up a little mess left by one of the priest-deacons who was working on a incense lamp.

5:41pm: Walk into sanctuary. Buy a large candle. Bow for a moment and make the sign of the cross. Walk forward and kiss the first icon--the icon of the Nativity. Making the sign of the cross I leave it and go right to the next large icon. It is the icon of Christ.  Make the sign of the cross and kiss the icon.  Say a brief prayer of thanks for Christ's birth. Move to the left side of the church. At the Virgin Mary icon I cross myself, kiss the icon, light my candle at this icon, and then pray for my wife who is in Russia, for our youngest daughter in Russia, for our middle daughter who is spending the evening with friends, for my brother and for extended family members.  

5:47pm: Modestly bow before the congregration (we must submit one to another in love) and then walk to the back of the church. Climb the stairway up to the choir loft. I arrange the service books for our section (base/baritone) and consult with the section leader of the tenors about 2 newer songs we will be singing in both English and Old Slavonic. The choir director listens intently and then points out a couple of passages of which she has concerns.

6:00pm: The service is starting. The deacons and readers will do all the chanting for the first 10 minutes of the service so the choir gets ourselves arranged and stand waiting for our cues. During the liturgy we will chant responses and sing songs in response to the deacons and priest. Once started we'll be "on" non-stop thru the entire service.

6:12pm: We are "on," chanting the first in a series of "Lord have mercy" alternating between English and Old Church Slavonic. It's so beautiful down in the sanctuary with all the candles and flowers (electric lights are out and the light is supplied by hundreds of candles) but up in the choir loft we don't get to enjoy this truly beautiful sight. But the music is beautiful and so we try to make a joyful noise to the newborn baby Christ.

7:05pm: The Nativity Vespers service is over. Parishioners file forward in a single line to kiss the Nativity icon, then move to the cultural hall for the "Holy Supper."  

7:15pm  Sasha (Alexander), Andrei (Andrew) and I collect the candles and clear the candle holders. There will be a 9am service tomorrow morning so we must clear things now. It goes by quickly.

7:20pm: Step back inside the cultural hall. Am invited by several friends to sit at their table but oldest daughter and her fiance have saved a spot for me with a group of our Ethiopian sub-congregration. Sit down. I have been on my feet for hours and it just feels so good to sit for a while.

7:25pm: Meal begins. There is a printed program because we will pray and sing our way thru all 12 events/colours of Christmas before eating. It goes quickly:  Father David invites us to take a handful of clean straw and scatter it over our table to symbolize that Christ was born in a manger with the animals. The tablecloths are white....Jesus was wrapped in cloth and white symbolizes purity. We take a whole garlic clove and then honey is passed around the table.  Dip the garlic in honey and then eat it. Ugh! But we do it every year.....the picture of life which consists of both the "ugh" (garlic) and the sweet (honey).  The priest walks down the two serving lines and lightly sprinkles blessed water on the food. Now deacon Alexi prepares us for remembing those who have died and gone on before us. An empty chair is placed at the head table and deacon Alexi reminds us that life brings eventual death, and we carry in our hearts the hope that one day we will see our loved ones in heaven by God's grace. The priest then asks us to stand beside our tables. We take a small glass of wine placed before each plate. He makes a toast for thanking God for his goodness and for sending a Saviour for our sins in the form of a baby....the light of the world. We drink the toast and sit down. It's time to eat.

Such a delicious meal and such variety! There were actually more than 12 dishes because the Ethiopians have the same tradition, but they don't have the same kind of Nativity foods. So, our blended congregation was treated to at least 20 or more various dishes. All very delicious! All meatless.

We started each serving line with kutya the rice and nuts and honey mixture.  At the end of each line was a large kettle of borsch. Red in colour, borsch is a symbol that while born today....someday Christ would die and his blood would be the requirement for our salvation and only by partaking of, and accepting his sacrifice, could we someday live with God in eternity.

8:15pm: Meal is winding down. We don't have "desserts" because we are still "fasting" and desserts represent a celebration. That will come tomorrow on Christmas day when the fast is over.

8:20pm: Deacon Alexi leads us in singing "Memory Eternal" the song for saints and relatives departed this life. We alternate it in English and Old Slavonic. Then he and Priest David start our singing of Christmas carols. We sing together for about 10-12 minutes.

8:32pm: Time to clean up. Thank God I'm not on this year's Nativity "cleanup" committee.  Did that last year. I deserve a break.

8:45pm: Drive home. We're tired and tomorrow is an even bigger day. Say goodnight to daughter's fiance and we step inside. Whew.

8:55pm: Change clothes and put leftover borsch (gift of my elderly Belarussian friend Helen) along with the stuffed (no meat) cabbage rolls (a gift from Tatiana and Ivan) into fridge. Our friends are worried that I don't eat right when away from my wife...if they only knew.

9:15pm: Call family in Moscow. Of course wife wants a minute-by-minute and menu item-by-menu item description of the evening. I comply....up to a point. That was when she asked about the serving platters for the shrimp. Her words were something like, "you didn't use those old beat-up silver patters did you?" "You did remember to use the nice glass serving platters, correct? We talked about it, yes?"

Silence.  Ah, cough, gulp.  

Then with a literal gusto of confidence, "of course my darling. They looked wonderful. Everybody commented about the ah, those ah, yes the glass platters. Right oh, took 'em right out of the dining room cabinet.

She didn't buy it. Wrong cabinet.  

I'm in the doghouse. Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Merry Christmas everyone!


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 18, 2009, 11:55:00 PM
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A Russian Ukrainian New Year and Christmas

My very first year of living in Moscow seemed almost bass-ackwards for me. The 4th Thursday of November rolled around and there was no Thanksgiving. For an American, that seemed to go over with me like an underground airplane. It just felt funny different.

When 25 December rolled around it was just another day. People working, nobody cooking, shopping, the Metro was busy, and there was a feeling of anticipation about the New Year, but nothing yet about Christmas. However the phone lines were jammed. Trying to call to the West to speak to my daughters was a project. We connected but not without some trials trying.

But over the years I've come to appreciate the Russian holiday season and I like it. In fact there is no place like home (Moscow) for the holidays! 


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 19, 2009, 12:32:52 AM
What are many New Year trees so small?


[attachimg=#] Tree kiosk.


Well, apartments are small and space is at a premium. Sometimes a full size tree set up in a room which serves as dining room for meals, living room by day, and a bedroom at night is just too large.

So you'll see a fur tree cut up into branches and often those branches are taken home and decorated as the family New Year tree.


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Businesses often have full size trees and small to midsize artificial trees have taken off among the middle class.
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 19, 2009, 12:40:27 AM
Would you like to send your favourite lady a New Years' Card?


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Or a Christmas card?  Even both?  For free?  In Russian?  

Okay lets do this!

Here are step by step directions on how to send her a Russian holiday card:

-Go to http://eng.davno.ru/cards/ch.html

-See the menu on the left?  
The very top item reads Поздравительные новогодние открытки. These are NEW YEARS cards.

The next item under it reads открыток с Рождеством. These are CHRISTMAS cards.

Remembering that New Years' comes before Christmas, choose which one you wish to send. If you wish you can follow this format to send her both--but if you do only one make certain it's for New Years'.


Now that you've selected which holiday, you will see cards appear in the middle of the page.  There will be tons of pages of New Year cards and several pages of Christmas cards.

Next:
-Choose a card and click on it
-Fill in "to whom/and from" information.  Use our guide below to help you.
-Put a heading (Заголовок) on the line (Such as happy new year, etc)
-Fill in some text (Текст) in the text message box (either in English or copy from samples below)
-Next scroll down and choose your immaginary Выберите марку (post mark).  
(The rest of the directions are listed below)


Translation guide:
Кому: (To)
Введите имя:  (Enter her name here)
Введите E-Mail: (Enter her email address here)


От: (From)
Введите имя:  (Your name goes here)
Введите E-Mail: (Your email address goes here)


Заголовок: (Heading or Greeting)

Sample heading:  С новым годом! (Happy New Year!)

Or for Christmas: С Рождеством! (Merry Christmas!)




Текст: (Text of your message goes in this box)
You can write a short text in English or use the sample one below.

Sample text to cut and paste:  Желаю тебе счастливого Нового года! (I wish you a happy New Year!)

Or for Christmas:  Я желаю Вам с Рождеством Христовым! (I wish you a merry Christmas!)



Sample ending:  Я целую Вас. С уважением, (_____).  (I kiss you.  Sincerely, (your name)
Alternate sample ending:  С поцелуем, (_____).   With a kiss, (your name)


Next you choose from a "stamp"...cool idea!  It reads Выберите марку so just click on the stamp design you prefer.


Now the line: Хотите послать эту открытку нескольким получателям? asks if you wish to send this card to more than one person.  If so, select the very next box and select the number of recepients in multiples of five.  Most of us will just send one card per person.

Okay, the clickable box at the bottom simply allows us to preview the letter before sending.  Click it.

Now it looks just like a postcard!

If it's okay, click the bottom left button.  If you need to make corrections, click the bottom right button.


Leave it checked where it says: "Прислать уведомление о прочтении открытки" if you wish to be notified by email when your lady reads your card.


The next screen should say something like this:
Ваша открытка была успешно отправлена -- (You card was successfully sent).


Your card is set to be delivered to your lady on the day of the holiday.


You will notice that this screen has more cards shown so that you can choose another and send it to someone else.  When finished save this link to your favourites and congradulate yourself on a job well done!


Внимание!: If you are in the stage of writing more than lady and you aren't conversant in Russian, we'd recommend that you not try to send the same card to more than one lady at the same time.  Yes, this site gives you that option, but if you aren't precise, Olga could receive Vera's card and Tatiana could receive Natasha's card--with your name on it.  Baaaaad idea.  Do one person at a time.


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 19, 2009, 01:06:04 AM
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There is one over-arching reason why my vote goes to Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden verus Santa Claus--the Snow Maiden often wears miniskirts!


We caught her over in Moldova at a New Year party in this short attire:

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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 19, 2009, 08:06:12 AM
Chocolate Babka Recipe


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Sponge:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
3 ounces cake yeast
2 cups warm milk


Dough:
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
10 egg yolks
2 eggs
4 to 5 cups all-purpose flour, as needed
1/2 cup butter, clarified

Filling:
14 ounces almond paste
5 egg whites
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped


Make the sponge: Combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and warm milk; then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature 1 hour.Make the dough: In bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a whisk, mix together the sugar, vanilla, salt, egg yolks and eggs until well blended. Fit the mixer with a dough hook, add the flour and sponge, and mix until combined; then drizzle in the butter. Mix with the dough hook until incorporated.

Place it in a greased bowl, covered, and let it rest and rise until doubled in volume, about 1 1/2 hours.

Meanwhile, make the filling: Fit the mixer with the paddle attachment and mix together the almond paste, egg whites, and butter. Add the chocolate and mix until combined.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Lightly flour a work surface, turn out the dough and punch it down to release the built up gases. Divide the dough in 1/2. Cover 1 piece with a damp towel as you roll the other
piece into a rectangle 8 by 14 inches and 1/4-inch thick. Let the dough rest while you roll the other out. Spread each with 1/2 of the filling, then roll them up jellyroll style and pinch the seams to seal them. Flatten the dough slightly with a rolling pin, then twist the dough 6 to 8 times. Allow the dough to rest a few minutes.

Make spirals with the dough and place them in 2 greased 8-inch cake pans. (Alternatively, lay the dough straight out in 2 greased tube pans.) Cover each pan with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until almost doubled in volume, about 30 to 60 minutes.

Bake the cakes for 45 minutes; then let cool in the pan.


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 19, 2009, 08:08:10 AM
Russian Holiday foods/recipes

You may find a great list of speciality holiday recipes for Russian-Ukrainian-Belarussian foods here on RUA: http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php/topic,2339.new.html#new


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 19, 2009, 08:13:03 AM
Our own RUA moderator Chris shared this with us last year:


Ukrainian CHRISTMAS KUTYA

I (Chris) sampled this at Christmas while in Ukraine, it is an unusual taste,  a little sweet, the Ukrainians love it.

To the Ukrainians Christmas is not Christmas without Kutya, a ritual dish and an integral part of the Holy Night Meal, is served only during the Christmas cycle of holidays which ends with the Feast of Jordan on January 19. Kutia is often the first dish in the traditional twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper (also known as Svyateh Vetchnyat). It is rarely served at other times of the year.

The origin of this dish goes back to days immemorial when the early Ukrainian ancestors first cultivated wheat. A relic of customs practised three thousand years before the Christmas era. This dish should be prepared several days ahead of of time for flavour to develop. It keeps very well in the refrigerator for 2 weeks or so. Kutya is high in nutritional value and should be eaten any time.


2 cups cleaned wheat berries
3-4 quarts water
1 cup cleaned poppy seeds
1/3 cup honey
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup hot water
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

1.   Wash wheat in cold water and soak overnight in the 3 to 4 quarts of water.
2.   The next day, bring the water to a boil then simmer for 4 to 5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3.   The wheat is ready when the kernels burst open and the fluid is thick and creamy.
4.   Chop the poppy seed in a food processor (or coffee grinder) (or you can buy ground poppy seeds in some deli's) and set aside.
5.   Mix honey, sugar and hot water.
6.   Mix the honey mixture, poppy seeds, and chopped nuts and wheat.
7.   More honey can be added to taste.
8.   Keep in refrigerator.
9.   Traditional Ukrainian Cookery.


[attachimg=#] Kiev Christmas Orthodox liturgy
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 19, 2009, 08:17:17 AM
Its time to visit the home of Grandfather Frost!


[attachimg=#] Veliky Ustyug


His village, Veliky Ustyug, is 856 years old this year and is so far north that the temperature year around never rises above 0*Celcius even in summer.

For the next 8 minutes and 20 seconds you'll be treated to a tour of the village!  You'll see:

- How horses share the streets with cars.

- Women washing clothes in a hole cut in ice of the frozen river.

- View younger women dressed up in traditional holiday costumes.

- Old Cathedrals, including the oldest stone Cathedral in northern Russia.

- See children from other Russian regions travel to visit Grandfather Frost.

- Learn that the village mayor coordinates the answers to mail, which arrives daily by the box loads, to destinations all over the world.

- Watch how "Grandfather Frost" boots are made in an old outdated (and chilly) factory.

- Marvel at how the "Snow Maiden" by his side is always a smokinhotkova!

- Listen to Grandfather Frost declare, when asked if he is the same as Santa Claus, declare "Nyet, he's my friend!"

- and you'll see Grandfather Frost soak in his BANYA after all the children are gone!


Its here in this video:


[attachimg=#] Village home of Grandfather Frost



[attachimg=#] Veliky Ustyug
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 19, 2009, 08:41:46 AM
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The Nativity Fast


This fast schedule can be a bit confusing because of the difference in calendars from East to West.  In the West, this fast runs for 40 days instead of four weeks. Sometimes the fast is called Philip's Fast (or the Philippian Fast), as it traditionally begins on the day following the Feast of St. Philip the Apostle in mid November. 

If you are dating an Armenian lady or know an Armenian family, the Armenian Apostolic Church (also Orthodox) celebrates Nativity on January 6. Their Fast of Advent begins on November 19. They then observe a Fast of the Nativity for one week prior to the Feast of the Nativity on January 6.



Why do Orthodox fast before Christmas?
A good explanation is offered by Orthodox Wiki: "Fasting with humility and repentance is believed to enable one to draw closer to God by denying the body worldly pleasure. Although the fast influences the body, the emphasis is placed on the spiritual facet of the fast rather than physical deprivation.

Orthodox theology sees a synthesis between the body and the soul, so what happens to one affects the other. The church teaches that it is not enough to fast from food; one must also fast from anger, greed and covetousness. In addition to fasting, almsgiving is also emphasized."


How do you explain the fast if someone asks why you participate:
- Christ fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, eating only fruits and berries.  He spent the time in prayer.
- The fasts are designed to assist one to be more like Christ, spending more time in prayer.
- Every time you feel hungry, instead of eating, say a prayer asking God for discipline in your spiritual life.
- Discipline...in the Orthodox faith one should try to discipline the flesh (body).  The flesh leads to sin but the spirit leads to everlasting life.
- Such a prolonged discipline leads to a very joyful celebration to the feast of Christ's nativity on Christmas day!



What exactly can or cannot be eaten?
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the fast traditionally entails fasting from red meat, poultry, meat products, eggs, dairy products, fish, oil, and wine. Fish, wine and oil are allowed on Saturdays and Sundays, and oil and wine are allowed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The fasting rules permit fish, and/or wine and oil on certain feast days that occur during the course of the fast: Evangelist Matthew (November 16), Apostle Andrew (November 30), Great-martyr Barbara (December 4), St. Nicholas (December 6), St. Spiridon and St. Herman (December 12), St. Ignatius (December 20), etc. The Nativity Fast is not as severe as Great Lent or the Dormition Fast.


So, what items do you give up during a fast:
- Meat of any kind (except fish on certain days).
- Oil in cooking.
- Wine, beer, vodka....any kind of alcohol.
- Dairy products.
- Egg products.
- All parties and celebrations are delayed until after 7 January.
- Some couples give up sex completely, others curtail the frequency during the fast.
- It is a good time to try to give up unhealty habits like smoking, swearing, etc.



Are there exceptions to the "rules?"
Yes, when traveling one is not obligated to fast. You should not fast when there are non-Orthodox guests in your home as fasting is a spiritual exercise between you and God. Neither should persons who are ill, the very young or elderly, etc. Pregnant or nursing mothers are exempt from fasting. Each individual is expected to confer with their confessor priest regarding any exemptions from the fasting rules, but should never place themselves in physical danger so that diabetes and those with other medical conditions often participate as much as appropiate and this is called a "modified fast."



How does the fast end?
With a feast! On Christmas Eve the Orthodox believers must eat nothing. They come to a church in the evening to begin the Christmas celebration.  Most American churches have a delicious meal using fasting foods (fish, shrimp, rice, and vegetables) before the Christmas service which begins anywhere from 9 or 10pm or even later towards Midnight.  In Russia when the first star appears in the sky the believers are allowed to eat sochivo (a lenten dish - boiled rice with honey and fruits). The name of the day before Christmas is sochelnik (from sochivo). When you come home after the divine service you can eat what you want usually it is after 2 am.

On Christmas day the family will have a large feast, general with extended family members and this celebration will last thru most of the day.


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With such a serious topic, how about a little humour from church bulletins:
- At the Saturday evening Vespers service the sermon topic will be "What is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice. 

- Thursday is our All Souls Eucharist; come along and pray for all those who have died during this service. 

- The Priest unveiled the church's new tithing campaign bumper sticker slogan last Sunday: "I Upped My Pledge--Up Yours."
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 19, 2009, 08:47:55 AM
Christmas Fun!

Do you remember the Western version of the fairytale story of "The Three Pigs" and the Big Bad Wolf?

Turns out that we had it all wrong!  Here is the correct, and much more funny story of "The Three Pigs"-- made into a Christmas story Russian style.




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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: BelleZeBoob on December 19, 2009, 09:07:33 AM
Another view of snowy Moscow out of the office where I work.


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Title: СЧАСТЛИВЫЙ ДЕНЬ НИКОЛАЯ - Saint Nicholas Day!
Post by: Voyager on December 19, 2009, 11:23:39 AM
СЧАСТЛИВЫЙ ДЕНЬ НИКОЛАЯ
Today is the Russian Orthodox "St. Nicholas Day"

СВЯТОЙ НИКОЛАЙ - St Nicholas, (sometimes also known as Santa Claus) was a bishop in Myra, Turkey in the Easter Orthodox (Byzantine) church

(http://familyfeastandferia.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/st-nicholas.jpg)
Title: Re: СЧАСТЛИВЫЙ ДЕНЬ НИКОЛАЯ - Saint Nicholas Day!
Post by: Chris on December 19, 2009, 01:19:50 PM
Yes St Nicholas brought Nata some presents today, as is the tradition in the FSU. He did really well to find her too as she was at her grandparents at the time  :-X
Title: Re: СЧАСТЛИВЫЙ ДЕНЬ НИКОЛАЯ - Saint Nicholas Day!
Post by: Herrie on December 19, 2009, 02:03:36 PM
Yes St Nicholas brought Nata some presents today, as is the tradition in the FSU. He did really well to find her too as she was at her grandparents at the time  :-X
We Dutch have a big celebration for the children at the 5th of December in the honor of the same saint :)
Title: Re: СЧАСТЛИВЫЙ ДЕНЬ НИКОЛАЯ - Saint Nicholas Day!
Post by: Manny on December 19, 2009, 02:12:53 PM
Yes St Nicholas brought Nata some presents today, as is the tradition in the FSU. He did really well to find her too as she was at her grandparents at the time  :-X
We Dutch have a big celebration for the children at the 5th of December in the honor of the same saint :)

Only in Holland does Santa St Nick have black slaves running alongside him.  :-X
Title: Re: СЧАСТЛИВЫЙ ДЕНЬ НИКОЛАЯ - Saint Nicholas Day!
Post by: Herrie on December 19, 2009, 04:53:01 PM
Yes St Nicholas brought Nata some presents today, as is the tradition in the FSU. He did really well to find her too as she was at her grandparents at the time  :-X
We Dutch have a big celebration for the children at the 5th of December in the honor of the same saint :)

Only in Holland does Santa St Nick have black slaves running alongside him.  :-X
Know your history properly....

They're not black slaves according to the children's songs we have for St Nick, but black because of the chimneys they go through.....
Title: Re: СЧАСТЛИВЫЙ ДЕНЬ НИКОЛАЯ - Saint Nicholas Day!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 19, 2009, 05:31:39 PM
St. Nicholas Cake - Russian
(Different from the Dutch dried fruit cake by the same name)


Ingredients:
4 oz butter
4 large eggs
14 oz honey
14 oz unbleached all-purpose flour
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp powdered ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp powered cloves
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp baking powder


Procedure:
Cream the butter and separate the eggs. 
Add the room temperature yolks, one at a time, to the butter and beat well. 
Mix in the honey. 
Sift the flour, baking powder, and spices twice and add to the butter mixture.
Whip the egg whites until stiff. 
Fold a little of the egg whites into the batter, then add the rest of them, folding them gently into the batter.
Pour the batter into a guttered and floured loaf pan. 
Bake in a preheated 350 Degrees F. oven until firm on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 hour. 

Cool, in the pan, for 10 minutes, then remove and finish cooling on a wire rack.
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 19, 2009, 06:21:01 PM
It's a tad early for proper Russian tradition but Happy New Year and Merry Christmas, Belle!


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 19, 2009, 06:23:18 PM
We really shouldn't be giving you this recipe.  Yet.   :)   Because it doesn't conform to the Orthodox fast.  But we'll give it now and like lots of other families, save this for the celebration on Christmas day!

We're going to learn how to make Ukrainian cottage cheese fritters!


Ukrainian Syrnyky (cottage cheese fritters)
(syrnyky is plural form of the word syrnyk, the first syllable is stressed)


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Ingredients:
500g of cottage cheese (about a pound)
half a glass of sugar
3 eggs
2 cups of flour
Half of one stick of melted butter
1 cup of sour cream
a little salt


Method:
Whisk eggs with salt and sugar into thick froth. Add minced cottage cheese, one and a half (1.5) glasses of flour. Knead thoroughly. Put the dough onto the board sifted with flour, and form a thick roll. Slice it into pieces as thick as a finger. Put each slice into flour, and make its form like a cutlet with a knife:


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Fry in butter in a frying pan at medium heat, both sides. Serve in sour cream.

Смачного!
(Smačnoho = Bon Appetit)



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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 19, 2009, 06:36:51 PM
An American films the meal on Christmas Day in Ukraine
 

Stumbling across this video, I realized that it's a amateur, therefore very "real" look at Ukrainian Christmas thru the eyes of an American traveler, probably there to visit a lady but I'm not certain.  It is impressive that he has learned enough Russian that his host family can understand him, he understands them, and the men in this family try to help him improve his language skills.

For members planning to travel soon and wish to see how the holidays are celebrated, follow this link:

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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: BelleZeBoob on December 19, 2009, 11:09:27 PM
Thanks for the cute Christmas kitty Mendy :)

We have had a corporate Christmas party in the office on Friday. This is because our expat WM employees will go home already on Monday ;)

I didn't know that syrniki is Ukrainian meal. To me, they used to be purely Russian :) 
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 19, 2009, 11:16:44 PM
Well, you may be right, Belle. In checking several sources most do list it as a Russian dish that is enjoyed all over the region. So we'll thank Belle for the excellent correction and post some additional info about this most delicious treat!  tiphat

http://breakfast-recipes.suite101.com/article.cfm/russian_cottagecheese_cakes_syrniki


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Title: Re: СЧАСТЛИВЫЙ ДЕНЬ НИКОЛАЯ - Saint Nicholas Day!
Post by: Voyager on December 20, 2009, 02:57:57 AM

Only in Holland does Santa St Nick have black slaves running alongside him.  :-X

I've never heard of this. ??? What black slaves?
Title: Re: СЧАСТЛИВЫЙ ДЕНЬ НИКОЛАЯ - Saint Nicholas Day!
Post by: Manny on December 20, 2009, 06:13:12 AM

Only in Holland does Santa St Nick have black slaves running alongside him.  :-X

I've never heard of this. ??? What black slaves?

In Holland he is called Santa Claus (Sinterklaas actually). He looks like this:

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Wiki talks about Black Pete his helper and the other blacks: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinterklaas
Title: Re: СЧАСТЛИВЫЙ ДЕНЬ НИКОЛАЯ - Saint Nicholas Day!
Post by: Donhollio on December 20, 2009, 07:56:21 AM


Only in Holland does Santa St Nick have black slaves running alongside him.  :-X

Quote from: Herrie
Know your history properly....
They're not black slaves according to the children's songs we have for St Nick, but black because of the chimneys they go through.....

 Ahh so the saint took little orphaned boys and forced them to work cleaning chimneys until they got stuck and died, or died of lung disease.   

 
MERRY  FREAKIN CHRISTMAS EVERYONE !    tiphat             
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 21, 2009, 09:42:11 PM
Last year RUA moderator Chris shared this recipe with us:


This is a Christmas tradition each year for Ukrainians, and many Russians.

To the Ukrainians Christmas is not Christmas without Kutya, a ritual dish and an integral part of the Holy Night Meal, is served only during the Christmas cycle of holidays which ends with the Feast of Jordan on January 19. Kutia is often the first dish in the traditional twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper (also known as Svyateh Vetchnyat). It is rarely served at other times of the year.

The origin of this dish goes back to days immemorial when the early Ukrainian ancestors first cultivated wheat. A relic of customs practised three thousand years before the Christmas era. This dish should be prepared several days ahead of of time for flavour to develop. It keeps very well in the refrigerator for 2 weeks or so. Kutya is high in nutritional value and should be eaten any time.


Ingredients
2 cups cleaned wheat berries
3-4 quarts water
1 cup cleaned poppy seeds
1/3 cup honey
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup hot water
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans


Method
1.   Wash wheat in cold water and soak overnight in the 3 to 4 quarts of water.
2.   The next day, bring the water to a boil then simmer for 4 to 5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3.   The wheat is ready when the kernels burst open and the fluid is thick and creamy.
4.   Chop the poppy seed in a food processor (or coffee grinder) (or you can buy ground poppy seeds in some deli's) and set aside.
5.   Mix honey, sugar and hot water.
6.   Mix the honey mixture, poppy seeds, and chopped nuts and wheat.
7.   More honey can be added to taste.
8.   Keep in refrigerator.  


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 21, 2009, 09:47:40 PM
Gift suggestions for important gentlemen in your circle of associates:


If you have a few extra grand sitting idle, here is a bottle of vodka called "Christmas Fairtale."


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Another gift suggestion from RUA member ECR:


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Ignore the tall 'thin' refill bottle in the middle that goes for a mere $100.00... But the Vodka and shot glasses on the left fit inside the egg on the right.
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 21, 2009, 09:50:05 PM
Recipe from Mendeleyev's Mother (may her memory be eternal)


It not Slavic but is European. My family was Dutch and so we set out wooden shoes instead of stockings on the night of Christmas Eve for St Nicholas to leave little candies, etc, inside the shoes.

My mother had a wonderful tradition of making fruit candlesticks which we'd eat on Christmas Eve.  At the bottom was a pineapple ring (the candle stand) from canned pineapples.  Then she'd set half bananas (as if candles) upright inside each ring.  Then she would top the bananas with red cherries (fire).  Then she'd take whipped cream and dish it around the bottom of the rings (for snow). 

After singing some songs and wishing each other a Merry Christmas we'd eat our "candles!" 


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 21, 2009, 09:52:50 PM
Snegurochka (Snow Maiden)
Снегурочка


A long time ago in the forests of Russia there lived a peasant by the name of Ivan with his wife, Maria. Although they loved each other very much and had many friends, they were unhappy because they had no children.

One winter day, they watched the village children build a snowman. "Let's build a snowman, too!," said Ivan. And they proceeded to craft a pretty little maiden out of snow. Struck with their creation, Ivan said, "Little snowmaiden, speak to me." Maria exclaimed, "Yes, come to life so you can romp and play like the other children!" Before their very eyes, Snegurochka became a real girl. "I have come from the land of winter, ice and snow," said the little girl. She ran and hugged them. There was joyous singing, dancing and celebrating in the village that night. All that long Russian winter Snegurochka romped and played with the other children. Everyone loved her. She, Ivan and Maria were very happy.

Then one day, when the first signs of spring appeared, Snegurochka came to Ivan and Maria, and with tear-filled eyes told them that she must go away, up North to the land of snow. They begged her to stay. Upset, Ivan jumped up and shut the door to the hut so the Snow Maiden couldn't leave, and Maria hugged her tight. But as she held the little girl, the child melted away. Ivan and Maria wept bitterly.

All spring and summer they were lonely. Summer turned into fall and fall into winter and once again it was cold and icy outside. One night a familiar voice was heard. "Mother! Father! Open the door! The snow has brought me back once more!" Ivan threw open the door and Snegurochka ran into their arms. All that winter she lived with them and played with the other village children. But in the spring she had to go back North, whence she had come. This time Ivan and Maria did not weep, knowing she would return once more when winter appeared on the land. And so it was that the Snow Maiden brought warmth and joy to Ivan and Maria during the long, cold, Russian winter for many, many, many years.


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 21, 2009, 11:03:44 PM
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Here is a very nice video of the holidays in Moscow:



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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 21, 2009, 11:09:20 PM
Christmas in the city of the Apostle Peter, patron saint of Peter the Great:







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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 21, 2009, 11:15:03 PM
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The Russian connection to the song "Silent Night"

In 1818, a roving band of actors was performing in towns throughout the Austrian Alps.  On December 23 they arrived at Oberndorf, a village near Salzburg where they were scheduled to perform the story of Christ's birth in the Church of St. Nicholas.

Unfortunately, the St. Nicholas church organ wasn't working and would not be repaired before Christmas.  Because the church organ was out of commission, the actors presented their Christmas drama in a private home.  That Christmas presentation put assistant pastor Josef Mohr in a meditative mood.  So, instead of walking straight to his house, Mohr took a longer way home.  His path took him up over a hill overlooking the village.

From that hilltop, Mohr looked down on the peaceful snow-covered village.  Reveling in the wintry night's majestic silence, he gazed down at the glowing scene.  His thoughts about the Christmas play he had just seen reminded him of a poem he had written a couple of years earlier.  The poem about the night when angels announced the birth of the long-awaited Messiah to shepherds on a hillside.

Mohr decided those words would make a good carol for his church to sing the following evening at their Christmas eve service. However, he didn't have any music to which that poem could be sung. So, the next day Mohr went to see the church organist, Franz Xaver Gruber.

Although he only had a few hours to come up with something, by that evening, Gruber had composed a musical setting for Mohr's poem which could be sung with a guitar (since the organ was broken).  On Christmas Eve, the little Oberndorf congregation heard Gruber and Mohr sing their new composition to the accompaniment of Gruber's guitar.
 
 Weeks later, well-known organ builder Karl Mauracher arrived to fix the St. Nicholas church organ.  When he finished, Mauracher stepped back to let Gruber test the instrument.  When Gruber sat down, he began playing the melody he had written for Mohr's Christmas poem.  Deeply impressed, Mauracher took the music and words of "Silent Night" back to his own Alpine village, Kapfing.  There, two well-known families of singers, the Rainers and the Strassers, heard it.  Captivated by "Silent Night," both groups put the new song into their Christmas season repertoire. 

The following Christmas of 1819, the Rainer Family Singers sang "Stille Nacht" in the village church of Fügen (Zillertal).  Three years later they sang it for royalty.  Emperor Francis I of Austria and his ally Czar Alexander I of Russia were staying in the nearby castle of Count Dönhoff (now Bubenberg Castle).  The Rainer Family performed the carol and were invited to Russia for a series of concerts.

In 1834 the Strasser Family Singers sang "Silent Night" for King Frederick William IV of Prussia.  He was so taken with what the Strassers called their "Song of Heaven," that he commanded it to be sung by his cathedral choir every Christmas Eve.

It spread through Europe and in 1839 the Raniers brought the song to America as the "Tyrolean Folk Song" where they sung it at the Alexander Hamilton Monument, outside Trinity Church, in New York city. Since then it has been translated into over 300 languages and dialects.


- Joseph Mohr wrote the words for "Silent Night" while assigned to a pilgrim church in Mariapfarr, Austria in 1816.

- Franz Gruber composed the music for "Silent Night" on December 24, 1818 at his residence in Arnsdorf, Austria.


This is a very pretty rendition of "Silent Night"



Silent Night
Тихая ночь, святую ночь
Все спокойно, все ярко
Круглый Ен Девы Матери и ребенка
Святой Детская так торгов и мягкая
Спящий в небесном мире
Спящий в небесном мире

Тихая ночь, святую ночь
Сын Божий, любовь в чистом свете
Излучающие балки из Твоих святых лицом
Что заре погашения льготного
Иисусу: "Господи, в Твои рождения
"Господи, в Твои рождения

Тихая ночь, святую ночь!
Пастухи землетрясение на глазах
поток с небес издалека
Небесный хостов петь Аллилуиа!
Христос, Спаситель родился
Спаситель родился


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 21, 2009, 11:42:06 PM
A traditional New Years' song


В лесу родилась елочка (V lesu rodilas' yolotchka)
In the woods was born a Christmas tree

В лесу родилась елочка,
В лесу она росла,
Зимой и летом стройная,
Зеленая была.

Метель ей пела песенку:
"Спи, елочка, бай-бай!"
Мороз снежком укутывал:
"Смотри, не замерзай!"


Трусишка зайка серенький
Под елочкой скакал.
Порою волк, сердитый волк
Рысцою пробегал.


Везет лошадка дровенки,
А в дровнях старичок,
Срубил он нашу елочку
Под самый корешок.


Теперь она, нарядная,
На праздник к нам пришла
И много, много радости
Детишкам принесла

LISTEN to the Russian version:


English lyrics
In the woods was born a Christmas tree,
it was growing in the wood
In summer and winter it was straight and green.
The snow sang it a lullaby:
Sleep Christmas tree, sleep tight!
The frost put snow around it saying: don't freeze!
The rabbit hopped under it, the angry wolf just ran by.
An old man came and chopped it down.
And now you are here beautiful on the party here with us.
And you gave children lots and lots of happiness and fun.



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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 22, 2009, 08:44:31 PM
Have you heard "Last Christmas" sung in Russian?

This is a great sound and accompanied by some great holiday scenes to put you in the mood. 


In the background you can hear "С Новым Годом!" (Happy New Year!)



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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 22, 2009, 08:48:25 PM
Honey Prianiki (Gingerbread) for the Holidays (медовые лряники)


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Gingerbread, or prianiki, iss a favorite treat throughout Europe including Russia, Lithuania, Estonia and Poland. In the beginning, prianiki is made of flour, honey and sometimes, egg. With the creation of leavening agents, such as baking soda and baking powder, prianiki took on height. Honey began as an essential ingredient as refined sugar was not available in Europe or Russia in centuries past.

Baking prianiki is a matter of pride for many Slavic communities. During the 1500 to 1800s, some of the most popular bakers of ginger bread were Nuremberg in Germany, Torun in Poland and Tula, Vyazma and Arkhangelsk in Russia. In Tula, bakers garnished their prianiki with berry jams while Vyazma introduced the use of molasses. Arkhangelsk created fancy little shaped cakes, bathed in colored icings.

Traditional prianiki is dense, spicy and chewy, not crunchy as is the case with modern ginger cookies. Prianiki were and are made in many shapes and are often stamped with a wooden press to produce a design on the surface of the cake. Possibly the most popular prianiki comes from Tula, south of Moscow and famed home of metal crafts and samovar production. Not surprising considering prainiki is perfect with a hot, dark cup of tea!

What follows is a traditional Russian recipe for prianiki. It's easy to prepare and sure to be a joy during the Holidays, or any time throughout the year. This recipe will make about 15 - 18 cakes. Of course, you can cut your dough into any desired shape.


Honey Gingerbread ingredients
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups honey
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 kg (2.2 lbs) flour [NOTE: 1 lb is about 4 cups]
2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
powdered sugar and cinnamon


Method
Beat eggs and sugar until thick. Add honey and vanilla and mix well. Sift flour, soda, cinnamon and nutmeg and fold into mixture. Set aside for 24 hours. Dough should be stiff.

Roll out on a flat sheet. Either cut into shapes or roll up tightly and cut into 1/4 inch thick widths.

Bake on greased cookie sheet at 375 for 15 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and cinnamon.


Or if you don't fancy that recipe, here is another popular alternative:

Prianiki - Gingerbread (лряники)

Ingredients
1 oz butter
6 oz honey (I like wildflower honey best)
6 oz jam (plum is preferred, quince is good too)
1 egg
8 oz plain flour
2 oz icing sugar (confectioner's sugar)
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp each cardomon, ginger, and cinnamon
1 tbs crushed blanched almonds
2 tbs freshly squeezed lemon juice


Method
- Cream together butter and honey
- Add egg and beat
- Blend in baking soda, spices and almonds
- Add enough flour to make a soft ball of dough
- Cover with waxed paper and refrigerate for 1 hour
- Heat oven to 350 F and prepare a lightly floured board
- Roll out dough to 1/8" thickness
- With a 2 - 3" floured cutter, cut out an even number of circles
- Cut each circle in half
- Spread half with jam and place other half on top, sealing edges
- Place on greased baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes
- Reduce oven heat to 325 F and bake for 10 more minutes
- Cool cakes on a wire rack
- Combine lemon juice and icing sugar, drizzle over cooled cakes


Or you can find a Russian store and buy some!


[attachimg=#] Gingerbread with cowberries.
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 22, 2009, 08:53:39 PM
Can an American write "Russian" Christmas music?


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In 1944, in an attempt to improve Soviet-American relations, a holiday symphonic concert was held in Denver, Colorado. The intention was to premiere new works by Soviet and American composers. Sixteen days before the concert, it was discovered that the Soviet music selected to be performed - Prolkofiev's March, Op. 99 - had already premiered in the United States. With only sixteen days, 23-year-old American Alfred Reed was assigned to write a new piece of "Russian music" to be performed at the concert. Thirteen days later, on December 12, 1944, on nationally broadcast NBC radio, "Russian Christmas Music" by Alfred Reed made its debut. Two days later, it was performed in concert in Denver.

"Russian Christmas Music" was influenced by an authentic Russian Christmas song "Carol of the Little Russian Children" used as a theme for the introduction, and Reeds research of the liturgical music of the Eastern Orthodox Church, which is purely vocal and non-instrumental, for thematic ideas to complete the score. One critic wrote "Alfred Reed has captured the sonorities, rhythmic inflections, clarity, and flowing phrases of the human voice in his composition".

The composition is one movement that can be divided into four distinct sections:

The opening, "Carol of the Little Russian Children," is slow-paced and uses an instrumental of bells, tubas and clarinets for its melody. Voices join with the instruments, and the section ends (approximately 3 minutes).

The "Antiphonal Chant" has a more upbeat tempo than the opening and uses an instrumental of trombones, horns, trumpets, and cornets to carry the melody, followed by a more frenzied sound when the woodwinds enter, escalating to a loud ending (approximately 2 minutes).

The "Village Song" is still upbeat but mellower, features solos of the english horns and flutes, bounces between the woodwinds and the brass, softens and ends with a solo of the english horns (approximately 5 minutes).



Footnote:  Alfred Reed, a West Virginian, was a blind composer and life-long student of Russian and Armenian music history.
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 22, 2009, 09:02:53 PM
The New Year comes first....


New Year is the principal winter holiday and Christmas follows in January. The New Year's tree (called "yolka") is identical to a Christmas tree and is decorated in the same way, with ornaments, lights, and garland.

Folklore holds that Ded Moroz ("Grandfather Frost") is charged with the responsibility for delivering presents on New Year's Eve. He is a large, bearded and grandfatherly man resembling Santa Claus, although he has no saintly identity. He emerges on New Year's Eve with a gargantuan, overflowing sack of gifts and dispenses them to each family. The actual procedure of doing this is not a significant component of the mythology.

Instead of elves to help him, Ded Moroz has his grand-daughter Snegurochka ("Snowmaiden"). Snegurochka is generally portrayed as an attractive young blond girl, often dressed in light winter attire.

Presents are the essential part of the New Year. There is no requirement of waiting until the morning of New Year's Day to open them; instead, they are usually presented and opened shortly after the clock strikes midnight and the greetings with the New Year begin.

Perhaps one would think that with the observation of such traditions on New Year, there comes a certain solemnity that precludes party-style celebration. This is not true. In fact, both are easily reconciled. New Year's parties, complete with drinking and dancing, are in fact very common, especially among young people.

Presents are generally a thing intended to be shrouded in mystery and surprise.
It is a vital element of the present that it is picked out by the person giving it, that it is sincere and comes from the heart. It is also important to be surprised; advance knowledge of your present defeats the entire purpose. Presents are generally things of quality but modest in quantity.

It is also a matter of principle that presents retain a fog of mystery. That is to say, it is inappropriate to inquire as to when, where, and how your present was obtained, before or after receiving it. It is also forbidden to ask about the price. The less you know, the better, and the more magical it is.



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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 22, 2009, 09:09:35 PM
For our Ukrainian friends here is a Ukrainian Christmas carole:




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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 23, 2009, 07:43:34 AM
Russian Words for the New Year and Christmas Holidays 2009/2010


Q: How to say Happy New Year / New Year in Russian?
A: S Novym Godom!
The stress is on the first syllable in both words. Russians do not say Happy New Year, just New Year. Don't say the "S" separately as its own syllable, it's merged/jammed into the Novym and the S Novym should sound as one....Snovym.


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Q: How to say Happy New Year / New Year in Ukrainian?
A: Z Novym Rokom!
The stress: Novym (last syllable), Rokom (first syllable). Ukrainians do not say Happy New Year, just New Year.


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 23, 2009, 07:57:27 AM
Russian Words for the New Year and Christmas Holidays 2009/2010


Q: How to say Merry Christmas in Russian?
A: S Rozhdestvom!
The stress is on the last syllable. Don't say the "S" separately as its own syllable, it's merged/jammed all together.


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Q: How to say Merry Christmas in Ukrainian?
A: Z Rizdvom Khrystovym!
The stress: Rizdvom (last syllable), Khrystovym (second syllable).


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 23, 2009, 08:03:21 AM
Attention RUA Texas members:


New Year performance “YOLKA” (Christmas Tree) (December 2009)
New Year Celebration for kids:

December 27, 3:00 pm at RCC Our Texas, 2337 Bissonnet Houston, Texas 77005

Tickets and information:  713.395.3301 



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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 23, 2009, 08:25:14 AM
Okay, I'm on to some of you!

When you watch the sexiest language teacher on TV/Internet, you still haven't learned any language, have you?  :chuckle:


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I suppose that its just because Marina Orlova is a hot Russkie babe that you have memorized every line of her figure, drooled over her long sleek legs in those black stockings, and stared at her boobs as if trying to concentrate all your mental powers on mastering the periodic table.

So why haven't you learned any of her words?!   :fighting0025:

So what if she is too hot for words?

We're giving you one more chance.

I don't know why, but you have one more opportunity to learn something instead of indulging in pure unadulterated LUST.  ;D

Its Christmas, that is why you get one more chance to make good.

Here is our teacher on the meaning of the word "Christmas" so pay attention. Do NOT allow your mind to wonder down the crevices of her cleavage. Learn, learn, learn.

Drool here Learn here: http://www.hotforwords.com/2008/12/23/christmas/





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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: Springirl on December 23, 2009, 11:08:28 AM
 Hi Mendy!
Did you point out very famous FSU new year salad  " селёдка под шубой"!? :) ;D
I made this photo from my balcon!, lol hope you like it!



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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: froid on December 23, 2009, 11:24:48 AM
Beautiful picture.  No snow here in Toronto.  Supposed to get some north of the city by Christmas.  Good thing we are travelling north to visit family so we will be able to see it.  :)
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 23, 2009, 01:19:09 PM
Springirl, lovely winter photo!

Yes, we have "Herring Under a Fur Coat" in the RUA recipe section. Good suggestion as I LOVE this dish (this is one of those black/white dishes--you'll love it or hate it but there is no in between).

http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php/topic,2058.msg24586.html#msg24586



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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: Springirl on December 23, 2009, 02:05:54 PM
Springirl, lovely winter photo!

Yes, we have "Herring Under a Fur Coat" in the RUA recipe section. Good suggestion as I LOVE this dish (this is one of those black/white dishes--you'll love it or hate it but there is no in between).

http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php/topic,2058.msg24586.html#msg24586



(Attachment Link)
It is pure FSU feast meal, also salad " оливье" :)
It is realy soviet times celebrations, people did not have much in the shops. It was bad times on one hand but lovely nice times on the other hand. Reminded me on my childhood and teenage times. You did a great thread! Thanks!  :party0031: tiphat and the paintings of your wife is also lovely! I like the second one the most, was it water colours or pastel crayons? sorry I know it is out of the topic to ask. There  is a soul in it!
С РОЖДЕСТВОМ и НОВЫМ ГОДОМ! Здоровья, счастья, любви, взаимопонимания и благополучия тебе и твоей семье!
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 23, 2009, 05:09:23 PM
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What a nice message to the RUA community from Springirl: С РОЖДЕСТВОМ и НОВЫМ ГОДОМ! Здоровья, счастья, любви, взаимопонимания и благополучия тебе и твоей семье!

(Happy CHRISTMAS and NEW YEAR! May you and your family enjoy Health, happiness, love, understanding and success!)

Thank you and the same to you and your family, Springirl.


The salad you mention, Салаты Оливье(Oliver Salad), is here on the RUA Culinary page. http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php/topic,2058.msg38121.html#msg38121


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 23, 2009, 05:26:16 PM
Mrs Mendeleyeva always chuckles about how Russians manage to squeeze every last drop of juice of a holiday.  Previously the season started on New Years' Eve and lasted thru Christmas on 7 January and then on thru the "Old New Year" on 13/14 January.

Now more and more Russian families are finding ways to stretch the holiday to 25 December-1 January-7 January-to 14 January.   :chuckle:


Some days ago we featured music from Russian singer "Yulia."  Turns out she is Yulia MacLean from New Zealand, a Russian bride, with several hit albums under her corsett.

Here she is with "Mary's Boy Child"



Hark the Herald Angels Sing


Silent Night and Video show



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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 23, 2009, 06:03:59 PM
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So if Santa Claus is replaced by Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden, then how do they deliver gifts?

Well apparently Grandfather Frost is a union member because it isn't his responsibility to tote around bicycles and large packages.  :chuckle:  Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden are there to being joy and smiles, and some small things like candy, to the lives of children. It's not unusual for Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden dance and sing to entertain children.



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Does he have a sleigh and reindeer with names like Rudolph?

Nope, remember that Slavic culture is extremely religious in its historical roots and the 3 horses which pull the тройка (Trio/Triplet/Trinity) for Grandfather Frost are equal in stature but led by the centre horse and each supports the other. If you understand Christian theology you immediately catch the idea.

The horses in the тройка differs from most other three-horse combinations in that the horses are harnessed abreast. The middle horse is usually harnessed in a horse collar and shaft bow; the side horses are usually in breastcollar harness. The troika is traditionally driven so that the middle horse trots and the side horses canter; the right-hand horse will be on the right lead and the left-hand horse on the left lead. Being equal the horses can rotate positions on long distance trips.

Some historians believe that the idea of how the horses are positioned was developed by monks who used horses for farming and for travel between monasteries. By the 17th century decorated troikas were popular in major religious celebrations and weddings.



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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 23, 2009, 06:30:27 PM
Our very own RUA member Mila posted this last Christmas and it's worth reading again:


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The purpose of this post is to try to give some useful information on how Christmas and New Year are celebrated here in Ukraine versus western countries. Of course, if you are married to a Russian/Ukrainian lady, then you will be already familiar with most/all of what I am about to say...

To begin with, New Year is a much more important holiday for Ukrainian /Russian people than Christmas. We celebrate New Year on December 31-1st of January. We even have New Year tree instead of Christmas tree. Usually our people celebrate New Year for three or more days, but for the majority of older people, Christmas is a more important holiday and of course this is a big holiday for religious people.

For younger people, especially those in their twenties, celebrating New Year on New Year's Eve makes them feel part of the international community and less isolated from the rest of the world. We start to say "Happy New Year" at midnight of December 31 and usually 2-3 days before, people can just say to each other” WITH COMING HOLIDAY”; this phrase is very common for us. To my mind, all the preparations for celebrating New Year are the same all over the world; that’s why there is no sense to describe. But I would like to mention what kind of tradition we have at midnight of December 31. Usually when the chiming clock starts to beat 12.00, people try to think of a treasured wish and we all believe that this wish will certainly come true. Then we drink champagne and say each other “Happy New Year!” Lots of people go outdoors and light fireworks. But it is not appropriate in our country to grab the nearest person and start kissing; so, be careful please, :)as it may cause not very good consequences. You may only kiss your wife or girlfriend.

Well, what about presents? I think it depends on your imagination; so I can only mention that there are no forbidden gifts on New Year and Christmas holidays. But, it is very common in our culture to give money to family members, as it is much easier when they buy what they really need or want. But nobody gives money on these holidays to friends - only presents. By the way, everybody knows that our women like to receive flowers almost on almost every occasion; :)of course, you can give flowers to your woman/wife, but in addition to a present, since giving only flowers is not very nice.

I would like to add some more information about our Christmas. In Ukraine/Russia we have Orthodox Christmas on January 6-7. Usually, we celebrate this holiday only with relatives. Majority of children buy cakes and go to visit their Godparents. In return, Godparents buy very good presents for them and treat the children with home made food and sweets. There are lots of traditions and customs of celebrating New Year holidays in villages and they are very interesting in their own way.

Regarding New Year and Christmas holidays, I can’t help mentioning Old New Year. We celebrate this holiday on January 13-14 and this is more of a religious holiday in comparison with New Year, which is a state holiday. A long time ago, our people celebrated New Year according to the Gregorian calendar; so it falls on 13-14. From January 1918 (i.e. after the October Revolution of 1917) with changing a power, we changed our traditions as well and started to celebrate New Year, according to the Julian calendar, on December 31-Jan1. That’s why we still have a tradition of celebrating Old New Year, especially among older people.     

I wish everyone Merry Christmas and a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year! And if you are still looking for that special someone to share your life with, I wish you the best of luck with your search in 2009!
Here are a few phrases you may find useful (phonetic pronunciations shown in parenthesis):
English                                           Russian                                            Ukrainian

New Year                                      Noviy god                                        Noviy rik
Christmas                                    Razhdestvo                                     Ryzdvo                         
Happy New Year                        S Novim godom                              Z Novim rokom
Merry Christmas                        Schaslivovo Rozhdestva                Schaslivogo Rizdva
Old New Year                              Stariy Noviy god                               Stariy Noviy rik
Happy Old New Year                 S Starim Novim godom                  Z Starim Novim rokom
New Year greetings                   Novogodnie pozhelaniya               Novorichni pobazhannya
Grand Father Frost                    Ded Moroz                                         Did Moroz
Snow Maiden                              Snegurochka                                    Sniguron’ka
With coming holiday                 S Nastupauschim                            Z Nastupauchim
Present                                        Podarok                                             Podarunok                                       

If you are coming to Ukraine and you end up meeting the parents/grandparents of your girlfriend/wife, it is worth bearing in mind that you could really impress them by wishing them Merry Christmas or Happy New Year in Ukrainian, since foreigners are generally not expected to know any Ukrainian at all.


Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 23, 2009, 06:42:43 PM
Sochivo

Sochivo is wheat Lenten kasha with dried berries and honey. It is served as a principal dish at Christmas Eve.  Christmas Eve is called Sochelnik in Russian. The name is derived from the food eaten by monks on this day – “sochivo”, made of boiled wheat or rice and honey.

It is forbidden for orthodox Christians to eat or drink anything on that day before the first star in the sky appears.

Boil rice. Add some honey and fresh fruits or canned fruits. Mix it.

Also you can use dry fruits but before adding it to rice you should boil it too or just put dry fruits for 5-10 min in very hot boiled water and they will be soft.

Our family likes to sprinkle chopped nuts (walnuts, etc) on top before serving.



[attachimg=#] Blessing the Sochivo
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 23, 2009, 06:56:00 PM
[attachimg=#] Tree at GUM, Red Square



Severe Weather


Can people really live and work in places where it gets -70* (F) below Zero?  That doesn't include the wind chill index either.  Apparently so. 



Kids throw boiling water into air--at 40* (F) below zero, you can watch it freeze in mid-air!



Way out in Siberian Yakutsk this German guy has some winter shots of the traffic:



Driving a large truck on ice and snow in Russia:



More Russian truckers on snow and ice:



Watch this commercial!



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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 23, 2009, 07:05:07 PM
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Tree at night, Luke Oil in Moscow



"Winter Evening"
(Poem by Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin)

The mist of the storm covers the sky,
The whirlwinds of snow are spinning;
Now, like a wild beast it calls,
now it cries like a child,
Now about the roof, decrepit,
Suddenly it rustles the thatches,
Now, like a traveler overdue,
to us on the window knocks.

Our ancient hut
is mournful and gloomy.
Why have you, my old lady,
Become silent at the window?
Is it the howl of the tempest
That makes you, my friend, fatigued,
Or are you drowsing under the hum
Of your spindle?

Let's drink good friend
Of my poor youth,
Let's drink away grief; where is the tankard?
It will make our hearts gay.
Intoxicate, me with a song, like a titmouse
Quietly living across the sea;
Intoxicate me with a song, like a girl
Who went for the water in the morning.

The mist of the storm covers the sky,
The whirlwinds of snow are spinning;
Now, like a wild beast, it calls,
Now it cries, like a child.
Let's drink, good friend
Of my poor youth,
Let's drink away grief; where is the tankard?
It will make our hearts gay.


Painting:
Mrs Mendeleyeva's rendition of the city of Kaluga which won it's catagory in 2002 exhibition, "Blue Kaluga."


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 23, 2009, 07:09:34 PM
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Cool videos:

Dramatic winter storm filmed from window of Moscow apartment:



Fresh flowers are popular for New Year and Christmas in Ukraine and Russia. Watch this attractive gal get out of a cold car to shop for colourful flowers in freezing snow:
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 23, 2009, 07:26:09 PM
24 and 25 December


Now in the West it's Christmas time and perhaps your lady has emailed or called to wish you a happy Christmas (or even a merry Christmas).

Her Christmas is still couple weeks out, and first she will experience the most important holiday in that part of the world, New Years' Eve/New Years' Day on 31 December-1 January.


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Several of our RUA members have asked just how the Christmas Day is approached so we'll do that now:

The Holy Supper

Christmas, just like New Years, is celebrated over two days.  Ukrainians and Russians have been fasting for 40 days and the last meal eaten on Christmas Eve keeps most of that fast--no oil, no eggs or dairy, no meat (except at this meal there is fish), and almost no alcohol (one small wine toast).

But don't worry, the food is both delicious and plentiful!

One should TOTALLY fast from all foods from Noon to the evening feast.  Some believers fast all day before the evening feast.



There are several themes running thru the "The Holy Supper:"
- A white tablecloth reminds the family that Christ was wrapped in cloths at this birth, and the white represents his purity.

- Straw or hay is spread around the table settings as a reminder that the Saviour of the world was born in a humble manger.  Our family puts little bit of straw in a bowl which is passed around the table as each person takes a handful to "decorate" around his/her place setting.

- Three candles in the center call to mind that his birth was at night and likely by candlelight.  The 3 candles represent the fact that with his birth was the idea of the "trinity."

- There are 12 foods to serve, in a variety of colours, and these represent the 12 Apostles.

- When the family approaches the table they each take a piece of bread and eat it, a symbol that the family will share this meal together as part of a sacred holiday.

- Next everyone takes a small piece of garlic, dips it into honey and eats.  This combination of bitter/sweet is a symbol of how life is, yet a family together can support each other in those times.

- Next the host (or a priest if present) says an Orthodox prayer for the meal.  Then before being seated a small toast of wine is made (the only alcohol during the meal).  Wine is a symbol of Joy in the Christian Scriptures and this is the season of joy.

- Then the host (or a priest if present) sprinkles lightly some church 'holy water' over the gathered food as a blessing.


Traditionally, the "Holy Supper" consists of 12 different foods, symbolic of the 12 Apostles. Although there is also some variation in the foods from place to place and village to village, the following is a good summary of what is typically served.


In some families, the father begins the Christmas meal by leading the family in the Lord's Prayer, a prayer of thanksgiving for the blessings of the past year and for the good things to come in the new year. The head of the family greets those present with "Christ is Born!" - the traditional Russian Christmas greeting - and the family responds with "Glorify Him!" The Mother then draws a cross with honey on each person's forehead, saying a blessing - "In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, may you have sweetness and many good things in life and in the new year." The Lenten bread (Pagach) is then broken and shared. The bread is dipped first in honey to symbolize the sweetness of life and then in chopped garlic to symbolize life's bitterness.



The twelve foods are:
- Mushroom soup with zaprashka; this is often replaced with Sauerkraut soup
- Lenten bread ("pagach")
- Green cabbage leaves stuffed with seasoned sauerkraut, tomatoes, or peppers stuffed with rice/vegs.
- Pickled herring with marinated onions
- Baked cod
- Fresh Apricots, Oranges, Nuts, Figs and Dates
- Beet and potatoe vinigerette Salad
- Kidney beans (slow cooked all day) seasoned with shredded potatoes, lots of garlic, salt and pepper to taste
- Peas
- Parsley Potatoes (boiled new potatoes with chopped parsley and margarine)
- Bobal'ki (small biscuits combined with sauerkraut or poppyseed with honey)
- Red Borsch




The (Christmas) Nativity Feast
On Christmas morning many families will go to church and on the other hand many will stay home.  The balance of the day will be spent in final preparations for the bigger feast, the traditional Christmas Day feast.

This feast is literally designed to "break the fast" of the previous 40 days.  So as you can imagine there will be lots of meat, oil, dairy, and of course alcohol for toasting! It doesn't have to be as elaborate, but it usually is and most certainly there are dishes with meal and oil!


Счастлйвого Рождества! (Merry Christmas!)



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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mirror on December 24, 2009, 08:44:16 AM
Merry Christmas for you-western friends!

...although we will wait for our HAPPY NEW YEAR.  :smokin:

Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 24, 2009, 11:17:08 AM
And to you also Mirror!   tiphat


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Nice documentary about Russia and the West, using snow as the theme:
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 25, 2009, 12:59:51 PM
With New Year gifts next week, plenty of folks are out and about shopping now:


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[attachimg=#] Gift Kiosk



[attachimg=#] GF Frost near GUM
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 25, 2009, 02:16:23 PM
Out doing New Year shopping in Moscow is hectic. But we still wish a Merry Christmas to our RUA friends.


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Just a second, I'll hold the camera and allow Mrs Mendeleyeva be in the photo...she is better (much better!) looking than me anyway.   :)


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 25, 2009, 03:43:09 PM
The town of Tobolsk (Russia) sends New Year greetings and invites you to come visit their little Siberian world here: http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php/topic,9889.msg138844.html#msg138844

It's a beautiful part of Siberia:


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: Springirl on December 26, 2009, 04:42:15 AM


Here is " НОВОГОДНЯЯ ЕЛКА" at my home, Boris (he is 10) decorated it last everning!
So some of the toys are really old about 30 years, from my childhood and very old soviet times. here is some of it :))
The last photo is a toy( spaceman)
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: Springirl on December 26, 2009, 04:49:21 AM

And this is what my older son made ( by gluing tops from fistash nuts) and paint it after . I put it in the corridor
 Happy New Year RUA!
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 26, 2009, 04:23:04 PM
Springirl, nice tree and decorations. I like your son's work on "Happy New Year" as it is very creative.  tiphat

We put our tree up today also.
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 27, 2009, 11:19:04 PM
I'd like to share some scenes from one of Russia's premier photographers, Sergei Chadov. His talent behind the lens makes me incredibly jealous, but also awestruck at the gift to which he has been endowed and has perfected over the years. My hat is off to you, dear Sergei.   tiphat

These are winter scenes from the city of Nizhniy Novgorod (in it's 785 year of existence!) and I hope you enjoy the artistry of Sergei's camera and style.


[attachimg=#] Nizhniy Novgorod Kremlin tower



[attachimg=#] Snow in the trees



[attachimg=#] Breathtaking! Nikolskaya tower



[attachimg=#] Winter fog



[attachimg=#] Church of the Prophet John (Рождества Иоанна Предтечи)


Christ is born. Glorify Him!
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: Springirl on December 28, 2009, 05:51:55 AM
I'd like to share some scenes from one of Russia's premier photographers, Sergei Chadov. His talent behind the lens makes me incredibly jealous, but also awestruck at the gift to which he has been endowed and has perfected over the years. My hat is off to you, dear Sergei.   tiphat

These are winter scenes from the city of Nizhniy Novgorod (in it's 785 year of existence!) and I hope you enjoy the artistry of Sergei's camera and style.


(Attachment Link) Nizhniy Novgorod Kremlin tower



(Attachment Link) Snow in the trees



(Attachment Link) Breathtaking! Nikolskaya tower



(Attachment Link) Winter fog



(Attachment Link) Church of the Prophet John (Рождества Иоанна Предтечи)


Christ is born. Glorify Him!
very charming photos! I wish , one day will be able to buy professional camera to make photos! It is my hobby to take photos, I also have some , but it is not for winter!LOL May be I will post later something for spring!if you will allow me to do it!!! :) I also have some photos of Odessa made with old camera "Zenit ET"
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 28, 2009, 10:34:18 PM
SG, that would be nice. I'll work with you for some topics to showcase them.



Families will shop for a New Year Tree right up to New Year's Eve.


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Your gift should go to your friend for the New Year (not Christmas). Flowers are a great and very common/acceptable choice.



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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 31, 2009, 07:51:26 AM
С Новым годом / Happy New Year!



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Perhaps there is no better time to experience the mood and pulse of the Russian people’s devotion to family, their culture, and to their Motherland than over the New Year’s holiday celebration. Just to hear the Russian national anthem on this solitary moment can be the experience of a lifetime!

Come to Moscow and spend New Year's Eve in Russia. Gather with extended family and friends in a compact apartment crowded to the walls with those you love and cherish. At about 8pm the salads begin to appear on the table, then soon followed by a never-ending stream of food as favourite Russian culinary delights make their way from the kitchen to the living room table over the next several hours. 


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Sometime during the evening the music starts and lively dancing and toasts begin. The finest champagne is held in reserve for after the midnight bells toll from the clock at the Kremlin. Across Russia all eyes and hearts turn toward Moscow. Just before midnight every television station switches to the Kremlin whose distinct red walls are dressed in a dramatic display of lights bathed in falling snow from Red Square.

President Medvedev appears on the screen and in his solemn style delivers the traditional greeting to the Russian people. It is usually a very short speech and all across Russia the music has stopped.  Dancing feet become still.  It seems as even the sounds of the streets and the hissing steam from the heat radiators also grow silent.

Traditionally the president offers words of best wishes to the people and afterward comes the announcement for which everyone has been waiting: The President announces the length of the government holiday.  His pronouncement will affect everyone from government office workers to school children and their teachers to policemen and to many private business workers.  And at the end of his one minute speech the Kremlin clock tolls midnight and the President ends his address with the familiar С Новым годом (sno-vim godom), Happy New Year!

Those in the apartment, especially the elders and war veterans, stand at attention, glasses in hand, waiting for the playing of the Russian national anthem. Immediately it begins and afterward the glasses are raised heavenward in toasts to health, wealth, and happiness for the coming new years. Kisses, three times on alternating checks, are offered around the room.

Quickly New Year cakes appear on the table. And fruit. And more champagne. Dancing begins again and now the sigths and sound of fireworks carry across the land. The night sky is charged with colours so vivid, so bright, and so promising. 


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Children are bundled in heavy winter coats and carried outside to watch the dazzling displays as the cascading lights arch across the normally dark and brooding Russian skies. The celebration of fireworks outside, and parties indoors, will continue until 3 or 4 in the morning. 

For many, sleep will come eventually but usually on a crowded sofa or even a blanket on the floor depending on the number of guests. Others will wait out the night, often it is the men who sit in the kitchen or in a hallway and chain-smoke away the remaining hours until dawn begins to belatedly peer across the Russian horizon.


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 31, 2009, 08:00:41 AM
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For those who managed to sleep even for a little while, morning comes quickly on January first and the winter snows have created a new white landscape across the Motherland. 

Oh there is nowhere like Russia for breakfast!  In a land where there are no designated foods for specific mealtimes, any Russian breakfast can be an exciting adventure.  But on New Years morning it is very special:  Leftover New Years cake, champagne, sausage and cabbage from the night before, marinated beet/potatoe salad, and a spoonful of red or black caviar on thick black bread with butter.  Who needs an egg when you're having champagne and caviar for breakfast at 8am!

Most families have a tradition of walking to an important square or park in their city on New Years morning.  Naturally for Muscovites that traditional walk is on or around Red Square.  The tomb of the Unknown Soldier is passed reverently with memories of past conflicts from invading neighbors. 

Once on Red Square, typically teeming with folks dressed up like Eskimos and with the usual aloofness forgotten for just a day, greetings of С Новым годом, even to perfect strangers punctuate the brisk morning air.  Surrounded by churches many step inside briefly to pray before continuing the annual tradition.



New Year Traditions

Here are two Russian traditions of note.

1- The first involves single girls asking the first man they meet out and about after midnight for his name. His name is supposedly the name of her future husband.


2- The second is that if you run into Дед Мороз & Снегурочка (Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden) in the city after midnight you’re supposedly about to have a very good year.



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Счастья, здоровья и любви всем! (Happiness, health, love to all)




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Happy New Year!  С Новым годом, from the Mendeleyev family in Moscow, Russia.



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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 31, 2009, 08:07:11 AM
Flowers are such an important gift at New Year's Eve that its never too late to stop for flowers. Some kiosk will be open and selling flowers!



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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 31, 2009, 08:14:18 AM
New Year in Saint Petersburg



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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on December 31, 2009, 09:39:51 PM
The Soviet Union may be no more but there is one memorable New Year tradition that still binds the people of the various Republics: the viewing of one particular movie on or after New Year's Eve. The movie has become a New Year tradition and is broadcast all across the FSU several times on New Year's Eve and New Year's day.



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With a title  of "The Irony of Fate or Enjoy Your Bath" you know there's an interesting storyline! Here it is--this made-for-TV romantic comedy is based on the premise that modern apartment complexes look so much alike that one cannot distinguish one city from another. By the end of the movie that long title will make perfect sense.

On New Year's Eve, Muscovite Yevgeny Lukashin finally dares to make a marriage proposal to his girlfriend, Galya. They plan to celebrate the New Year together quietly, but Lukashin's friends convince him that first he should attend their annual meeting at a bathhouse. The meeting quickly turns into an improvisational bachelor party for Yevgeny. Having consumed large amounts of alcohol, they are so drunk that none of them can remember which one was supposed to fly to Leningrad that evening. So they put the sleepy Lukashin on a plane.

Upon his arrival in the Leningrad airport, Yevgeny gives the taxi driver his Moscow street address and the cab takes him to an apartment complex located on a street with the same name. The building looks very much like his own, so Lukashin, still not quite sober, does not realize that he is in another city and he enters an apartment that looks just like his and goes to sleep on a sofa just like his back home.

When the lady (a striking blonde!) who lives there arrives home, she of course is surprised to find a strange man sleeping in her bed. That is complicated even further upon the soon arrival of her boyfriend who thinks he is coming over to spend a romantic New Year's Eve in the arms of his girlfriend.

You can follow along with the English subtitles and it's a funny story (but very long).


Part One

1  

2  

3  

4  

5  

6  

7  

8  

9  

10  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISJDRf4gdeI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISJDRf4gdeI)



Part Two

1  

2  

3  

4  

5  

6  

7  

8  


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: Manny on January 01, 2010, 01:27:27 AM
When the lady (a striking blonde!) who lives there arrives home, she of course is surprised to find a strange man sleeping in her bed. That is complicated even further upon the soon arrival of her boyfriend who thinks he is coming over to spend a romantic New Year's Eve in the arms of his girlfriend.

I am told that the boyfriend is married and Galya is his bit on the side.  :chuckle:

Thanks for that Mendy - I have just been advised we are watching it this afternoon.
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on January 02, 2010, 10:06:04 PM
Presents were exchanges on 1 January (or likely sometime on New Year's Eve) and after temporarily breaking the fast for the New Year celebration, lots of folks are awaiting Christmas on 7 January. We'll detail for you what happens on the night of 6 January.

In the meantime, happy New Year!



[attachthumb=#] Click for a panoramic view of Moscow neighborhood around 3:30pm.
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on January 06, 2010, 06:32:38 AM
Today (6 January) is Christmas day in Armenia, home to the oldest Christian culture in the world. And its Christmas Eve all over Eastern Europe and parts of the far East. С новым годом и С Рождеством Христовым to all of our Armenian friends!



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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on January 06, 2010, 07:39:12 AM
Here are some Russian holiday expressions from the very pretty language hostess at http://learningrussian.net

Счастливого рождества!    
  [shchis-LEE-vah-vah razhdee-STVAH] Merry Christmas! (lit: Happy Christmas)

C рождеством!
  [srah-zhdee-STVOHM] Merry Christmas! (lit: With Christmas)

Весёлого рождества!
  [vee-SYOH-lah-vah rah-zhdee-STVAH] Merry Christmas!

С Новым годом!
  [SNO-vim GO-dahm] Happy New Year! (lit: With New Year)

Счастливого Нового года!
  [shchis-LEE-vah-vah NO-vah-vah GO-dah] Happy New Year!

От всей души поздравляю с ...          
  [aht fsehy doo-SHI pahz-drahv-LYAH-yoo s] My sincere greetings with ...
        ...Новым Годом!
       [SNO-vim GO-dahm] ...New Year!
        ...Рождеством!
       [rah-zhdee-STVOHM] ...Christmas!

Желаю тебе/вам ...
  [zheh-LA-yoo teh-BEH/vahm ...] I wish you ...
        ... счастья.
         [SHCHAST'-yah] ... happiness.
        ... удачи.
         [oo-DA-chee] ... good luck.
        ... здоровья.
         [zda-ROHV'-yah] ... good health.

Пусть сбудутся все твои/ваши мечты!
  [poost' ZBOO-doo-tsa fseh tva-EE/VA-shi mehch-TI] May all your dreams come true!

Желаю всего хорошего.
  [zheh-LA-yoo fseh-VO ha-RO-sheh-va] I wish you all the best.

Счастья и здоровья!
  [SHCHAST'-yah ee zda-ROHV'-yah] (I wish you) Happiness and health!


Here is a common toast:
If you'd like to surprise your friends with a traditional Russian toast, we recommend you to learn a toast.

За ваше здоровье!   
  [za VA-sheh zda-RO-v'yeh] To your health! 



Note 1: The peculiarities of the Russian personal pronouns caused the necessity of mentioning two variants of some words within a sentence: as a rule the word before a slash is related to informal style, after a slash - to more polite, formal style.

Note 2: For convenience of pronunciation the words are divided into syllables, the capitalized syllables are stressed, the apostrophe (') indicates softness of the consonant.



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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: RG on January 06, 2010, 01:29:48 PM
Adding a few pictures and comments, from Belarus.
As it's common to have friends and family visit throughout the holidays, it's a big time for cleaning.  Many will bring out their rugs and cover them with snow, then beat them with an unusual "beating stick" (sorry, don't recall the name), to help make them smell fresh.

The streets in Minsk were well decorated and lit up, including some "flashing stars" overhead from building to building across the street.  

Both Russian (Moscow time, an hour earlier) and Belarusian NYE times are toasted to.  Luschenko was on a large LCD in the square giving a speech before - no one could hear him, but no one seemed to mind. :)  You could still rent ice skates at midnight, at least on this night.

PS - Snovum Go-dem (my pathetic attempt at phonetics :) )

Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on January 06, 2010, 02:10:12 PM
Awesome photos, Raleigh! And nice to have a report from Minsk.  tiphat
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: Springirl on January 06, 2010, 02:33:10 PM
Adding a few pictures and comments, from Belarus.
As it's common to have friends and family visit throughout the holidays, it's a big time for cleaning.  Many will bring out their rugs and cover them with snow, then beat them with an unusual "beating stick" (sorry, don't recall the name), to help make them smell fresh.

The streets in Minsk were well decorated and lit up, including some "flashing stars" overhead from building to building across the street.  

Both Russian (Moscow time, an hour earlier) and Belarusian NYE times are toasted to.  Luschenko was on a large LCD in the square giving a speech before - no one could hear him, but no one seemed to mind. :)  You could still rent ice skates at midnight, at least on this night.

PS - Snovum Go-dem (my pathetic attempt at phonetics :) )


Hey! you are a bit late for new year post! but as long as you are in Minsk and me too ;D , you are not late for old New Year, lol coming on 14th january! Nice photos, it is main avenue, and oktiabrskaya square with skating ring , my children was skating there this evening, but it is snowing a lot today, so it is really nice!
Glad that you post something about Minsk, because it looks like that only Russia and Ukraine is on the map of FSU on this forum :chuckle: tiphat
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on January 06, 2010, 08:24:42 PM
A series of photos from Red Square. The first two are of the portable skating rink which is erected each New Year. The other shots are of the New Year.


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on January 06, 2010, 11:17:48 PM
Spending New Year's Eve and Day in the Russian countryside.


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Have you dreamed of spending New Year's Eve with friends in their dacha? Warning, warmth, even with a fire blazing, is elusive at best.




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To get to their dacha, you'll travel by electric train. On some lines the only warmth on the electric train is for hot tea. Drink lots of tea only after establishing that the train toilet is operatable. Otherwise, sit there and shiver--it'll be over in a couple of hours and then you can go freeze in some antique, but still running, Russian car.




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Oh but the scenery! Who says there is no God? I hope heaven is 1/2 as beautiful!




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Some folks live out here all the time, often older pensioners. Life is hard at all times but especially in the winter.




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It looks romantic.

Reality: it's romantic for about 5 seconds before your brain engages from it's frozen state and forces your body into a hasty retreat thru the snow and back inside. If it's your turn to go try and find some unfrozen water in the well, it will most definitely be longer than 5 seconds before the others allow your frozen buns back inside.
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on January 06, 2010, 11:28:36 PM
Back in Moscow, photos to start the New Year:


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on January 06, 2010, 11:42:53 PM
Christmas Day has just arrived in many parts of the world! Special from the Mendeleyev Journal (http://russianreport.wordpress.com).


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In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen. +

Merry Christmas from Russia.

Merry Christmas from Ukraine.

Merry Christmas from the Asian Republics.

Merry Christmas from Moldova.

Merry Christmas from Georgia.

Merry Christmas from Serbia and Croatia.

Merry Christmas from Belarus.

Merry Christmas from Bethlehem and Jerusalem.

Merry Christmas from Egypt.

Merry Christmas from Ethiopia.

Merry Christmas from central African countries such as Eritrea.

Merry Christmas from Syria and Antioch.

Merry Christmas from Constantinople.

Merry Christmas from Armenia.

Merry Christmas from Macadonia.



[attachimg=#] Patriarch Kyrill celebrates Christmas in Moscow.



Christmas came to the Eastern world today while the West was sleeping. In Egypt, the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, held a somber overnight mass led by Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria at the Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo.


[attachimg=#] Cairo, Egypt



Christmas is an illegal holiday in the city which was once the centre of Orthodox Christianity. The Patriarch of Constantinople, modern day Istanbul in Turkey, proclaimed news of joy and peace to Orthodox believers all over the world. His small compound in the ancient city is the only place in Turkey where Christmas can be observed without fear of arrest. Turkey is officially a secular state, but the reality lies in it’s domination by Islam.



[attachimg=#] Christmas morning, 7 Jan, Tbilisi, Georgia.



Christmas came today on January 7th 2010, and Eastern Christians around the world, from Jerusalem to Russia, from Serbia to Georgia, and from places as diverse as Egypt, the Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Ukraine, and the former Eastern Soviet Republics all ended the 40 day Nativity fast with a strict fast, holy supper, Grand Liturgy and by burning dried oak branches.

Surprisingly, most Western Christians don’t realize that for much of the world,  including the Holy Land, Christmas falls not on 25 December, but on 7 January. But even if apart from the West, after the liturgies ended the mood turned to one of hope and celebration.



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Above: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his wife Svetlana make the sign of the cross during the overnight Christmas liturgy at Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral, largest Orthodox church in the world.



[attachimg=#] St Andrew's, Kiev (Kiev)



Traditionally, the night before Christmas is considered the triumph of all the evil forces, which are panicking before the birth of the Saviour. The arrival of the Messiah is God’s seal of victory over sin and the coming home of resurrection as seen at Easter.

On Christmas Eve, Russian television broadcasts live the divine service conducted by Patriarch of all Russia Kyrill from Russia’s main church, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, which is attended by the president, prime minister, heads of the parliament chambers and thousands of Russian believers.

Christmas for Orthodox believers is a very intimate holiday, the miracle of the God’s birth to the Virgin. For the Orthodox Church Nativity is a holiday of eternal motherhood, of the Holy Mother and Christ, and the birth of any soul is held sacred.



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Рождество - это так прекрасно! (Christmas--it's so beautiful!)
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on January 07, 2010, 09:58:33 AM
Many Russian homes leave the New Year tree up until the "Old New Year" takes place on 13 January.

Regarding the tree removal, what is the tradition of the Russians/Ukrainians in your life?



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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on January 10, 2010, 10:49:31 PM
We're just a few days away from the Russian "Old New Year" and here are some nice photos from the blog Moscow Daily Photo, where Irina, Ashira and Irina have recently taken over the responsibility of maintaining this established window to Moscow:


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on January 11, 2010, 07:54:50 AM
(From today's edition of the Mendeleyev Journal (http://russianreport.wordpress.com))

Three holidays in one short period — what a culture! Countries across the Eastern world are nearing the end of the New Year (31 Dec-01 Jan), Christmas (06/07 January) and the traditional “Old New Year” on 13/14 January.


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To be completely honest, this last holiday while celebrated, usually goes out with a fizzle. Most folks have just had enough holiday and partying to last for a while. But it is observed and an enduring part of life in the East. It's just not met with the same gusto as the first two holidays.

The Old New Year is an informal traditional Slavic Orthodox holiday, celebrated as the start of the New Year by the Julian calendar. In the 20th and 21st centuries, the Old New Year falls on January 13/14.

How it looks in a sampling of Cyrillic alphabets-
Russian: Старый Новый год
Ukrainian: Старий Новий рік
Macedonian: Стара Нова Година
Serbian: Православна нова година


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Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: Springirl on January 11, 2010, 08:25:20 AM
(From today's edition of the Mendeleyev Journal (http://russianreport.wordpress.com))

Three holidays in one short period — what a culture! Countries across the Eastern world are nearing the end of the New Year (31 Dec-01 Jan), Christmas (06/07 January) and the traditional “Old New Year” on 13/14 January.


(Attachment Link)


To be completely honest, this last holiday while celebrated, usually goes out with a fizzle. Most folks have just had enough holiday and partying to last for a while. But it is observed and an enduring part of life in the East. It's just not met with the same gusto as the first two holidays.

The Old New Year is an informal traditional Slavic Orthodox holiday, celebrated as the start of the New Year by the Julian calendar. In the 20th and 21st centuries, the Old New Year falls on January 13/14.

How it looks in a sampling of Cyrillic alphabets-
Russian: Старый Новый год
Ukrainian: Старий Новий рік
Macedonian: Стара Нова Година
Serbian: Православна нова година


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Mendy :) BUELORUSSIAN: " СТАРЫ НОВЫ ГОД" :) ;D
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on January 11, 2010, 07:14:36 PM
SG, thank you! I think you will be appointed as my special Belarussian correspondent.   tiphat
Title: Re: A white Russian Christmas!
Post by: mendeleyev on January 14, 2010, 11:19:44 PM
It’s here–14 January is the “old” New Year in Orthodox lands. That would be Старый (old) Новый (new) год (year) and is the start of the Julian calendar year. For most Russians, Serbs, Georgians, Ukrainians, Macedonians, Christian turks, Armenians, etc, it’s just one more excuse for a final party before returning to work in earnest next week.

The main New Year celebrations come to an end on January 13th, when the country celebrates the Old – Style New Year. This day is not declared as a public holiday but is celebrated to mark the beginning of the year according to the old Julian calendar.

Title: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 26, 2010, 01:36:08 AM
A Snowy Eastern Christmas

Hard to believe that we started the first annual RUA Christmas features back in 2007. Thanks to each of you for reading, commenting and participating.

Each year has carried it's own unique theme. This year in preparation for adding radio features to the Mendeleyev Journal online we chose the theme of "A Snowy Eastern Christmas" thinking it optimal to focus on the differences between New Year and Christmas traditions from the East to West.

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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 26, 2010, 02:17:32 AM
Last night Mrs. Mendeleyeva asked if they knew that Thanksgiving isn't observed in Russia? Yes, they (that would be you, dear reader) know, was my reply.

No matter, she shot back, we must congratulate them on the Thanksgiving. At that point it's better to go along and agree to congratulate someone on the Thanksgiving than to correct her English. I'm betwixt a rock and a hard place, as are all WM/RW husbands, because if we correct the English it only serves to dampen the mood.

Yet on the other hand if we don't offer correction, the moment that the wife discovers the proper usage, and realizes that you've been letting it slide, you my friend are in trouble--obviously you don't care because you'd have corrected her long ago if you truly cared. It's about the same as telling a friend that his zipper is down--no time is a good time and no matter when, it's always too late.

So for now, Mrs. Mendeleyeva and I congratulate you on the Thanksgiving.  :)

The New Year comes first and Christmas won't be observed in the East until the 7th of January (6 January in Armenia) so we can take time to enjoy the coming holidays together.


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 27, 2010, 06:46:28 PM
Winter festivals and holidays, part 1
 

New Year – January 1
New Years day is a public holiday and has been celebrated throughout Russia for centuries. The ancients timed the beginning of the year to Spring as it marked nature’s revival from winter and so the New Year was mainly celebrated on March 22, the day of vernal equinox.

With the advent of Christianity (the year 988 marks the 'Christening of Rus’ in Kiev, the capital) Russia adopted the new chronology system and adopted the new European Julian calendar with names of months permanently fixed and March 1 came to mark the beginning of the year.
  
In 1348 the Orthodox Church shifted the beginning of the year to September 1 in conformity with the Nicene canons, marking the growing importance of Christianity as the state church.

In 1699 Emperor Peter I (Peter the Great) decreed that Russia would celebrate the New Year’s beginning on January 1 (still by the Julian calendar) in order to have the same New Year as most of the rest of Europe.

At that time the Julian calendar was still generally accepted in many Protestant countries of Europe, and Russia celebrated the New Year together with them, yet 11 days later than in Catholic countries which had begun using the Gregorian calendar in 1582. When in the 18th century practically all Protestant countries switched over to the Gregorian calendar the New Year in Russia stopped coinciding with the nations of Western Europe. Russia adopted the Julian calendar in 1918 for civil life, but the church calander still today is based on the old Julian calendar.  

When the New Year was moved to 1 January, Peter began the tradition of decorating the palaces with Spruce trees, named Ёлка (Yolka). Today Russians and Eastern Europeans call them "New Year Trees."

The term Ёлка (Yolka) is interesting for those interested in language because it is one of the few remaining words using the letter Ё (yoh). In fact the letter is so infrequently used that when it is called for, most Russians simply write E without the top accents, knowing that it will be understood by the word itself or by context.

Children don't worry about such things however--they called it "Yolichka" and there are some fun children's songs about the tree. Like this one --


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Often the apartment size will dictate that a tree be small enough to sit on a table near a window. You'll notice that putting presents under the tree isn't a Russian tradition. Presents are exchanged at the New Year, instead of Christmas, but generally hidden away until presented.

Don't be surprised if your lady's "New Year Tree" isn't perfect. They just don't seem to worry about it and sometimes a branch from a spruce tree is just fine for those small apartment sizes. Unlike Western traditions such as in America when trees begin to appear in homes soon after Thanksgiving, trees in the FSU start to appear in homes in mid to late December, and often just a few days before the New Year.


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(Tree stand in late December.)



WARNING!
Watching is okay, but listening is at your own risk! Here a Russian girl sings "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and you simply must dig that accent.

Trivia:
The city of Рига (Riga) claims to be the birthplace (500+ years they say) of the Holiday tree.



[attachimg=1] New Year tree in country dacha.
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 27, 2010, 09:27:52 PM
So when do Russians typically remove the New Year tree? Western traditions vary (ole Mendeleyev once left his tree up until May--I was single back then, of course). In the East, New Year Trees are traditionally kept in homes till January 13-14, to coinside with the celebration of the "Old New Year," the date of the New Year before the change of calendars.

Festive New Year’s "Yolka parties" are traditionally held in kindergartens and schools. Children dress up and take part in parties, sing songs, play and dance around the New Year's Tree and receive presents from Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden.

The most famous Russian New Year’s song, В лесу родилась ёлочка, turns 103 this year; its lyrics were written by Raisa Kudsheva, a teacher by profession, and later set to music by the amateur composer Leonid Bekman. The song tells about a small fir-tree that was born in the forest and now have come to children bringing lots of joy.

There are some very nice photo slides in this older version:
In the forest a fir tree was born,
In the forest the fir tree grew,
In winter and summer she
stands tall,
And oh how green was she


Here is a very colourful and modern version very much worth watching:

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In 1929 Soviet authorities abolished Christmas and the New Year Tree traditions, claiming that the holiday, the tree and the decorations were too much like priests/churches. Even the observance of the New Year was abandoned.

However, in 1935 Pavel Postyshev, writer for the Soviet news standard, PRAVDA, published an article called “Let’s Organize a Nice Fir-Tree for Children for the New Year!” The article was so popular that Soviet officials were afraid to enforce the ban and so New Year trees and New Year festivities began to return to people’s homes. Still, it was not until 1949 that January 1 became an official holiday with the day-off from work.
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 28, 2010, 11:38:59 PM
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We'll take a look at each of the important holiday characters in Russian culture by beginning with the traditional story of Babushka (which means "God mother"):

Once in a small Russian town, there lived a women called Babushka. Babushka always had work to do sweeping, polishing, dusting and cleaning. Her house was the best kept, most tidy house in the whole village. Her garden was beautiful and her cooking was wonderful. One evening she was busy dusting and cleaning, so busy that she didn't hear all the villagers outside in the village square talking about and looking at the new star in sky.

She had heard about the new star but thought, 'All this fuss about a star! I don't even have the time to look because I'm so behind with my work. I must work all night!' So, she missed the star as it shone brightly, high overhead. She also missed the little line of twinkling lights coming down towards the village at dawn. She didn't hear the sounds of the pipes and drums. She missed the voices and whispers of the villagers wondering whether the lights were an army or a procession of some sort. She missed the sudden quiet of the villagers and even the footsteps coming up the path to her door. But the one thing that she couldn't miss was the loud knocking on her front door!

'Now what is that?' she wondered, opening the door. Babushka gaped in amazement. There were three kings at her door with one of their servants! 'My masters need a place to rest,' the servant said, 'and yours is the best house in the village.' 'You want to stay here?' asked Babushka. 'Yes, it would only be until night falls and the star appears again,' the servant replied. Babushka gulped. 'Come in, then,' she said.

The kings were very pleased when they saw all of the of the home-baked bread, pies and cakes. She dashed about, serving them, asking lots of questions. 'Have you come a long way?' 'A very long way,' sighed Caspar. 'Where are you going?' 'We're following the new star,' said Melchior. 'But where?' The kings didn't know, but they believed that it would lead the to a new-born king, a King of Earth and Heaven. 'Why don't you come with us?' asked Balthasar. 'You could bring him a gift like we do. I bring gold, and my colleagues bring spices and perfumes.' 'Oh, I'm not sure that he would welcome me,' said Babushka, 'and what could I bring for a gift? Toys! I know I could bring a toy. I've got a cupboard full of toys,' she said sadly. 'My baby son, died when he was small.' Balthasar stopped her as she went to tidy the kitchen up. 'This new king could be your king too. Come with us when the star appears tonight,' he said. 'I'll think about it,' sighed Babushka.

As the kings slept, Babushka tidied up as quietly as she could. 'What a lot of extra work there was!' she thought, 'and this new king, what a funny idea, to go off with the kings to find him.'

Babushka shook herself. There was no time for dreaming, all this washing-up and putting away had to be done. 'Anyway,' she thought, 'how long would she be away? What would she wear? What about the gift?' She sighed. 'There is so much to do. The house will have to be cleaned when they've gone. I couldn't just leave it.' Suddenly it was night-time again and the star was in the sky. 'Are you ready, Babushka?' asked Balthasar. 'I'll come tomorrow,' Babushka called, 'I must just tidy here first and find a gift.'

The kings went away sadly. Babushka ran back into her house, keen to get on with her work.

Finally, she went to the small cupboard, opened the door and gazed at all the toys. But they were very dusty. They weren't fit for a baby king. They would all need to be cleaned. She cleaned all of the toys until each one shined. Babushka looked through the window. It was morning! The star had came and gone. The kings would have found somewhere else to rest by now. She could easily catch them up, but she felt so tired. She had to sleep. The next thing she knew, she was awake and it was dark outside. She had slept all day! She quickly pulled on her cloak, packed the toys in a basket and ran down the path the kings had taken.

Everywhere she asked 'Have you seen the kings?' 'Oh yes,' everyone told her, 'we saw them. They went that way.' For day Babushka followed the trail of the kings and the villages got bigger and became towns. But Babushka never stopped. Then she came to a city. 'The palace,' she thought. 'That's where the royal baby would be born.' 'No, there is no royal baby here,' said the palace guard when she asked him. 'What about three kings?' asked Babushka. 'Oh yes, they came here, but they didn't stay long. They were soon on their journey.' 'But where to?' asked Babushka. 'Bethlehem, that was the place. I don't imagine why. It's a very poor place. That's where they went.' replied the guard. She set off towards Bethlehem. It was evening when Babushka arrived at Bethlehem and she had been travelling for a long time. She went into the local inn and asked about the kings. 'Oh yes,' said the landlord, 'the kings were here two days ago. They were very excited, but they didn't even stay the night.' 'And what about a baby?' Babushka cried. 'Yes there was.' Said the landlord. The kings asked about a baby, too.' When he saw the disappointment in Babushka's eyes, he stopped. 'If you'd like to see where the baby was,' he said quickly, 'it was across the yard there. I couldn't offer the couple anything better at the time. My inn was really full, so they had to go in the stable.'

Babushka followed him across the yard. 'Here's the stable,' he said. He left her in the stable. 'Babushka?' Someone was calling her from the doorway. He looked kindly at her. She wondered if he knew where the family had gone. She knew now that the baby king was the most important thing in the world to her. 'They have gone to Egypt, and safety,' he told Babushka. 'And the kings have returned to their countries. But one of them told me about you. I am sorry but you are too late. It was Jesus that they found, the world's Saviour.'

Babushka was very sad that she had missed Jesus and it is said that Babushka is still looking for him.

(Story credit:  www.whychristmas.com)



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(Moscow near Kremlin, 1950; Moscow Historical Archives)
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on November 30, 2010, 11:13:21 PM
Holiday Calendar


New Years Eve & New Years Day, 31 December - 01 January
Without a doubt, the biggest holiday in the former Soviet Union. The New Year is observed without regard to ethnicity or faith. Come to Russia...it's party time! Gifts are exchanged at this time.


[attachimg=#] Festively decorated "New Year cake"



Christmas Eve & Christmas - 6 January & 7 January:
From the Julian calendar, Orthodox Christmas comes 13 days after the countries who use the Gregorian calendar. This is the second most spectacular festival (only Easter is larger) in the Orthodox Church. As opposed to the New Year, Christmas is considered a religious holiday.


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Christmas-tide  -  7 to 17 January
This is the holiday period between Christmas and Christening. Traditionally the Russian Orthodox Church has a forty day fast leading up to Christmas and ‘Christmas-tide’ is the release period. For two weeks, all over Russia, people make the first meal after the Nativity fast to be a time of festive enjoyment. National festivals are often accompanied by folklore presentations, and  riding the Siberian Troika (sleigh pulled by three horses). Food of the season includes blini (Russian pancakes), caviar, pies, honey and vodka. The vodka of course is both practical and medicinal--to fight off cold weather and the flu.  ;D


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: BelleZeBoob on December 01, 2010, 06:22:57 AM
Mendy, thanks for the nice reports!

Babushka means Grandmother, not God mother. It is a usual way to address any older lady, not necessarily the mother of your mother, although it literally means just this. 
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: leeholsen on December 01, 2010, 04:02:56 PM

What do you mean they dont celebrate thanksgiving ?

I suppose next thing you're going to say is they don't watch the cowboys and lions games !  :ROFL:


great stuff, as always !
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 01, 2010, 07:32:40 PM
Belle, thanks and please add whatever you feel to this thread.


Quote
Babushka means Grandmother, not God mother. It is a usual way to address any older lady, not necessarily the mother of your mother, although it literally means just this.  


Yes, its normative use is for grandmother and/or older lady and I should have made that more clear. Thanks for the correction.

I'd be grateful if you could confirm or correct the idea that babushka in older times had the meaning now associated with крестная мать. It sounds like that is not the case.
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 01, 2010, 10:57:59 PM
The Nativity Fast

Perhaps you've recently heard a Russian/Ukrainian friend speak about a "fast." She may use the term "post" when speaking of a fast because post, пост, is the correct Russian word for it.

It's not unheard of for Russians to naturally assume that Westerners routinely fast before Christmas--after all if they do it, then you must do the same, right?

Orthodox Christians around the world observe 40 day fasting before Christmas (and also Easter). Here is a schedule:

+ Orthodox Christians in the West generally use the Julian calender and so the official Nativity Fast began on 15 November and will end at sundown on Christmas Eve, 24 December.

+ Orthodox Christians in the East, for the most part, remain on the Gregorian calendar and therefore the Nativity Fast began on 28 November and will end at sundown on Christmas Eve, 6 January. If your friend is fasting, now you will know what she does, why she does it, and for how long.


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What is the purpose of the Orthodox fast:
- Christ fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, eating only fruits and berries. He spent the time in prayer.
- The fasts are designed to assist one to be more like Christ, spending more time in prayer.
- Every time you feel hungry, instead of eating, say a prayer asking God for discipline in your spiritual life.
- Discipline...in the Orthodox faith one should discipline the flesh (body). The flesh leads to sin but the spirit leads to everlasting life.
- Such a prolonged discipline leads to a very joyful celebration to the feast of Christ's nativity on Christmas day.




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What items are given up during a fast:
- Meat of any kind (except fish on certain days).
- Oil in cooking.
- Wine, beer, vodka....any kind of alcohol.
- Dairy products.
- Egg products.
- All parties and celebrations are delayed until after 7 January.
- Some couples give up sex completely, others curtail the frequency during the fast.
- It is a good time to try to give up unhealthy habits like smoking, swearing, etc.




Acceptable exemptions to the fast:
- When given an exemption by a priest.
- When traveling.
- When a guest in someones home.
- When guests are in your home.
- For legitimate health reasons.
- Young children are exempt.
- Elderly are exempt (although often they are the most pious).
- When fasting would call undue attention--the fast is for personal discipline, not to make others uncomfortable.
- When a woman is pregnant.



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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 01, 2010, 11:33:09 PM
Observing the Nativity fast in Russia is much easier than in the West. Many Russian restaurants change their menus to accomodate those who fast. Some change altogether and some offer dual menus to accomodate customers. Most stores and markets reduce inventories of meats and dairy and increase stocks of fasting-friendly items.

Most school cafeterias convert to a fasting menu during Christmas and Easter. Government office cafes and cafeterias traditionally do also.

To begin the Orthodox fasting period in the Moscow Kremlin President Medvedev met with Orthodox Patriarch Kirill at the main chapel of the Kremlin Grand Palace.


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During their time together President Medvedev told the Patriarch that he has signed the law on the restitution of property to religious organizations. The President expressed his confidence that this law will address a number of pressing problems faced by the Russian Orthodox Church and other confessions (Protestant, Muslim and Jewish).


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Patriarch Kirill expressed appreciation on behalf of the Russian Orthodox Church and the other Russian religious confessions, telling the President that, you have my heartfelt gratitude. This law is the result of some compromises, and I think that is how it should be. (Charitable and Religious organizations) will be able to rely on this law when carrying out their activities.


(Mendeleyev Journal (http://http:russianreport.wordpress.com))
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 02, 2010, 07:18:50 PM
Mrs. Mendeleyeva has reminded me that a Russian may speak about fasting by using the word "post." пост is the Russian term for fasting. So we've added that upthread to help readers better understand what she may be saying.
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 03, 2010, 12:04:59 AM
With a 40 day fast that excludes meat, milk, oil and alcohol, how does one entertain in Russia during the holidays?

Creatively!


During this series we'll pass along some holiday, fast-friendly, recipes:


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Russian Spice Tea
Ingredients: 3 lemons
2 quarts weak tea
3 oranges
2 tbsp. whole cloves
1 pt. pineapple juice
2 c. sugar
 
Squeeze juice from the lemons and oranges. Pour some boiling water over the cloves and let stand for 10 minutes. Strain the juice and cloves. Add sugar and mix well. Add the tea and heat to boiling. Serve hot.



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Religion is experiencing a resurgence all over the FSU and Christmas has regained it's place as one of the most important holidays of the year. In this photo young believers crowd into a Kiev Church for Christmas services:
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 04, 2010, 08:11:05 AM
Russian Calendars

Several new 2011 office calendars arrived at our office yesterday. One perk of media is that we receive some nice calendars and these end up displayed in personal offices or along a wall that features a myriad of clocks--one for each USA time zone and additional time zones of foreign capitals.

Most of the calendars in the West are almost the same in layout, except from the East where the day of the week on a calendar begins on Monday instead of Sunday. Starting the week on Monday is the format for a genuine Russian calendar.


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As you can imagine, with Western calendars beginning the week on Sunday, you must pay attention to the correct day and date if you use that calendar in a Western setting as a quick glance at a wall calendar may cause you to plan something on the wrong day of the week.

As with Western calenders, Russians have the usual options of purchasing a calendar or even having one printed with personal photos...as this RM who is proud of his new baby:


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Then some Russian calendars can be very unconventional (at least from a Western viewpoint) with the layout. Like this one that lays out two weeks at a time, the weeks beginning on a Monday:


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Even though its getting close to the New Year, today is still too early to wish you a happy new year. Giving a greeting in advance is bad luck according to Russian tradition. So, new calendars or not, we'll wait on extending greetings.  :)
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: dbneeley on December 04, 2010, 08:24:40 AM
Mendy,

I am one American who has believed for most of my life that calendars starting on Sunday has always been foolish. Thus, the calendars I have printed and all of those on my computer have been set to start on Monday for about twenty years now. Since we plan things for weekends with Saturday and Sunday looked upon as a unit, and weekdays the same way, it simply makes more sense to me.

It's much like the way the two cultures celebrate Christmas, in fact--combining the religious with the secular in the West has always seemed to me to downplay the true importance of Christmas itself. To me, then, exchanging gifts and having all the secular stuff on New Year's day seems far better--so the believers can celebrate Christmas as it should be, a holiday of faith.

Thus, these were two details in which I needed no adjustment at all.

David

Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: nicknick on December 04, 2010, 03:46:45 PM
Russian Calendars


Most of the calendars in the West are almost the same in layout, except from the East where the day of the week on a calendar begins on Monday instead of Sunday. Starting the week on Monday is the format for a genuine Russian calendar.


As you can imagine, with Western calendars beginning the week on Sunday

I must admit I've never seen a calendar starting on a Sunday - is this an American thing
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: Manny on December 04, 2010, 04:39:52 PM
Russian Calendars


Most of the calendars in the West are almost the same in layout, except from the East where the day of the week on a calendar begins on Monday instead of Sunday. Starting the week on Monday is the format for a genuine Russian calendar.


As you can imagine, with Western calendars beginning the week on Sunday

I must admit I've never seen a calendar starting on a Sunday - is this an American thing

All British calendars start on a Sunday Nick.
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 04, 2010, 04:49:31 PM
As do most Western European calendars as well. I've seen older French calenders from France which start on Monday but French Canadian calendars begin on Sunday. German calendars also begin on Sunday.

It seems that the countries which begin the week on Sunday were most influenced by the Roman Catholic Church and most Orthodox countries kept Monday as the first day of the week.
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 04, 2010, 08:56:07 PM
Russian is a musical language. Listeners frequently comment on the "sing song" style of Russian speech. It is undoubtably dramatic and musical, and very fun to hear.

Therefore it is no surprise that music plays an important role in Russian holiday celebrations. From singing around a family table to New Year concerts on massive Red Square, Russian musicians of all styles are some of the world's best.

So when the New Year/Christmas season rolls around the Novo-Tikhvin Women's Monastery in Yekaterinburg brings in local Guslars to entertain the children who live at the monastery orphanage.

What is a Guslar, you ask?


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(photo: sestry.ru)


A Guslar is a player of the Гусли (Gusli), the oldest known Russian multi-string plucked instrument. Its cousin the "autoharp" is known in the Americas and the Gusli is often compared to the ancient Biblical Lyre and the Greek Kythare. Finlanders call it a Kantele, Estonians have the Kannel, it is a Kankle in Lithuania and the Kokle in Latvia. Various versions are known throughout the Slavic Balkan states and Arabic countries call it the Kanun.

The instrument comes in several forms and shapes but the concept is the same, generally featuring between 5 and 13 strings depending on the shape of the particular Gusli. There are larger types with table legs and even keyboards used in concert/orchestral performances.

With a beautiful sound the Gusli makes beautiful holiday music. Here is a band of Guslar players with their Gusli.

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Here is a beautiful performance of the Gusli being played at St. Maria's Church in Vilnius, Lithuania.

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(photo: sestry.ru)


Have you ever heard anything this soothing?
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: dbneeley on December 04, 2010, 11:16:58 PM
Mendy--

The gusli are similar to one of my favorite instruments, the hammered dulcimer. Obviously, though, a major difference is that the dulcimer is played with hammers and not plucked. Also, the strings on the dulcimer are in pairs.

Since you like gusli, though, I daresay you'll also like the hammered dulcimer. See, for example,

(I specify "hammered dulcimer" since there is another, totally different instrument called the mountain dulcimer.)

David
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: nicknick on December 05, 2010, 05:54:39 AM

All British calendars start on a Sunday Nick.

That's not quite right.  I've just bought a Top Gear 2011 calendar for my nephew.  I have it in front of me now and it definitely starts on a Monday in the left most column and Sunday in the right most column.
 

ps I've just checked the Dr Who 2011 calendar I got for my niece and that starts on a Monday as well.
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: Manny on December 05, 2010, 10:03:23 AM

All British calendars start on a Sunday Nick.

That's not quite right.  I've just bought a Top Gear 2011 calendar for my nephew.  I have it in front of me now and it definitely starts on a Monday in the left most column and Sunday in the right most column.
 

ps I've just checked the Dr Who 2011 calendar I got for my niece and that starts on a Monday as well.

How odd. I wonder if Jezza knows. He is a stickler for detail. Now the UK is no longer a Christian country, and merely an EU state, I expect we are seeing the slow PC imposition of ISO 8601. There is reading matter on the subject here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunday) and Google gave me a zillion results on the subject.

You learn something every day.

When I went to school, it wasn't all happy clappy multi faith as it is now. We were taught Sunday is the first day of the week without exception.

I stand corrected that all British calendars start on a Sunday. I will revise that to only the correct ones.  :chuckle:
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 05, 2010, 07:22:54 PM
Quote
I've just bought a Top Gear 2011 calendar for my nephew.  I have it in front of me now and it definitely starts on a Monday in the left most column and Sunday in the right most column.
 
ps I've just checked the Dr Who 2011 calendar I got for my niece and that starts on a Monday as well.


That would be quite normal as most calendars purchased in a country conform to that region's standard. For example, in the USA I can purchase a myriad of Russian language calendars, on the internet and in boutique stores, that are Russian in every feature, except one --  the week starts on Sunday instead of Monday.

Two of the largest sellers of Russian-themed calendars in the West are the Russian Life magazine (journal) and Cafe Press Publishing House. Their offerings usally conform to Western weeks as that is the most practical for those who live in the West.


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To obtain a genuine Russian calendar in the USA with the week starting on Monday usually means shopping one of the Russian food markets which stocks direct imports from Russia.
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 05, 2010, 10:52:02 PM
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Дед Мороз

His name is Grandfather Frost (D'yed Moroz), a sort of Russian equivalent of Santa Claus, and while rumor has it that he and Santa are first cousins, they're definitely not the same guy.

Be certain to remember that its Grandfather Frost, not Father Frost. He has a short fuse when strangers come around calling him by the wrong name.  In Russian culture the older you are, the more honour you are entitled, so he is quite particular about those sort of things.

He doesn't live at the North Pole either. During the off season Grandfather and Mrs. Frost live deep in a forest just outside the Russian town of Veliky Ustyug (Вели́кий У́стюг) and come to town about once a month in a sleigh for supplies and whatnot. Grandfather and Mrs. Frost also maintain a dacha in the Belarussian forest of Belavezhskaya Pushcha (Белавеская пушча) near the Polish border.  

So is Grandfather Frost just another version of Santa Claus?

Not really, but they sure must be cousins! Grandfather Frost wears a heel-long fur coat (traditionally blue), a semi-round fur hat, and white valenki or high boots (sapogi), silver or red with silver ornament. Unlike Santa Claus, he walks with a long magical staff, and it is just not his style to go around saying "Ho, ho, ho" to children and strangers.

Grandfather Frost's job description differs from Santa's somewhat.  For instance, Grandfather Frost only delivers presents to children.  Normally it's just one gift per child--this cuts down on his delivery costs.  And since he does not have Elves, multiple presents would be a serious strain on his budget not to mention his time.

As for presents, adults are on their own. And Grandfather Frost, while a nice and kindly ole dude, is not required to be jolly 24/7. He apparently has a "grumpy" clause in his contract. But he likes vodka!  (What a country!)


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He doesn't ride a sleigh either and there are no reindeer on his farm. He travels about in a Lada most of the year but if you see him in winter he'll be riding his trusty troika. What is a тройка? A troika is technically "three of a kind." But in this case it refers to an old-fashioned sled pulled by three horses.

Grandfather Frost has a reputation for bringing gifts to good children and forgetting those who were naughty. He can be either jolly or cold hearted at the drop of a hat. During the Christmas season, he is known to roam the streets, handing out toys to well-behaved children-and overlooking those who behaved badly.

Grandfather Frost doesn't have to hide his presents under a tree either.  In fact, unless the children are very young presents are not usually put under a tree. Grandfather Frost delivers them himself.  Now that is a nice change of pace! The hero of Russian children walks up and hands each their presents.

He doesn't ask children to supply him with milk and cookies, or carrots for the animals either. Now, to be forthright it's highly, ah very highly, rumoured that Grandfather Frost will gladly enjoy a snort of vodka before moving on to the next delivery. But you can put those milk and cookies back in the fridge. He does make house calls though, delivering toys and gifts door-to-door. Put out some cookies and vodka and he should be right along.

Grandfather Frost normally dresses in blue robes trimmed in white fur with a long white beard although he dons a red suit whenever his blue robe is in the laundry. Unlike Santa however he doesn't do chimneys--if your's needs cleaning hire it done--he's busy doing public appearances.


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As the Russian government is kind of stingy on those retirement pensions Grandfather Frost likes to supplement his income with some store openings, ribbon cuttings, appearances at private parties, etc. Most Russian kindergardens contract him in for a children's party each year so his calendar is plenty full.

Just in case you're wondering he most definitely does not stand outside on a store sidewalk to ring a bell for the Salvation Army.  Vodka aside, the man does have some standards.
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 05, 2010, 11:00:10 PM
We'll have lots more on Grandfather Frost and his granddaughter, Снегурочка (the Snow Maiden) as the series continues.


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 07, 2010, 12:05:34 AM
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Снегурочка is the "snow maiden," a young girl made of snow. In the most popular version of her story she is the snow statue who came to life for an old, childless couple, and now she is the granddaughter and helper to Дед Мороз (Grandfather Frost), helping him to distribute gifts to the little children at New Year’s parties.

(Wikipedia) There are several stories in regards to how the Snow Maiden came into life. In one story, she is the daughter of Spring and Frost, who yearns for the companionship of mortal humans. She grows to like a shepherd named Lel, but her heart is unable to know love. Her mother takes pity and gives her this ability, but as soon as she falls in love, her heart warms up and she melts.

This version of the story was made into a play by Aleksandr Ostrovsky, with incidental music by Tchaikovsky. The motherland of Snegurochka is Schelikovo near Kostroma. Kostroma is one of the cities on the RUA tour of Russia's "Golden Ring."


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(Wikipedia) In 1878 the composer Ludwig Minkus and the Balletmaster Marius Petipa staged a ballet adaptation of Snegurochka titled The Daughter of the Snows for the Tsar's Imperial Ballet. The tale was also adapted into an opera by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov known as The Snow Maiden. The story itself was adapted into two Soviet films: an animated film in 1952 with some of Rimsky-Korsakov's music, also called The Snow Maiden, and a live-action film in 1969 directed by Pavel Kadochnikov, with music by Vladislav Kladnitsky. Ruth Sanderson retold the story in the picture book The Snow Princess, in which falling in love does not immediately kill the princess, but turns her into a mortal human, who will die.

In a different version, such as the one collected by Louis Leger in Contes Populaires Slaves, an old couple make a girl out of snow, who turns into a living being.


[attachimg=#] Often a trademark blond, but not always.


The Snow Maiden usually dresses in blue but on occasion can be found in red or pink. She loves to dance and sing. Sometimes she is presented very conservatively but at other times as sexy.

Often in personal appearances it is the Snow Maiden who invites children to sit on her lap rather than Grandfather Frost.


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: BelleZeBoob on December 07, 2010, 06:28:51 PM
Thank you Mendy for the material!

Interestingly,  to my child's memory, the Grandfather Frost used to be dressed in red, whereas his accompanying granddaughter Snegurochka used to have blue attires. May be their styles changed with Perestroyka? ;)

Here is a nice video of the pair, from Nizhny Novgorod:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFwBnv4zyfU&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFwBnv4zyfU&feature=related)

A New Year appearance of Ded Moroz and Snegurochka used to be a lucrative seasonal business for students, especially those who study acting or similar areas. Around New Year, there is a lot of ads to see where entrepreneurial people offer their services with home visits in families to cheer up the children. Here is one home visit:



And here is the funniest parody on the both done by creators of the most famous Russian cartoon, 'Nu pogodi'. An approximate interpretation of this name would be something like, 'I'll get you soon', as the cartoon plot is designed similar to Tom and Jerry story where the two chase each other all the way. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU44b9zk4FQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU44b9zk4FQ)

Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: BelleZeBoob on December 07, 2010, 06:49:12 PM
 
Grandfather Frost has a reputation for bringing gifts to good children and forgetting those who were naughty. He can be either jolly or cold hearted at the drop of a hat. During the Christmas season, he is known to roam the streets, handing out toys to well-behaved children-and overlooking those who behaved badly. 


This would be the mark of Russian mentality: be forthright and don't sugarcoat things. If someone behaves badly, they should count with the consequences of that behavior. If you are no good, don't expect gifts from Ded Moroz. Russians have no problem with 'hurting' someone's ego, even if it is about a young kid. No surprise there is no political correctness there ;)
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 07, 2010, 07:57:57 PM
Belle, great information and videos. Your personal experience is so nice to have and please continue to add more to this series as we go along!


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 07, 2010, 08:26:00 PM
While watching Belle's videos I noticed this video on Снегурочка, the Snow Maiden. Her name is very difficult for beginners to master because the word uses sounds we don't normally make in English.

In this cartoon her name spoked is highlighted several times in the opening 18 seconds:


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 08, 2010, 12:02:50 AM
Belle, love those videos!


For our readers here is a cool Russian cartoon about the 3 little Pigs and the Big bad wolf at Christmas: You certainly don't need to speak Russian to understand that one!  :chuckle:
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: BelleZeBoob on December 08, 2010, 06:38:53 AM
 

He doesn't ride a sleigh either and there are no reindeer on his farm. He travels about in a Lada most of the year but if you see him in winter he'll be riding his trusty troika. What is a тройка? A troika is technically "three of a kind." But in this case it refers to an old-fashioned sled pulled by three horses.


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By the way, this picture gives us one visible difference between Russian and Western sled. See this red bow over the horse? It is called Duga in Russian.

Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: BelleZeBoob on December 08, 2010, 07:00:21 AM
Belle, thanks and please add whatever you feel to this thread.


Quote
Babushka means Grandmother, not God mother. It is a usual way to address any older lady, not necessarily the mother of your mother, although it literally means just this.  


Yes, its normative use is for grandmother and/or older lady and I should have made that more clear. Thanks for the correction.

I'd be grateful if you could confirm or correct the idea that babushka in older times had the meaning now associated with крестная мать. It sounds like that is not the case.

Sorry, I almost overlooked this question. I never heard that Babushka would be ever associated with Godmother, крестная мать.

Babushka would mostly be the name of the parents' mother. Or, sometimes just a very casual manner to address an older lady.

Godmothers (sometimes there is in fact Godparents, but I mostly see just the female version of it) in Russia are those who were invited for this role by the newborn's parents to introduce their offspring into religion and spiritual life. Godmothers, or Godparents were not only to hold the baby in church during the baptism procedure. They were to a certain extent responsible for upbringing of their Godchild. Earlier, the Godparents were considered as even closer than the actual parents.

In the Russian version of Cinderella (in Russian: Zolushka) composed by Sergei Prokofiev, issued in 1960x on vinyl discs and adopted for children, the Fairy who arranges everything for Zolushka is her Godmother.

Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: BelleZeBoob on December 08, 2010, 07:06:15 AM
Belle, thanks and please add whatever you feel to this thread.


Quote
Babushka means Grandmother, not God mother. It is a usual way to address any older lady, not necessarily the mother of your mother, although it literally means just this.  


Yes, its normative use is for grandmother and/or older lady and I should have made that more clear. Thanks for the correction.

I'd be grateful if you could confirm or correct the idea that babushka in older times had the meaning now associated with крестная мать. It sounds like that is not the case.

Sorry, I almost overlooked this question. I never heard that Babushka would be ever associated with Godmother, крестная мать.

Babushka would mostly be the name of the parents' mother. Or, sometimes just a very casual manner to address an older lady.

Godmothers (sometimes there is in fact Godparents, but I mostly see just the female version of it) in Russia are those who were invited for this role by the newborn's parents to introduce their offspring into religion and spiritual life. Godmothers, or Godparents were not only to hold the baby in church during the baptism procedure. They were to a certain extent responsible for upbringing of their Godchild. Earlier, the Godparents were considered as even closer than the actual parents.

In the Russian version of Cinderella (in Russian: Zolushka) composed by Sergei Prokofiev, issued in 1970x on vinyl discs and adopted for children, the Fairy who arranges everything for Zolushka is her Godmother. In his ballet version however, the Fairy is a beggar.

Listen to it here: http://www.muz-urok.ru/zolushka.htm


Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 09, 2010, 05:55:01 PM
Russian Joke (adapted for the holidays and current world leaders)

God summoned the leaders of the United States, Russia and Ukraine to heaven to tell them:

Leaders; as the year draws to a close I've decided to end it all. We've kept this earth going for a long time and nothing seems to get better. Even as Christmas approaches there is still war and hatred so I'm going to pull the plug.

I've summoned each of you because you represent 3 of the most important countries in the world. Unfortunately there is some really bad news I want you to share: the end of the world is in 2 weeks. Please report this sad information to my three most favorite peoples.

Saddened but impressed with their responsibility as world leaders, the 3 men returned home to call the media.

- US President Obama called a press conference and arranged for a really big teleprompter:

Yo homies, I've got some news. Now the first is mighty fine, the other be a bad ass muther for some of you folks. Yo, ya'll be wantin' the good news first: Those Bush tax cuts for the rich will expire sooner than we expected. The bad news for you conservatives is that the Republicans will no longer control Congress in 2 weeks.


- Russian President Medvedev, fearing that bad news might damage his rising polling numbers assigned the duty of making the announcement to Prime Minister Putin, who promptly arranged yet another 4 hour talk show on Moscow Echo radio to break the news to the Russian people:

Comrades, I've got 2 pieces of news for you. The first is bad but the second is good. The bad news is that there really is a God, after all, and he is not happy. However the second news item holds good news: We have received word from God himself that our former brother but now estranged neighbor, Georgia, will no longer exist in 2 weeks.


- Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych went on state radio and TV for his address (in broken Ukrainian, as usual):

My dear Ukrainian people, I've got 2 items of news for you. Both are good. The first one: God himself has seen that my election was fair and free and has recognized my presidency. The second: I'll rule the country till the end of the world.


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 14, 2010, 12:09:12 AM
Do you love Christmas music?  Russians and Ukrainians have a deep history of composing some of the finest music in the world, including music for the Christmas season.


Although this isn't a Christmas specific song, Tanya Bulanova's (Таня Буланова) "Only You" video is shot in winter at a woman's monastery. Nice winter scenes!

To the other end of the musical spectrum we go to Tchaikovsky's "Hymn of the Cherubim" which is part of the Russian Orthodox liturgy.


This past year marked the death of Muslim Magomaev, a giant entertainer during the Soviet years. Beloved by young and old alike, he made a lasting impact on FSU music. Here he and follow superstar Tamara Sinyavskaya sing Silent Night:



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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: BelleZeBoob on December 15, 2010, 06:59:17 PM

This past year marked the death of Muslim Magomaev, a giant entertainer during the Soviet years. Beloved by young and old alike, he made a lasting impact on FSU music. Here he and follow superstar Tamara Sinyavskaya sing Silent Night:
 

Besides being his follow superstar, she also was his wife ;)
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 15, 2010, 09:06:03 PM
Yes, and thanks for that reminder, Belle.

I was wrong on the date of his passing and although it seemed recent, Muslim died in 2008. Sorry.

While dearly loved all over Russia and the Soviet republics, Muslim was ethnic Azerbaijani, born in the city of Baku. His mother was a famous Soviet actress and his father had been killed in action just 2 days before the end of the war with Nazi Germany while serving in the Soviet Army.

A showcase of his beautiful baritone voice and his music can be found on page 5 of the RUA Music pages at this link: http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php/topic,1325.msg23253.html#msg23253

And more of his life and his music can be found on the RUA page about Baku (his birthplace) at this RUA link: http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php?topic=8656.0
 

He had a daughter from a previous marriage, Marina, who now lives in the USA. His website is still active and fans can access the English pages here: http://www.magomaev.info/en/index.htm
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 15, 2010, 10:11:29 PM
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 17, 2010, 01:05:10 AM
From "Welcome to Ukraine" magazine (www.wumag.kiev.ua)

Christmas celebrated in the Carpathians

(Natalka Kosmolinska tells a story of age-old Hutsul traditions and Christmas celebrations.)

 
Every year Christmas is celebrated by millions upon millions of people in the Christian world. It is considered to be “a family holiday” to be celebrated in “the family circle” at home, with the fire — literal or metaphoric — blazing in “the family hearth.”

But there are mavericks who choose to go to a place away from home, sometimes a long way. Among such eccentrics was a group of ten people, made up of an ethnographer from New York, USA, a journalist and a photographer from Lvov, Ukraine and a TV crew, seven strong, from Poland, who went to a village in the Carpathians at Christmas time.

We landed in the village of Kryvorivnya, in the heart of the Hutsul land, and attended the Christmas service at a small seventeenth-century wooden church sitting on the mountain slope. The village used to be called Zhab’ye and is indeed the focal point of the area inhabited by the Hutsuls where their ancient traditions continue to be maintained, religious feasts and holidays are celebrated the way they were hundreds of years ago, and life in general seems to have hardly changed since time immemorial.

 

[attachimg=1] Hand painted Ukrainian ornament.


In the early twentieth century, the intellectuals and bohemians of the land in Western Ukraine that was called Halychyna, preferred to spend their summers in the villages of the Carpathian Mountains. They sought quiet, rest and inspiration. The village of Kryvorivnya was a retreat of the literati; artists mostly chose to go to the village of Dzembroni. There was as much chance of meeting a professor from Lvov in a picturesque Hutsul village as of coming across a local villager. The mountains attracted by their scenic beauty, relative proximity from town, cheap accommodation and board — and, to a great extent — by the ancient culture and traditions of the Hutsuls, the indigenous people who seemed to have been living in the Carpathians since these mountains came into existence.

The Hutsuls were probably more heathen than Christian — they worshipped Nature and believed in God the Creator of Nature. They lived in houses built of wood without a single nail used; their sheep grazed on the mountain slopes. The Hutsuls made brynza, local soft cheese, wove lizhnyky (sort of woolen blankets), using yarn of sheep wool dyed in different colours; carved ingenious plates, figurines and many other kinds of things from wood; they made earthen ware and painted all those bowls, plates, jars and cups in the inimitable Hutsul manner, and decorated their Hutsul garments, using beads and dyed wool, in their peculiar Hutsul way; they made tiles for their stoves immediately recognizable as Hutsul in colour and design; they sang their Hutsul songs about heroic exploits of their ancestors and noble Robin Hood-style Hutsul outlaws; they told their children Hutsul legends and tales of old. Their churches were decorated by their Hutsul painters in the distinctive Hutsul style. It was an isolated Hutsul realm, lost between West and East, hiding in the Carpathian Mountains from the pressures of the outside world, self-sufficient in its isolation and independence from the rest of the European civilization — and thus attractive to all those who sought the remnants of the archaic times and who wanted to experience the charm of authentically ancient traditions.

Now, in the early twenty-first century there are Hutsul villages which have hardly changed in the past hundred years. There is no natural gas in their homes to cook on; there is no running water, there is no sewage system, no electric power. There are no modern roads to connect them to the outside world. They go to the same age-old churches their great-great-great-… grand parents went to — but on Christmas, the members of the Hutsul families come from whatever distant land they may happen to be living to celebrate the feast and partake of Christmas dinner in the home of their ancestors.

Up to the mid-fifties of the last century, the Hutsuls wore their national dress both every day and on holidays. The Soviet power tried hard to rob the Hutsuls of their culture and traditions, to turn them into “an ethnographic curios” producing souvenirs, and to take away their faith — some damage was done but the most important things had remained inviolate. Their resilience, pertinacity, patience and resistance to change are proverbial.

I was told a story of an old Hutsul who, on seeing a monument to Lenin being erected in his village, asked, “Why are you making it of plaster?” He wanted to add: Plaster is not a durable material. The monument will be a flimsy thing and will last no more than ten — or even five years. But he held his tongue, thinking: But why should it last longer? All things must pass, you know, and the Soviet power will pass away, sooner or later. Hopefully sooner than later.

The painted plaster Lenin went up in the mid-eighties, and the Soviet power that had taken so many lives and brought the Hutsuls to the edge of disaster or even extinction, collapsed in 1991. The Hutsuls repaired the dilapidated churches, built new ones, pulled out of the trunks their national dresses that had been worn by their grandparents, and made new ones following the traditional patterns. And now you can see them, young and old, once again wearing the sorochky and keptaryky and serdaky, on weekdays and on weekends — and in their Sunday best when the occasion requires. It has become prestigious again in many Hutsul villages to come to church on Sunday in their best bib and tucker. It’s almost like in good, old times — you show off, you demonstrate others you are well-to-do (Sunday Hutsul national dress does cost a pretty penny to obtain), and at the same time you reassert your rights for the land of your ancestors, you maintain the continuity, you keep the traditions alive. The Hutsuls, though small in number, are fiercely proud of their cultural heritage.
 
The Hutsuls of the early twenty-first century piously go to church on Sunday, with only very few staying away. Those who don’t are either too sick or too young. In fact, if you don’t regularly go to church, you’ll have a problem of the black sheep kind. It may get so bad that you’ll have to move elsewhere. It may sound like intolerance and flaunting Christian piety, but such attitudes have been bred by the harsh and severe conditions under which survival depends on togetherness and strength of spirit. The mountains are merciless to the weak in spirit or in body. In the vicinity of Chornohora, Mount Black, a sacred place for the Hutsuls where “the water is plentiful and bread scarce,” the Hutsul character has been formed by a thousand years of Christianity and millennia of heathen traditions which have become inseparably merged.


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The Hutsuls have preserved the core of their mythology and their understanding of life and of the world, and adapted the Christian teachings to them. In Hutsul oral tradition, God the Creator comes down from above to walk around and climb the mountains; God makes his fallen brother, Satan-Aridnyk (The Hutsul name for the devil, Aridnyk, is similar to Lucifer or Beelzebub and other names and monikers in the way it used to refer to Satan) who has betrayed Him and thus stopped being brother any more, return the inventions that He had made but which then were stolen by Aridnyk, house and fire among them, to the Hutsuls. The Holy Spirit — Alay (corrupted Elijah) is the most effective weapon in counteracting Aridnyk’s plots. It is Alay that shakes the mountains and hurls lightning bolts at them. One of the most popular tales from the Bible is the one about Solomon the Wise, and so many of Hutsul tales begin with “Once upon a time, the sagacious Solomon…” Among the Hutsul tales we find one about unicorns who were not allowed to come on board Noah’s Arc — those antediluvian unicorns had horns branched similarly to deer’s antlers. Has this tale been prompted by a find of the bones of a pre-historic animal?

In the Hutsul mythology, nothing comes into being from nothing or disappears without a trace. Aridnyk who emerged from the foam on the waves of the primordial waters is an active evil force ever present in Hutsuls’ life. It is Aridnyk who causes wars and little — and not so little — mishaps in the home. His evil helpers are legion — didky-shcheznyky (little “so-hard-to-see” devils); yudnyky (devil-deceivers), forest maidens called nyavky; and human-shaped, “horrible-to-behold” hairy forest monsters (the way the Hutsuls describe them suggest some similarities to Yeti, the Abominable Snowman).

Lizhnyk is one of those things which are peculiar to the Hutsuls and their handicrafts and are not to be found anywhere else. It is a sort of a blanket, or a wrap, or a rug made of sheep wool. The Hutsuls invariably add an adjective when they speak of lizhnyks — samoridny, literally “self-born”, that is, occurring naturally, found in nature rather than created. However, they are handmade and the process of making them is time-consuming and laborious.

Lizhnyks are woven by hand on the loom with the yarn spun from sheep wool. When the lizhnyk is ready it is put into a valylo — a sort of a Hutsul washing machine. Valylo is made like this: a hole is dug at a convenient place in the water close to the bank of a mountain stream, or a natural slough is deepened. Then a wheel, similar to the one used in water mills, is fixed in the hole. The wheel churns water and the lizhnyk stays in the valylo until it becomes compressed almost like felt.

After the lizhnyk reaches the proper condition it is pulled out and dried. The wool is backcombed to form nap. And it becomes a perfect blanket to hide under in the coldest of winter. They say that it even helps to keep illness at bay. Lizhnyks are also used as rugs laid on the floor at home or in church. Before the worshippers enter, they take off their footwear — I saw it in a church in the town of Yavoriv, the centre of Hutsul lizhnyk-making.

The weather in the land of the Hutsuls is not too kind to them. They say, when asked about the warm season, that it lasts from “Ivan to Petro and Pavlo” — that is from the feast of John the Baptist (which coincides with an ancient pagan feast of Ivan Kupaylo) to the feast of St Peter and St Paul, and it is only about a week between them in midsummer. It is a bit of exaggeration, of course, and the warm season lasts longer. In Hutsul villages, the houses stand wide apart, and in winter, you would think twice before undertaking a trip to your neighbour. At night, people stay put at home. If you venture out, you run a good chance of coming face to face with a wolf — or with a nyavka, a forest maiden with a gorgeously beautiful face, very small feet and a seductive voice, who is prowling through the woods, lurking in the thickets, waiting in ambush for a Christian to pounce on him and take away his soul. Nyavka is beautiful only from the front — there is no skin or muscle on her back with all her entrails and skeleton visible. Nyavka is an embodiment of the Hutsul male assessment of the female dualistic nature.

The old Hutsuls like to tell stories about encounters with nyavkas, in which their grandfathers or great-grandfathers, or “young men whom their relatives of only three generations back knew so well,” were greatly tempted but managed to survive and save their souls from being taken away from them — or failed to resist the temptation and perished. “If you don’t have any garlic or odelen-zillya magic herbs on you, and if you don’t build a fire and start fervently praying the moment you hear nyavka’s deceptively sweet voice calling out to you, you’re sure to succumb to her lure — and then you’ll wander in the woods until you die and nyavka will snatch your soul from you right at the moment when it is departing from you.”

The Hutsuls have their own way of keeping time. When you ask an old Hutsul when he or she was born, they will tell you — “On Ivan’s feast” or “On Petro’s feast,” or “Before Christmas,” or “After Easter,” and if you persist, and ask, “Which year?”, they’ll tell you, “Before the first war” (meaning WWI), or “Right after Austria fell apart,” or “Soon after Poland came into being,” or “Right then when the grandpa was drafted.” And it is not because they really have no idea what the generally used calendar is, but because they have their own ideas about what time is. The movement of time is marked by important — from their point of view — events: When the storm knocked down that great tree; When Ivan got married; When the church was consecrated, and so on. The major Christian feasts mark the change of seasons.
 
A week before Christmas, the Hutsul women begin tidying and cleaning up their houses and the yard and what’s in the yard. When everything is washed, scrubbed and properly arranged, then comes the time of cooking — twelve dishes are an absolute must for Christmas dinner. Kalachi and zavyvanyky (sort of cakes) are baked; mushrooms, fish, varenyky (stuffed dumplings), holubtsi (meat in cabbage leaves), uzvar (soft drink made of dried fruit), stewed cabbage and beets are among the traditional dishes, but these days you’ll more often than not see a herring bought at the local store on the festive table rather than fish caught in the nearby mountain stream. Fish that were abundant in the mountain streams a hundred years ago have become scarce. Also, if in earlier times all the food was cooked at home, these days some food, particularly deserts, is purchased in stores.

Nevertheless, the fundamental traditions remain inviolate. After attending the service in the local church, the Hutsuls proceed to the cemetery carrying candles which were lit in the church. In most cases, the cemeteries are situated quite close to the churches. The candles are then put on the graves — the flames of hundreds of candles in the quiet of the cemetery, fiery reflections dancing on the high snowdrifts in the frosty, clean air under the bottomless, black sky, studded with stars, the dark silhouettes of the mountains, is a sight that leaves no heart untouched. The Hutsuls believe that at that time the souls of the dead visit the houses of their descendants.

At Christmas-eve dinner (called Svyat-vechir — “Holy Night”), the Hutsuls put a bit from every dish on the table into a big bowl for their ancestors to try the dainties. This bowl is then taken around the house and to the barn to treat the sheep and the cow and the fowl to the festive meal (but you must not offer it to the swine and dogs). After that the bowl is placed on the windowsill and it stays there as long as the holiday lasts. A similar tradition was observed among the ancient Scandinavians, Galls, Goths and other European peoples.



[attachimg=2] Kutya


After the prayer which all the family joins in, a spoonful of kutya, “the holy dish” of boiled rice, wheat, raisins, honey and other ingredients, is thrown in the direction of the stove — like a millennium ago, it is done for ensuring the well-being for the household, and only then the family sits down to dinner, with a festively decorated ever-green tree symbolizing the eternal life in the corner. The twelve dishes on the table symbolize the twelve months of the year, in which the sun is born, comes to its ripe strength, provides for the bountiful harvest, gets tired, grows old and dies to be born again for a new twelve-month cycle.

Christmas dinner is a purely family occasion with no guests invited but if anyone happens to wander into the village, they will be invited to join and partake of the meal, and will be offered to stay the night. Nobody must be alone on Christmas night, no matter what his or her circumstances are, and the Hutsuls, in addition to offering hospitality, usual for the people living in the mountains, behave like true Christians in this respect, and offer the warmth of their hearts and of their homes to those who need them.

At the midnight hour, when the night of death and rebirth begins moving towards the morning, with “the sun preparing to ride the mighty horned bulls towards the summer,” the forces of evil begin to scamper away and hide — they leave the people, their houses, their cattle, their fields alone making way for the Glad news. And then the really cheerful holiday begins. Little kolyadnyky — children who join kolyaduvannya — sing Christmas carols, Hutsul style, going from house to house, wishing well and receiving presents. They bring the news about the birth of Jesus Christ the Saviour to every house. Handfuls of wheat seeds are thrown around — for a good harvest.

After the morning service, the priest blesses the grown-up kolyadnyky and encourages them to start the singing and merry-making. Each group of kolyadnyky (locally called “parties”) first go their own way and then all of them join together and go around the village knocking at the doors, singing Christmas songs and congratulating people on the birth of Christ. It is called kolyada, the Word of God to be heard in every house.

The village of Kryvorivnya is famous for the largest number of kolyadnyky who put on their best dresses to show off the richness of their design and decoration. They are also reputed to know more kolyadky songs than kolyadnyky elsewhere. Kolyaduvannya is an ancient tradition symbolizing the unity with nature, reflecting Hutsul mythology and religion and linking the ages — the past made ever-lasting present.
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 18, 2010, 01:30:28 PM
One of the fascinating aspects to Christmas in the West for Mrs. Mendeleyeva is the practice of giving to charity. Now how we conduct the collection of funds my in some ways differ but of course the aims are the same.

In Russia and Ukraine it is not uncommon to see someone affiliated with the Orthodox Church standing near a church, on a corner, outside a market, etc. In the USA often the most visible representative of collection for charity at Christmas is ole Santa himself ringing a bell next to a collection bucket for the Salvation Army.

Then of course there are the in-office arm twisting efforts for various corporate charities. In our office the folks in "HR" decreed that our division would "adopt" two Spanish/Mexican families. Now that made a ton of sense--the European media group--sponsoring two families from anywhere but Europe.  :rolleye0009:

I didn't say it, but several staffers queried the HR do-gooders as to whether the two families had legal status? In our division we are often aware of Eastern European families who struggle with legal immigration processes and it grates to be told that we are going to "adopt" two families that likely have bypassed the legal system altogether.

Collectively our group decided to adopt a cause of our own that more closely represented our daily work focus. I did rather enjoy the look on the HR gals faces when we presented the results of our collections. While we had exceeded the stated goal by about 112% for the two Spanish families, our group's independently chosen project will receive a much higher benefit. Perhaps the HR folks should use more common sense next year.

Many companies mandate or arm twist employees this time of year for charities in which our corporate masters have strong ties, such as positions on charity advisory boards, etc. But when given a choice it's interesting to see how the money is collected, and more importantly how it is spent.

Which is why I found this information to be of great interest:
- Gail McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross receives a salary of $500,000 plus expenses. That's not bad because even if required to work 60 hours weekly it comes to $41,000 per month. Her "signing bonus" to take the position was $50K.
  
- Brian Gallagher, President of the United Way earns $1,037,140 annually plus added bonuses and benefits. Poor guy only makes a base of $86,000 each month. All that bad publicity from a few years back (well deserved bad publicity) hasn't seemed to effect the United Way executive compensation that much--but it has lowered the percentage of funds that actually make it to charity.
  
- UNICEF's Executive Director, Anthony Lake, earns $201,351 a year plus car and housing benefits according to a 2010 communique from the organization. UNICEF is also one of the biggest charity wasters as only a few cents of every dollar actually makes it to charity.

- Dave Toycen, the President of World Vision Canada, earns $184,000 per year plus a "moderate vehicle allowance," according to that organization's annual report to the Canadian Revenue Agency.

So, what about ole Santa with his bell and bucket? Those "Santas" are volunteers and the head of the Salvation Army, Israel L. Gaither, receives a salary somewhere between $72-94,000 per year (plus modest housing) while managing a $2 billion per year charity with one of the best records in the percentage of donations that make it to the intended cause. Figures like that usually cause one to dig a little deeper when approaching Santa and his bell.

According to watchdog agency Charity Navigator, These leaders could inevitably make much more running similarly sized for-profit firms. Furthermore, when making your donation decision it is important to consider that it takes a certain level of professionalism to effectively run a charity and charities must offer a competitive salary if they want to attract and retain that level of leadership.

Give. Wisely.

Merry Christmas.


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 19, 2010, 11:24:44 PM
Okay, it's time for the story of The Adventures of Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden!

Story author: Mendeleyev
Setting: Just outside of Великий Устюг, north of Kazakhstan, west of Siberia, and within a few days travel of Ukraine, and several days from Moldova. Did I mention Kaluga?
Year: A very good one!
Characters: Дед Мороз и Снегурочка


Twas the morning of the New Year
and all thru the countryside
not a creature was stirring
because it was too damn cold!



Well, truth is, it was so cold that most creatures were not stirring, save perhaps Grandfather Frost's reluctant horse, Randolph. For those of you scrambling to Google the term "reluctant" horse breed, we'll save you the trouble. A reluctant horse is a very smart horse, male or female, and usually brown, black, red, or the occasional gay horse which you find in reinbow. White horses can be reluctant too, depending on how cold it is outside the stable.


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Truth is, most times Grandfather Frost rides on a troika, a sled with 3 horses. Reindeer are not indigenous to the Великий Устюг region because there isn't enough annual reinfall. But there is plenty of annual coldfall, the most perfect weather for breeding reluctant horses!


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Just last week Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden were on the big stage in Moscow, but today is New Year's day and there are a bunch of kids to visit all over the Eastern world.

Finally Randolph was convinced that he must prepare for the long journey (it takes a long time to convince a reluctant horse) and Grandfather Frost re-entered the stable to wake the other two horses, Blitzed and Vixen.

Unfortunately Blitzed was way too hung-over from last night's party and Vixen refused to get out of her horse bed, claiming the have the flu. Her nose and her makeup was running, so what could GF Frost say? So, off trotted Randolph and GF Frost, minus 2 horses.


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Randolph led Grandfather Frost over to the Snow Maiden's house, which as you'd expect is adjacent to the spacious but simple home of GF and Mrs Frost.
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 19, 2010, 11:31:44 PM
Снегурочка is awake, and ready for the journey. Well, almost. Like most ladies she didn't know what to wear. Fortunately, Grandfather Frost was there to encourage her to make haste because the children were waiting!


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What a fine couple they make, the old man assisted by a faithfully obedient granddaughter to carry on the family traditions.


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Of course they had to consider time zones, 11 in Russia alone, so as usual they headed across the top of Asia to visit children there first.


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Everywhere they went children were waiting with excitement!

Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 19, 2010, 11:53:06 PM
From Vladivostok on to the disputed Japanese islands and then swinging south to Kazakhstan, the two made children happy all over vast land graced by the man in blue (but sometimes in red) and his horse, Randolph.

Grandfather Frost had the Snow Maiden send a Tweet/Twitter to his cousin, Santa Claus. Santa had already made his rounds back on 25 December in the West. Knowing that Grandfather Frost usually travels without a laptop or mobile phone, Santa posted the Tweet on Facebook and soon children in Uzbekistan were tracking his progress online.

To assist Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden one mayor of a city in Azerbaijan had assembled all the children together. What efficiency! Дед Мороз и Снегурочка sang songs, blew kisses to all the children, and then moved on to the next city.


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Even at 10am (local time, whereever it was at the time), they were grateful for the opportunity to pull off the trail and grab some nourishment.


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 20, 2010, 12:03:42 AM
Everywhere they traveled, Дед Мороз и Снегурочка were met with New Year joy!


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There was a little hitchup when Randolph trotted up to the customs booth at the Tajikistan border. Ya know those Tajiks, always a problem of some sort.  :duh:

Instead of a bribe, Дед Мороз и Снегурочка agreed to pose for a special photo for the president's children and in only a matter of time--on their way!

The photograph actually turned out nice, huh?


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 20, 2010, 12:08:37 AM
As you can imagine, without Blitzed and Vixen, ole Randolph was getting pretty tired. So being the kind hearted employer that he is, GF Frost put his favourite horse on the train for the ride home. Randolph was running a fever so perhaps that was the best solution at the time.


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Снегурочка sent a text to Mrs Frost from her Nokia mobile to meet Randolph at the train station. One thing about reluctant horses--they don't like to get off warm trains! But never fear little ones, Дед Мороз и Снегурочка continued their journey around the world.


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 20, 2010, 12:17:31 AM
For certain, children all over had deluged the Дед Мороз mailboxes with letters.


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Finally there below was Kyrgyzstan! Children knew that Дед Мороз was really on his way.



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Grandfather Frost caught a "second wind" and moved on with gusto.
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 20, 2010, 12:33:57 AM
But, there was a problem.

That is a looong way down. And still so much territory to cover!

Well, he may not have reindeer like his cousin Santa and so what if Blitzed was blitzed?! Grandfather Frost was going to make his rounds, come rain or snow or whatever.


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Now that is ingenuity. Stand clear, they're headed down!


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 20, 2010, 12:38:58 AM
Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden were a hit in Kyrgyzstan!


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Believe me what I say that Дед Мороз и Снегурочка were "stylin!" Look at that girl, Снегурочка is "in da house!"
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 20, 2010, 12:45:38 AM
It was no surprise that around Noon these two were tired. The Snow Maiden laid down for a short nap.


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With Снегурочка sleeping, GF found relaxation in a solo game of chess. He doesn't sleep well when traveling, you know.


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 20, 2010, 12:53:06 AM
Children in places like Belarus, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Uzbekistan were still waiting. Not to mention Georgia and Moldova, too.

What is the best way to get to Uzbekistan from here?

Boat?

Really?


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...well, okay if you're sure...


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 20, 2010, 01:01:51 AM
And on and on they traveled across the countries of the former Soviet Union. In each town they were assisted by nephews and neices who received texts from Mrs Frost back home about Randolph the red horse having caught cold and being sent home on the train.

There was plenty of help!


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Across Moldova and Ukraine they visited hospitals and orphanages too, spreading New Year joy to all the good little boys and girls.


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 20, 2010, 01:07:04 AM
There were parties and music to greet Дед Мороз и Снегурочка in Georgia and Armenia.


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 20, 2010, 01:10:21 AM
Whew! It was a very long day. Дед Мороз turned to Снегурочка and commented on how good it felt to be back on Russian soil. All territory had been covered except for Moscow and north. Good, that was on the way home.

First, in Moscow the Prime Minister was waiting.


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 20, 2010, 01:19:09 AM
Say what you will about Mr Putin, but upon learning that Дед Мороз и Снегурочка were on foot, the Prime Minister handed over his personal snowmobile so that deliveries could be completed.


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Finally back in Veliky Ustyug, at the conclusion of their rounds Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden planted a new fir tree so that future generations may continue to enjoy the Russian tradition of New Year trees each year.


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 20, 2010, 01:27:01 AM
Of course no work is truly complete for a public official until a news conference has been conducted. Nightly news will carry coverage from Slovenia to Sweden so this is an important function to a modern day Grandfather Frost.


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Check out those cool gloves!
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 20, 2010, 01:31:43 AM
At the of such a long day Grandfather Frost was ready for a hot bath and some soup. Hey all that travel can make a man miss his woman, so...

We don't hear much about Mrs Frost, do we?

Some assume that she is a plump and motherly type, much like Mrs Claus. Heck no, this is Russia where the women are hot!


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Grandfather Frost reached over to blow out the bedside oil lamp. Slowly the light faded away, but for Дед Мороз the fun had just begun.

All that could be heard was a hearty HO-HO-HO!

No you nut, that is what Santa says.

Besides, she's not a HO. She is Mrs Frost.   ;D



THE END
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 20, 2010, 10:42:57 PM
Instead of writing this post, we'll allow you to listen to it.

Here is the audio version of Babushka. (http://www.podbean.com/podcast-audio-video-blog-player/mp3playerlightsmallv3.swf?audioPath=http://russianreport.podbean.com/mf/play/pq9hmz/Babushkafinal.mp3&autoStart=no) Just click on the play arrow when the player appears.

If the player fails to load on your system use this link: http://russianreport.podbean.com/mf/play/pq9hmz/Babushkafinal.mp3


(http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/3289/2571698170104704498S500x500Q85.jpg) (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2571698170104704498KktvSw)


24 hour round-the-clock Christmas music has already replaced the normal fare of "Smooth Favourites" (Smooth Jazz) at the Mendeleyev Journal's radio channel (http://www.myfavoritechannel.com), MyFavoriteChannel.com

Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: BelleZeBoob on December 21, 2010, 10:37:00 AM


Here is the audio version of Babushka. (http://www.podbean.com/podcast-audio-video-blog-player/mp3playerlightsmallv3.swf?audioPath=http://russianreport.podbean.com/mf/play/pq9hmz/Babushkafinal.mp3&autoStart=no) Just click on the play arrow when the player appears.
 


"...And her name was BabUshka.." Only a non-Russian speaker could say it like this :) as well as to use the common denomination 'grandmother' (babushka for mother of the parents) as a proper noun (her name is XYZ) :)

That reminds me of the Bad Santa's episode again.

" ...Who the hell takes care of you?
 - Granma.
- What is her name?
 - Granma! .."

Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: Manny on December 21, 2010, 11:31:04 AM
24 hour round-the-clock Christmas music has already replaced the normal fare of "Smooth Favourites" (Smooth Jazz) at the Mendeleyev Journal's radio channel (http://www.myfavoritechannel.com), MyFavoriteChannel.com

I just had it on in the background and wifey dashed in and asked me for a link as she heard something she liked.  :nod:
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: leeholsen on December 21, 2010, 11:17:18 PM

outstanding manny !

one thing i love about the FSU is the rich history and traditions. americans may have been flashy, particularly in the revolutionary war, industrial revolution and WW2; but you just cant compete with this stuff.
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 22, 2010, 12:10:49 AM
Quote
"...And her name was BabUshka.." Only a non-Russian speaker could say it like this

Belle, I knew that one of our Russian native speakers would pick up on this.  :) I think Manny noticed it too in the pre-production stage last week. The British accent was just "too cool for school" so we left it in.

For those wondering...babushka should be properly accented on the first syllable, not as our guest storyteller did on the second. "BAh-boo=ska"
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 24, 2010, 10:09:22 AM
Over the coming weeks in Russia will be one holiday period and inside this period will be 3 very important holidays.  They are arranged differently both in calendar position and importance than we practice in the West.

Whereas for many Westerners Christmas is the most important holiday with New Years' coming in at second, the Slavic cultures observe the opposite.  For them the most important day of the year is New Years Day on 1 January and that is called the "new New Year." Easter would be number 2. But for this time of year here is the "order of battle" so to speak...

December 25 is just another day on the calendar, not a holiday.

The biggie: 1 January New Years Day.  This is the day to give and receive presents and to wish all your loved ones good luck, success, health, and wealth in the New Year. 

6 January is both  Epiphany (called Theophany in the East) and Christmas in the world's first country to adopt Christianity, Armenia.

7 January is Christmas Day for most Eastern countires. The 40 day Nativity fast has ended and on Christmas Day is a great feast, with different foods than on New Years Eve/Day.  Christmas Eve many families go to church in the evening and afterward go home to celebrate the last "fasting" meal (no meat/dairy/oil) and prepare the big feast for consumption on Christmas Day.

Third, the "old New Year" is the last holiday on 13-14 January.  Its the new year from the old calendar and most Slavs enjoy this one last holiday before they must return to work.  Remembering that most don't observe Valentine's day, this "old New Year" will be the last time to party until 8 March for Women's Day.

Next is 19 January, Epiphany (called Theophany in the East) is a religious holiday celebrated all over the former Soviet Union. As a religious holiday for the baptism of Christ, it is not a "party" sort of celebration.

In all that context, the best day to deliver a card to a lady is on the biggest holiday, the day when she will give and receive gifts, and the most important day to offer and receive wishes of good luck & happiness, success, healthy and wealth is on 1 January, New Year's Day.


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 24, 2010, 10:33:20 AM
Would you like to send your favourite lady a holiday Card?

For free and in Russian? 



Here are step by step directions on how to send her a Russian holiday card:

-Go to http://eng.davno.ru/cards/ch.html

Those cards in the centre are for Christmas. Simply select one you like and follow the directions below. Remember, открыток с Рождеством indicates CHRISTMAS cards.


For a New Year card, do you see the menu on the left? 
The very top item reads Поздравительные новогодние открытки. These are NEW YEARS cards.

 
Remembering that New Years' comes before Christmas, choose which one you wish to send. If you wish you can follow this format to send her one or both--but if you do only one our suggestion would be for New Years'.


Now that you've selected which holiday, you will see cards appear in the middle of the page.  There will be tons of pages of New Year cards and several pages of Christmas cards.

Next:
-Choose a card and click on it
-Fill in "to whom/and from" information.  Use our guide below to help you.
-Put a heading (Заголовок) on the line (Such as happy new year, etc)
-Fill in some text (Текст) in the text message box (either in English or copy from samples below)
-Next scroll down and choose your immaginary Выберите марку (post mark). 
(The rest of the directions are listed below)


Translation guide:
Кому: (To)
Введите имя:  (Enter her name here)
Введите E-Mail: (Enter her email address here)


От: (From)
Введите имя:  (Your name goes here)
Введите E-Mail: (Your email address goes here)


Заголовок: (Heading or Greeting)

Sample heading:  С новым годом! (Happy New Year!)

Or for Christmas: С Рождеством! (Merry Christmas!)




Текст: (Text of your message goes in this box)
You can write a short text in English or use the sample one below.

Sample text to cut and paste:  Желаю тебе счастливого Нового года! (I wish you a happy New Year!)

Or for Christmas:  Я желаю Вам с Рождеством Христовым! (I wish you a merry Christmas!)



Sample ending:  Я целую Вас. С уважением, (_____).  (I kiss you.  Sincerely, (your name)
Alternate sample ending:  С поцелуем, (_____).   With a kiss, (your name)


Next you choose from a "stamp"...cool idea!  It reads Выберите марку so just click on the stamp design you prefer.


Now the line: Хотите послать эту открытку нескольким получателям? asks if you wish to send this card to more than one person.  If so, select the very next box and select the number of recepients in multiples of five.  Most of us will just send one card per person.

Okay, the clickable box at the bottom simply allows us to preview the letter before sending.  Click it.

Now it looks just like a postcard!

If it's okay, click the bottom left button.  If you need to make corrections, click the bottom right button.


Leave it checked where it says: "Прислать уведомление о прочтении открытки" if you wish to be notified by email when your lady reads your card.


The next screen should say something like this:
Ваша открытка была успешно отправлена -- (You card was successfully sent).


Your card is set to be delivered to your lady on the day of the holiday.


You will notice that this screen has more cards shown so that you can choose another and send it to someone else.  When finished save this link to your favourites and congradulate yourself on a job well done!


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: Derew on December 25, 2010, 01:54:29 AM
Merry Christmas to everyone out there.May you have a wonderful christmas this year..
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 25, 2010, 07:48:34 AM
And also to you!
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 25, 2010, 08:39:04 AM
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Perhaps the most recognized Russian scene, and especially at Christmas, is the landmark shown above. The amazing thing is that nobody outside of Russia seems to know it's real name!

Don't worry, if you say "Saint Basil's Cathedral" to a Russian, they'll know what you mean. Russians themselves sometimes fall into the same habit. After all, Собор Покрова пресвятой Богородицы, что на Рву (Church of Intercession of the Theotokos on the Moat) is quite a mouthfull.

There is a full (and in colour!) tour of this fascinating and ancient church here: http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php/topic,12016.msg133859.html#msg133859

Built as a monument to Russian victory over the Kazan Khanate (1552-1554), after each major battle, a small wooden church was erected near the Trinity Church which stood here at that time. At the end of the war there were eight churches on the site and Tsar Ivan the Terrible ordered stone churches to be built in place of the wooden ones.

Designed by the architects and master builders Postnik and Barma, when completed they had created a monument whose composition had no parallel in the entire history of world architecture. There were eight pillarlike churches on a single foundation, placed symmetrically round the center chapel (the ninth), on a central pillar crowned with a tentlike roof. Two additional annexes were added later for a total of eleven. As there is no longer a moat on the site, it is commonly called Pokrovsky Sobor in Russian which literally means the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Virgin.



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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 25, 2010, 09:49:01 AM
Christmas Carols for the Psychologically Challenged

1. Schizophrenia - Do You Hear What I Hear, the Voices, the Voices?

2. Amnesia - I Don't Remember If I'll Be Home for Christmas

3. Narcissistic - Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me

4. Manic - Deck The Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and Fire Hydrants and. . .

5. Multiple Personality Disorder - We Three Kings Disoriented Are

6. Paranoid - Santa Claus Is Coming to Get Us

7. Borderline Personality Disorder - You Better Watch Out, You Better Not Shout, I'm Gonna Cry, and I'll Not Tell You Why

8. Full Personality Disorder - Thoughts of Roasting You On an Open Fire

9. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells

10. Agoraphobia - I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day But Wouldn't Leave My House

11. Senile Dementia - Walking In a Winter Wonderland Miles from MyHouse in My Slippers and Robe

12. Oppositional Defiant Disorder - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus So I Burned Down the House

13. Social Anxiety Disorder - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas While I Sit Here and Hyperventilate

14. Attention Deficit Disorder - We Wish You......Hey Look!! It's Snowing!!!


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(Pushkinskaya Metro station- Moscow)
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 25, 2010, 09:44:28 PM
Have you been ice skating on Red Square?

The exact schedule for opening the winter outdoor skating ring on Red Square depends on the weather so it's an event that young people monitor closely each year. On can imagine that for some there is a certain thrill to ice skate near Lenin's tomb, across from the majestic GUM shopping mall, and just steps from the Kremlin clocktower.


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 27, 2010, 12:25:28 AM
Only 5 days to the New Year and just 12 days to Christmas!


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(One of Russia's best contemporary photographers: Алексей Безруков)
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 27, 2010, 11:09:43 PM
Did you ever come across a photo and instantly wish that you could be "there" of course wherever "there" happens to be?


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I told Mrs Mendeleyeva that someday I wanted to spend a week at Christmas on a Russian train, somewhere far from Russia's big cities. This photo was the catalyst. She believes that such an idea is a "guy thing" and those were her exact words. "Didn't you grow tired of all those trips?" she inquired of the frequent travel required when first posted in Russia some years ago.

At that point a man needs a quick reply and it should include verbage that includes the lady in a positive light, a very positive light. Quickly I replied "But you weren't with me on those trips." She understood full well my verbal maneuvering, but it sounded "sweet" so I received a free pass.

But admit it, wouldn't it be way cool to spend a week with a couple of good cameras, your favourite lady at your side, and on that train out in the vast Russian or Ukrainian countryside?

At least one can look at such winter photos and dream.

It's Christmastime.


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 29, 2010, 08:23:36 PM
To readers who plan to be in Moscow for New Years Eve. If you wish to be on Red Square keep in mind that just about everything you'll need for celebrating will be there for sale.  The police are very strict about a few things: If you bring items with you remember that there is absolutely no glass allowed so leave all bottles at home. You are not permitted to bring any alcohol with you. Plastic water, soda and juice containers are generally okay.

You'll need to arrive early-very early as lines are long and you must pass thru a security screening before entering the Red Square area. This year fireworks are limited to small fireworks such as firecrackers, other items will be confiscated during the security check. 

Again, arrive hours in advance if you hope to make it onto Red Square for all the planned festivities.


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 29, 2010, 09:31:23 PM
It just couldn't be much different.

In the West most folk are winding down. In some homes the Christmas tree is taken down before the New Year. The celebration on New Years Eve will be the last for awhile until Valentine's day in February.

In the East however, the fun is just beginning. While last week was somewhat ordinary, the New Year, the biggest and most celebrated holiday of the year is upon us. Instead of coming down, New Year trees are going up. Last minute sales are being offered in time for gift exchanges on New Years Day, and the children, oh the children are excited as ever!

So if you plan to be in a city like Moscow this holiday, here are some things to do:

New Year Tree Lighting in the Kremlin
By tradition this is the main tree of Moscow. Guests can enjoy a theatrical production, meeting with Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden and watch cartoons before the show, as well as participate in dances around the Christmas tree and other entertainment. There are both morning and evening performances.


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Date: December 25 - January 9
Approximate price: 1800r.
Location in Kremlin: Palace of Congresses


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New Year Tree in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior
This is a warm and funny musical theatrical in the Hall of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. The plot of the play "Two Brothers": On the eve of Christmas, the parents leave the town for gifts. Two brothers are left alone at home. Senior, showing indifference and apathy, not wanting to watch, Jr., puts him out into the frosty night. And the younger brother disappears.

Feeling guilty, Senior repents and goes off to save the Younger, who was kidnapped by a severe frost. The old man hid the Younger in his palace behind an indestructible ice door and turned it into an ice statue. His elder brother, entered the service of fierce Claus, hoping to release the Younger.

Love for the youngest and compassion for "lesser brothers" helps get rid of the oldest ice shackles of indifference and apathy. Big brother rescues his brother but the evil winter frost will not give up and rushes in pursuit. It seems that he will overtake children but then the older brother decided to pray. As the older brother appeals to the baby Jesus on the eve of His Nativity, the Lord answers his pray and a miracle happens this holy night as the brothers return to the safety of home. They forgive each other and have never quarrel.

Dates: from 26 December to 7 January.
Approximate price: p 1400-1800.



New Year Tree program  at the Pushkin Museum
This unique show was designed for children of all ages - from those who attend nursery school to high school students. In the skillful performance of local artists the tale about Grandfather Frost and his Snow Maiden is elevated to a high-quality performance, and the solemn museum setting creates a special creative atmosphere. Christmas tree in the Pushkin Museum is considered the most spirited and soulful New Year's show.

Dates: 24-30 December, 2-9 January.
Prices: Vary by times, see museum website

Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 29, 2010, 10:06:06 PM
Herring Under a Fur Coat


This is one of the absolutely FINEST Russian dishes in the history of mankind! There, now that that's been said let's learn how to make it in time for your New Year celebration cause friend, if you don't have Herring Under a Fur Coat on the table at New Years Eve, you may not be a true Russian after all.  :)

If you wonder how it looks, go to this link. Trust me, it's a tasty climax...your taste buds and tongue will have a culinary orgasm. And you can have seconds!

A great recipe and one of the most finely illustrated photos is at this link: http://en.rian.ru/infographics/20101229/161949279.html
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 31, 2010, 09:07:24 PM
Happy New Year in Moscow!

Last night just before midnight TV sets across the nation were all dialed into one source--the Kremlin's Saviour Clocktower on Red Square. A series of "pings" (repeated sounds 3x just as in shortwave radio) were played and then in a tradition going back to Lenoid Brezhnev, President Medvedev came on the screen to give a brief New Year greeting. The clock rang at the stroke of Midnight, followed by the playing of the Russian national anthem and then the city burst with sounds and lights as firework displays began all over Europe's largest city.

Here is what Russians watched:

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Red Square was filled with thousands of onlookers who attended the annual New Year's Eve concert and fireworks celebration. Here is how that looked in a special report from RT:
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 31, 2010, 09:20:21 PM
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Of course the tradition in most Russian homes is to watch the movie "The Irony of Fate" (subtitled "Enjoy Your Bath").

It's a fun movie and worth the several hours it takes to watch. To understand the signifance of Russian apartment living this movie is one of the best teaching tools around!

See it here at the Mendeleyev Journal (http://russianreport.wordpress.com/russian-movies-%d0%ba%d0%b8%d0%bd%d0%be%d1%84%d0%b8%d0%bb%d1%8c%d0%bc%d1%8b/the-irony-of-fate/) with English subtitles so that you can follow the dialogue. As each segment ends simply move to the next one. Worth viewing! Your lady and her family did--guaranteed. Although the movie is older, the romantic music remains enduring to Russians and Ukrainians to this day.


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on December 31, 2010, 09:27:02 PM
Russian children have all celebrated the New Year last night and this morning folks are eating a breakfast of leftovers from last nights lavish family meal and preparing to observe New Year traditions.


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Lots of Muscovites meet on Red Square in an annual tradition of walking from the gardens, Revolution Square, Manezhnaya Plaza and Red Square. Each city has it's own unique traditions but walking leisurely on a popular plaze is a favourite one across Ukraine and Russia.
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 01, 2011, 11:04:16 AM
If you have Russian children in your home, here is a cool link for them to connect with Grandfather Frost's website. It has a lot of nice features and photos. http://www.dom-dm.ru/votchina
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: BelleZeBoob on January 01, 2011, 03:16:10 PM
(Attachment Link)


Of course the tradition in most Russian homes is to watch the movie "The Irony of Fate" (subtitled "Enjoy Your Bath").

It's a fun movie and worth the several hours it takes to watch. To understand the signifance of Russian apartment living this movie is one of the best teaching tools around!
 

To this, I could note that Nadya, incarnated by the Polish actress Barbara Brylska, became an idol for generations of Russian women.
Of note, Poland was not another Soviet Republic, as some Westerners tend to think, but a sovereign state in Eastern Europe under USSR control. To get to Poland, a Russian would still need a visa with respective interviews at Communist Party offices under Soviet regime. Polish were therefore not quite Soviet for the West, and for us Russians - not Soviet at all :)

Polish women historically were seen by Russians as some special female creatures. They were more Western than us, partially because they were Catholic, because they could travel more freely to the West then we could, and because they had a more developed consumer market system thus had access to many beautiful things which were out of reach for us Russians.
Barbara Brylska essentially epitomized this image.
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 01, 2011, 09:31:38 PM
Belle, thats right I had forgotten that she was Polish. Thank you for this excellent contextual information as it helps us better understand the film and the culture of that time.   tiphat


If memory serves correctly, the street that was duplicated in Moscow and Leningrad for the movie actually existed but was later renamed after Lenin's mother (?) I think.
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 02, 2011, 07:14:04 PM
Review: The Irony of Fate

Svetlana Smetanina is a Russian journalists, a graduate of Moscow State University and has worked at “Kommersant,” “Gazeta,” and “Moscow News.” Her professional interests cover a wide range of topics. She writes articles on politics, psychology and personal relationships. But most of all, she enjoys writing about everyday life. For the last year and a half, she has written the column “Surprised by Russia,” which she herself conceived. In her own words, she would like to tell foreign readers about the things that often escape the attention of the serious media. In the first instance, this is the everyday life of Russians with all its problems, sometimes serious, sometimes funny. She is sure that Russia will never cease to surprise the world.

Surprised by Russia is her blog and the name of a regular column in Russia Beyone the Headlines, http://rbth.ru/blogs/surprised.


If you ask any Russian what was the good of perestroika, most would probably mention the opportunity to travel around the world and the long holiday break over New Year’s holiday. All the other supposed benefits—freedom of speech, democracy, or the chance to make a lot of money—have some drawbacks, but New Year’s vacation is an indisputably good thing.

You may be shocked to hear this, but during the Soviet era, there was no New Year’s holiday break at all. Dec. 31 was a regular workday, maybe cut short by a few hours, Jan. 1 was a day off and on Jan. 2, everyone happily went back to work. But then came perestroika, and the rest is history.

First, Jan. 7, Christmas according to the Russian Orthodox calendar, became a public holiday; then the authorities put their heads together and decided that, since the gap between New Year’s and Christmas was pretty small anyway, why not close that gap with days off from work. The people were only too happy to oblige.

It’s a miracle that they didn’t extend the holiday period to Jan. 13, New Year’s according to the Julian calendar used in Russia before the 1917 revolution. The Russians still celebrate it out of tradition as “Old New Year’s.” All told, every foreigner working with Russians should know that it is pointless to schedule any meetings during the entire month of January.

Of course, not everyone is happy. Some have called time and again for canceling the holiday break altogether, citing an assortment of scary facts. For example, many people run out of things to do and resort to drinking; or, husbands and wives grow so sick of each other that once the holidays are over, they run out to file for divorce rather than report to work. These deplorable facts may be grounded in reality, but the idea of abolishing the holidays has failed to attract many supporters.

When backed into a corner, most Russians will admit to the real reason the holiday break must continue: Russians become so lazy during the winter break that making them work again would be all but impossible. The myth of Russian sloth is so entrenched that it deserves special attention, especially as it’s rooted in the popular embrace of celebrations.

Russians indeed love their holidays, which they tend to celebrate in style, with lots of friends and a great feast. But are Russians really so lazy?  Could a nation full of do-nothings have been able to develop such a huge country stretching from St. Petersburg all the way to Siberia, filling it with cities and highways along the way? As a matter of fact, the difference between the European and Russian attitude toward work is the key. For a person from the West, especially one who grew up in a Protestant family, labor is above all a virtue, a way to earn honor and respect. For a Russian who is accustomed to toiling all year round in rather harsh climatic conditions, labour is not valor, but rather a necessity for survival.

What can distract a person from days of hard work better than a holiday? If given an opportunity to enjoy even the shortest possible break from work, a Russian will use it to the fullest. It would take another socialist revolution to make him pass on it.

But back to New Year’s. This holiday has a number of must-do rituals, such as drinking champagne when the Kremlin clock strikes midnight. This tradition goes back to the 1960s, when Russia started producing its own sparkling wine. At first, the unspoiled Soviet people perceived this as “la dolce vita.” But now everyone has grown accustomed to it and plays along, even if they would prefer a different type of drink at any other time of the year.

A more inexplicable New Year’s tradition also started in the Soviet Union: Watching the movie “The Irony of Fate, or Enjoy Your Bath!” on New Year’s Eve. If any foreigner would like to understand the “enigmatic Russian soul,” this film is a must-see. The plot is as follows: four friends go to a public bathhouse on New Year’s Eve; this is also a popular custom rooted in the washing away of all the problems of the passing year. At the bathhouse, the friends get absolutely plastered and mistakenly send the main character, Zhenya, on a plane to Leningrad (now St. Petersburg).

The one-hour flight isn’t enough time for him to sober up, and as he exits the airport completely sloshed, he tells the cab driver his Moscow address. It so happens that the same street address exists in Leningrad. Not only that, the key also fits the lock, which is no wonder, given the Soviet Union’s so-called standardized housing, which meant that many housing blocks were literally identical to each other. Still drunk, Zhenya doesn’t realize he’s in someone else’s apartment, and goes to bed. Naturally, the real owner of the apartment, a pretty young woman, Nadya, shows up soon afterwards. Instead of calling the cops, she starts talking up the tipsy intruder. Then she takes pity on him, grows to like him, and lets him stay. And all the while she has a fiancé – a respectable, reliable man. At the end, Nadya, dumps her proper but dull husband-to-be and boards a flight to Moscow to be with Zhenya.

When an Italian friend of mine first saw this movie, his reaction was, “what a load of bull!” From a Western standpoint, it’s impossible to understand why you would substitute a drunkard for a teetotaler fiancé or destroy your already laid out plans in life for that matter. But Russians prefer emotions to logic when it comes to guiding principles. And from an emotional point of view, Nadya preferred a sudden love with obscure implications to a predictable routine. Frankly, every Russian dreams of just that deep in their heart. Perhaps not necessarily of love, but of a miracle that would disrupt their habitual but so ordinary lives. Men dream of meeting a beautiful and understanding woman like Nadya on New Year’s Eve. Women dream of finding in their bed not a familiar and boring guy, but a charming Zhenya, even though he might be drunk at first. That’s why the Russians seldom plan far ahead. Westerners working in Russia call it unpredictability and get very irritated. But all Russians do is leave room for a chance to strike, or for fate to do its magic.

So I raise my New Year’s toast to the irony of fate, thanks to which all happy changes in our lives occur! As the popular saying goes, “All’s for the best in the best of all possible worlds.” We just may not understand it at first.


(Svetlana Smetanina)
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 02, 2011, 08:10:05 PM
Earlier in our Snowy Eastern Christmas chronicles we traveled along with Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden as they made their rounds on a typical New Years day. This time we're going to pile into the RUAmobile and travel to the home of Grandfather Frost in the far northern Russian city of Устюг Великий (Veliky Ustyug).

Just load your things into the bright red RUAmobile and we'll be hitting the road soon.


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Once a major city of the North, Viliky Ustyug today is home to about 36,000 souls and barely resembles its glory days of the past. One this is certain however, all roads at Christmas lead to the home of Grandfather Frost.


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You'll soon realize how far north it is as we experience an almost never ending uphill incline, always climbing as the bus strives to make it thru the snow. There are no modern European or American styled autoways in this part of Russia.


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The first mention of Veliky Ustyug in historic literature was in the year 1207.
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 02, 2011, 09:21:30 PM
It is possible to come by train via Moscow, St. Petersburg, Arkhangelsk and stop at the little station Yadriha (Vorkuta, Labytnangy, Kotlas, Syktyvkar) and then by bus to town. However that is a very slow route and you'll make better time by debarking at Vologda and there catch direct bus service to Ustyug. Even thought longer in km/miles, as the "crow flies" the Vologda option shaves about 3 hours off the travel time.

We don't normally advise going all the way by private car for a couple of reasons. First, it's 450 km just from Vologda in some very remote highway conditions and you must cross the Northern Dvina river either by pontoon ferry or via the bridge over Sukhona (open only 6x daily). Second, because it's so far away from Moscow and St Petersburg the local road police, who are very keyed in on non local travelers, will turn the experience into a "toll road" experience, usually more than once in the final hours of approach. RUA administrator Manny often calls this mode of transit to be the "friendly way" of settling things with local traffic police. Have your wallet out and open for frequent police stops when traveling alone by car.


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The highway towards the town is uniquely marked. Overhead to the left we see the town name, Великий Устюг and to the right is the phrase Вотчина Дед Мороз (Votchina = Estate and Ded Moroz = Grandfather Frost) or "Grandfather Frost estate."


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Now on the local road towards town we do wish to share this bit of good news: The "Great Ustyug" area is renowned for the quality of water from local artesian springs. Because of the quality of the water, a local brewery makes vodka used primarily in the Kremlin Grand Palace. (Dang, there is water in vodka?! I thought it was all alcohol and bleached windshield washing fluid!)
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 02, 2011, 10:00:14 PM
The city overview:


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Approach from the river in daylight:


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Approach from the river at night:


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 02, 2011, 10:09:55 PM
We've traveled well over 24 hours north of Moscow on snow covered icy roads to arrive here so when the RUA tour continues we'll take some time to visit the town and the home estate of Grandfather Frost!
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 03, 2011, 11:05:09 PM
Some of you watched the brief New Year address of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to the people of Russia just moments before the clock on the Kremlin's Saviour tower chimed in the new year.

Both of these events are traditional. The annual address dates back in the 1970's during Soviet times and the Saviour Tower clock has long been the "official" clock of the New Year in Russia.

In case you watch that brief address but didn't catch all the Russia language, here is the text, compliments of the Mendeleyev Journal (http://russianreport.wordpress.com):

Citizens of Russia, Friends,

Very soon, as the Kremlin tower chimes strike twelve, 2010 will pass into history, and with it the first decade of the 21st century. As we see the old year out, we remember its joyful and sad moments, and hope that next year will be good and successful for all of us and for our country. We will build a modern Russia together, a strong, open and friendly country.

We have a rich and ancient history, and we are rightly proud of it. At the same time Russia is a young country: in the coming year it will be only twenty years old. That is no great age for a country, but the children born in the new Russia have already grown up. The way we live in the second decade of this century will depend on them, too.

Everything we do, we do for our children, to make sure that they are healthy and successful, and the country they live in is safe, prosperous and happy, a country that respects its elders, cherishes its multiethnic traditions, and is committed to achieving new goals. I am confident that is our future.

Dear friends, the New Year’s holiday has its own unique atmosphere. This holiday is filled with a special warmth and sincerity. The New Year will begin in just a few moments. Let us congratulate each other and wish each other love and happiness in the coming year. Let all our dreams come true.

Happy New Year 2011!


(President Medvedev's address was followed by the Russian national anthem and then the clock chimmed in the New Year.)
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: BelleZeBoob on January 04, 2011, 07:08:12 AM

If memory serves correctly, the street that was duplicated in Moscow and Leningrad for the movie actually existed but was later renamed after Lenin's mother (?) I think.

Yes, by the movie plot, both Moscow and Leningrad used to have a Stroiteley (translated as 'Constructors' ;)  ) Street, and similarly looking highrise residentials with similarly looking floors and even furnitures, which made the characters confused.

This recognizable residential on Stroiteley Street, which was not renamed at least in Moscow, is still there, in the southwestern part of city. Now it has a memorial plate on the building because the movie made it famous :)
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 06, 2011, 08:43:19 PM
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It's Christmas morning in Russia as I write this. Just past 6am in Moscow and already in the afternoon out East in places like Vladivostok, Magadan, and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

To keep things simple in such a large geographical country, even though there are 9 time zones, all travel, rail and air schedules throughout Russia use Moscow Standard Time. Clocks in railroad stations and airports are set to Moscow Time even where it differs from local time by as much as eight hours.

So what happens in Russia at Christmas?

For holidays and such Russia, like great parts of the Eastern world, still uses the old Hebrew concept of sundown to sundown as a complete day. The fasts begin at sundown and end 40 days later at sundown as just one example. So last night at 6pm hordes of Russians, Ukrainians, Moldovans, Belarussians, etc, went to church.

Remember those folks who only attend church at Christmas and Easter? Well, it's Christmas.

The research group Monitor Russia, which measures public opinion on a variety of cultural and marketing themes, released statistics showing that almost 60 percent of Russians believe in God, while only 30 percent do not. Of those who believe, over 90 percent said they are Orthodox Christians. (Causing Mendeleyev to question whether they bothered to survey in Muslim republics?) The Moscow Times also reported that over 60 percent of Russians throughout the country intend to celebrate religious services during Christmas.

The Orthodox nativity liturgy is not a brief service and it typically begins just after midnight in some churches (called a midnight vigil) on Christmas Eve while other churches begin at sundown. After the Scripture and prayer vigil is concluded the service immediately transitions into a full liturgy with Holy Communion, a service which adds another 2-3 hours onto the events.


Readings for the Hours and Vespers:
Old Testament readings include: Micah 5:2-4; Baruch 3:36-4:4; Isaiah 7:10-8:4 and 9-10. Additionally, Genesis 1:1-13 and Numbers 24:2-3, 5-9 and 17-18 are read in the ninth hour, just prior to Vespers. Vespers includes Isaiah 11:1-10; Daniel 2:31-36 and 44-45.

New Testament readings include: Matthew 1:18-25, 2:1-23; Luke 2:1-20; Hebrews 1:1-12, 1:10-2:3, 2:11-18 and Galatians 2:23-29. At Vespers, Hebrews 1:1-12 and Luke 2:1-20 are read.

On the day of the Nativity, Galatians 4:4-7 and Matthew 2:1-12 are incorporated into the Divine Liturgy.

The Scripture readings for the Hours and Vespers proceeding the Theophany are as follows:

Old Testament readings: Isaiah 35:1-10, 16-20, 23:3-6 and 49:8-15. Additionally, Genesis 1:1-13, Exodus 14:15-18, 21-23, 27-29 and 15:22 - 16:1; Joshua 3:7-8, 15-17, II Kings 5:9-14 and Isaiah 1:16-20 are read at Vespers. A second series of readings include Genesis 32:1-10; Exodus 2:5-10; Judges 6:36-40, I Kings 18:30-39, II Kings 2:19-22 and Isaiah 49:8-15.

New Testament readings: Acts 13:25-33, 19:1-8; Mark 3:1-6, 1:1-11; Romans 6:3-11; Titus 2:11-14, 3:4-7; Matthew 3:13-17 or Luke 3:1-18. Vespers includes I Corinthians 9:19-27 and Luke 3:1-18.

The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil is celebrated at Vespers. The feast of the Theophany features the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. The readings include Titus 2:11-14, 3:4-7 and Matthew 3:13-17.

The Divine Liturgy of the Synaxis (Sobor) of John the Baptist is celebrated the day following the Theophany. The Gospel passage is John 1:29-34 and the Epistle is Acts 19:1-8.

Terminology . . . .

Vespers: from the Latin, vesper, meaning the evening. Refers to evening prayer, usually at sunset. Vespers is one of the two primary periods of daily prayer. The other being morning prayer or Matins.

Vigil: From the Latin vigilia; meaning a night of watchfulness. Prayer service which combines Vespers and Matins. Vigil is observed on the eve of Sundays and Feast Days. In its purest form, Vigil lasts all night, usually 12 to 14 hours.

Hours: From the Greek, hora meaning a time or season. Refers to the various observances of daily prayer; aka the Liturgy of the Hours.

(Russian Life magazine)


Parishioners return home in the wee hours of the morning to get some sleep and prepare for the lavish meal to follow during Christmas day.


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 06, 2011, 09:33:55 PM
Today Eastern world Christians from Egypt to Serbia to Macedonia to Greece to Syria to Russia & Ukraine, Romania and from African countries like Ethiopia to the far east of Asia celebrate Christmas.


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Greek, Syrian, Coptic and Ethiopian Orthodox Christians converged at Manger Square in Bethlehem to begin the Christmas season.

In Moscow, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill Gundyaev of Moscow and all the Russias led the Midnight liturgy in Russia's main Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and the service was televised and broadcast on radio across Russia and to the "near abroad."

To the Archpastors, Pastors, Monastics, and all the Faithful Children of the Russian Orthodox Church. Your Eminences the archpastors, honourable fathers, venerable monks and nuns, dear brothers and sisters!

On this present light-bearing night we again spiritually relive the joy of the world's finding of its Saviour. Again in our thoughts we gaze upon the Son of the Living God who lies in a manger of the cave of Bethlehem. Again we hear in our hearts the voice of the angels giving praise to the Creator and Redeemer: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men' (Lk. 2:14).

As we listen attentively to the powers of heaven, we realize that Christ's Nativity is filled with an extra-temporal meaning and has a direct bearing upon the destiny of each human person. Even he who does not know of the Saviour's feat may now acquire the knowledge of the Truth, become a son of God and inherit life eternal. Christ's Nativity reveals to us the truth about ourselves and makes it possible for us to understand and assimilate this truth.

Let us recall that the first man was made by the Creator as perfect ‘in the image and likeness of God' (see: Gen. 1:26). Yet Adam transgressed the commandment and distorted the Creator's intention for him. Deprived of a living communion with God, humanity buried itself evermore into the abyss of sin and pride. And then the Lord, in loving his creation and desiring salvation for it, sends into the world his Only-begotten Son, who restored the integrity of human nature and became the New Adam. Christ has shown to us an example of life conforming to the divine plan for the human person. This example is a reliable guide, which enables us not to depart from the way and to find only true direction leading to the fullness of life in both the conditions of our earthly existence and in eternity.

We progress along this saving path when we respond to the calls of God. One such call directed towards us is contained in the Epistle of St. Paul: ‘glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's' (1 Cor. 6:20). This means that we render praise to God not only in our prayers and hymns but also through good deeds for the benefit of our neighbour, people and Church.

This labour becomes a joyous labour in the name of Christ; it genuinely transforms the world around us and ourselves. People achieve a sense of togetherness when they work not by compulsion and not for the sake of gain but when moved by the sincere desire to do good and useful deeds. It is in this way that we serve the Creator together by embodying his will in our lives. The Greek word leitourgia (‘liturgy') is translated as ‘common cause.' Our entire lives should become a Liturgy, a common prayer and cause accomplished so that God's plan for the world and human person may be embodied in life and so that we can thereby give glory and praise to the Creator. This demands from us solidarity with our brothers and sisters in faith and even with those who have not yet found the Lord in their heart yet, like the Magi of the Gospels, find themselves on the path towards him.

The importance of unifying our endeavours in order to overcome tragedy and misfortune was demonstrated to us by the fires, droughts and floods of the past year in Russia and in the other countries of historical Rus'. They once more reminded us of our Christian duty to help our neighbours without regard to their beliefs, nationality and social status. During the hot summer months many people generously shared their efforts, time and material goods with those they may not even know and whom they shall ever likely see. To what purpose did they do this? Out of compassion for those to whom misfortune fell, who experienced hardship and who needed help.

Public solidarity and joint labours for the attainment of common goals are impossible without overcoming selfishness, without forcing oneself to do good, without the renunciation of exclusive attention to our needs and interests. At the foundation of true ‘unity of the Spirit' (Eph. 4:3) there lies the law of love bequeathed to us by the Saviour. National unity cannot be limited to merely times of trials. It has to become an integral part of our national self-consciousness and life.

I manifestly felt the strength of church unity during my numerous journeys to the dioceses of Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. Everywhere I saw the readiness of the bishops, clergy, monks and nuns to labour for the good of the Orthodox Church, to bring to perfection their parochial, monastery and diocesan ministries. This plants hope for a successful growth of church life in the spirit of unity and co-operation.

From the bottom of my heart, which is filled with joy, I congratulate you, Your Eminences the archpastors, honourable clergy, monks and nuns, brothers and sisters, on the great and saving feast of the Nativity of Christ and the New Year. I prayerfully wish that you be zealous executors of the will of God, bringing spiritual gifts to the Saviour of the world who has now been born so that his name be glorified always, now and forever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.


(Text from The Mendeleyev Journal (http://russianreport.wordpress.com))


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 06, 2011, 10:27:20 PM
Time to take a ride around the centre of Moscow, just behind an electric trolleybus.
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 07, 2011, 05:58:58 PM
Nice Russia in winter video:

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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 07, 2011, 10:24:05 PM
So, what is Christmas time like in some Russian homes?

Well, first it's snowy and cold.  This video was shot from inside a Russian apartment, high above the street on 23 December 2006: 

Sometimes it's too cold for children to venture outside so a mother must be very good at entertaining little ones in addition to all her other household duties.

Heat in the older style apartments can be erratic:  Most Russian and Ukrainian apartments have "central heating." By that we mean it is fed via steam, to entire blocks and rows of apartment buildings. Individual apartments have steam radiators, most often without controls entirely or with valves so old and rusted that to adjust them is an invitation to a disasterous steam explosion.

A central thermostatic control is located on the wall next to a series of dials but it's housed and controlled by Boris down at the local steam station. When it's too hot, one cracks open a window. When it's too cold you close the window. That is your individual "thermostat" in most older apartments.

If you want to know the temperature, most apartment dwellers have a thermometer attached to an outside window.  Inside, you already know if it's warm or cold.  What you want to know is, how cold is it outside?

In daytime much of the steam is diverted away from the apartment blocks (the Russian term is "sleeping zones") and fed to business and shops which are open in daytime.  It may become chilly in your apartment so you'll "layer" your clothing depending on the warmth inside your home.

At night the opposite takes place.  Well, it's susposed to take place.  Working past 4pm at the office can get chilly because thats about the time when the steam begins to be redirected back to apartment blocks in the "sleeping zones." Employees who work late begin to "layer" clothing as they continue to work.

When to take a shower: Morning is not always the best time as your body will be softened by the warm water, and exposure to the freezing temperatures and wind combine for the perfect recipe for pneumonia. In many cases showers are safer at night after outdoor activities have been completed.

Its not uncommon at night for your apartment to become very warm as you go to sleep but by morning it may be drifting back to the chilly side of living.

Those modern electric hot water kettles (chai-niki) are busy on cold winter days and nights. Tea is a staple all year long and doubles as medicine for sore throats in winter.


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 08, 2011, 09:38:17 PM
It's time to continue exploring the hometown of Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden. In the last installment the RUA bus had arrived, after a long journey from Moscow, to the city of Великий Устюг (Veliky Ustyug).


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We're going to be joined by Snegurochka, the Snow Maiden. Even though this is a small town she was pleased to offer her services as a tour guide while we're here. It wouldn't be surprising to find her resting (it was an exhausting trip all over the Eastern world on New Years Eve and New Years day) so maybe we'll find her relaxing under a frosty icicle somewhere.

Well, look at that...   :)


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 08, 2011, 10:15:38 PM
Given our length of travel lets grab a bite of lunch and a good a place as any is the Grandfather Frost Cafe.


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We'll wish to make a visit to the city museum a part of our plans. First established in 1910 as part of one of the local monasteries, the museum houses a unique collection of local fine art, icons and artifacts rescued after the Communist destruction of local churches, and many quality crafts made in the region.

Museum website (English): http://www.ustjug.museum.ru/eng/

As with most small towns you can see local people out and about even on snowy and cold days like this.


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 09, 2011, 07:27:31 PM
"Winter Evening"
Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin

The mist of the storm covers the sky,
The whirlwinds of snow are spinning;
Now, like a wild beast it calls,
now it cries like a child,
Now about the roof, decrepit,
Suddenly it rustles the thatches,
Now, like a traveler overdue,
to us on the window knocks.

Our ancient hut
is mournful and gloomy.
Why have you, my old lady,
Become silent at the window?
Is it the howl of the tempest
That makes you, my friend, fatigued,
Or are you drowsing under the hum
Of your spindle?

Let's drink good friend
Of my poor youth,
Let's drink away grief; where is the tankard?
It will make our hearts gay.
Intoxicate, me with a song, like a titmouse
Quietly living across the sea;
Intoxicate me with a song, like a girl
Who went for the water in the morning.

The mist of the storm covers the sky,
The whirlwinds of snow are spinning;
Now, like a wild beast, it calls,
Now it cries, like a child.
Let's drink, good friend
Of my poor youth,
Let's drink away grief; where is the tankard?
It will make our hearts gay.


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 12, 2011, 12:29:00 AM
Nothing like being able to slip out of town for the holiday...especially if you're the President of Russia. The town of Ivanovo, part of Russia's famous Golden Ring, is certainly the perfect place for a president and his wife to slip out of town for a few days.

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Wile in Ivanovo President and Mrs Medvedeva visited Orphanage No.3 and wished the children living there a Merry Christmas. The orphanage received a new bus and a high-technology computer classroom for Christmas. In addition, funds will be allocated from the Presidential Reserve Fund for renovating the orphanage.


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While there, the President met with educators working in Ivanovo orphanages to discuss issues of their remuneration, the problem of child orphanhood, and many others. The meeting also discussed the necessity to develop a legal framework for centres training foster parents.


More photos available at the Mendeleyev Journal (http://russianreport.wordpress.com).
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 18, 2011, 10:11:03 PM
Wow, the holidays got to all of us I think and it's time to finish quickly the tour of Grandfather Frost's hometown. As with most Russian towns the ancient churches are of great interest.


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Excellent explanation of city sights: http://www.pomorsu.ru/Brumfield/velikii_ustiug.htm

Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 18, 2011, 10:21:13 PM
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An interesting feature of the Great Ustyug is the complete absence of any kind were ancient wooden structures. Until the mid-17 th century, the city did not know of another building material than wood, but the second half of the 17 th century is the period of flowering of his stone religious architecture. Go to the brick building was associated with an exceptional wealth of the city. merchants and clergy. Wooden churches were replaced by stone, and after a major fire in 1772 is widely deployed in the construction of stone houses. The city is the stone walls have never been and after the Troubles had not been updated and is not used.

The Council's Courtyard - the main temple ensemble Great Ustyug. Includes: Cathedral of the Assumption 1652-1663, with a bell tower, the cathedral of Procopius the Righteous in 1668, the Cathedral of St. John Ustyug 17-19 centuries, Bishop's House 18 th century, as well as several churches and a number of outbuildings. It is recommended to mandatory inspection.

Church of the Ascension in the Market Place - in 1648, the earliest extant monuments Ustyug stone architecture. One of the most impressive temples Great Ustyug. You need to see both outside and inside.

Michael the Archangel monastery is the second most important architectural ensemble of the city, the main stone buildings which are built in the second half of the 17 th century.

The streets of old town - in the first place we can recommend a walk through the former Soviet Avenue (main street of the old town) and along the waterfront of the Sukhona river which runs parallel. The length of both streets is about a mile.

House Shilov - one of the most interesting Ustyug merchant houses, built in the 60 years the 18 th century Baroque. It is recommended to mandatory inspection.

Dymkovo Sloboda - the church band, located on the other side Sukhona of the Cathedral's Court . Two churches early 18 th century. Stunning views of the Great Ustyug.

Trinity-Gleden Monastery - located 4 km from the city on the opposite right bank Sukhona in the place where it merges with the South, giving rise to the Little North Dvina. Somewhere near here was an ancient city Gledius Chud. The exact location of his whereabouts unknown. The monastery is open for inspection only in summer. Definitely worth a look at the carved royal doors at Holy Trinity Cathedral and the iconostasis itself.
Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 18, 2011, 10:48:34 PM
Travel publication Hidden Europe #5 puts it best, Veliky Ustyug is one of the oldest towns in Russia, a place that history somehow left behind. From a distance, it is untouchably beautiful, the sort of place that should only Qgure in
Qlms. Close up, its charms are o!set by last year’s rubbish and a social malaise that is so common in rural Russia. It is a place that history forgot, and a place that forgot its own history.



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While it is no longer necessary to travel for days on a barge up the river from Arkhangelsk, the daily train from the northern port to Kotlas, the nearest railhead for Veliky Ustyug, takes nineteen hours for the eight hundred kilometres journey through Russian wilderness. With no dining car, limited creature comforts and forty three stops en route, this is not a journey for the faint hearted.


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It is only in recent years that Veliky Ustyug has found itself in the limelight again primarily because of its most famous resident, Grandfather Frost.

Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 19, 2011, 09:38:03 AM
Visitors could easily spend a week touring northern Russia and visiting Veliky Ustyug for an exotic encounter with Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden.

Getting to Veliky Ustyug seems to get a little easier each year and with discount airlines now including Moscow in their schedules the trip has never been easier. Direct trains from Moscow’s Yaroslavsky station take upwards of eighteen hours to Kotlas and from there the journey can be completed in an hour or so by bus.

So since we've already arrived in town lets take the little road out to the GF Frost hideaway.


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 19, 2011, 10:16:49 AM
Okay, looks like we've arrived.


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We'll walk over to the right and look at the compound directions.


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To make it easy for visitors there are signs and even a map. (One common Russian term for map is "plan.")

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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 19, 2011, 01:32:26 PM
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(photo: Professor Victor/Live Journal)


Once inside the area there are displays of various animals and local crafts. We're going to go the northern hideaway of Grandfather Frost!


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Wowsky! Even a local "tram" to ride!


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Title: Re: A Snowy Eastern Christmas
Post by: mendeleyev on January 19, 2011, 01:48:26 PM
Looks like Grandfather Frost may be going out for a late delivery.


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(photo: Professor Victor/Live Journal)


Don't you just love a wooden porch/veranda!


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