Russian public holidays, their significance, history and role in modern society

Every soul is happy about the holiday. So says one of the most famous Russian proverbs! And indeed, let us follow with what trepidation, with what respect and reverence the Russian people relate to the holidays. With what scope and breadth of soul Russians celebrate national holidays.

Do you know all public holidays in Russia? In this article I will give you a list of state and national Russian holidays.

1st of January. Initially, from the time of the introduction of the Christian religion, the chronology began in March or on the day of Easter. In 1942, during the reign of John III, the reckoning began to be counted from September 1. In December 1699, the tsar’s clerk announced to the people that the tsar wishes, as a sign of the beginning of a new 100th anniversary after prayer and thanksgiving of God, that all the people adorn the large driveways, houses of noble people with pine and spruce trees before January 1. And so that the jewelry remained in place until January 7th. And January 1 should be considered the very beginning of the New Year.

Russian public holidays




New Year’s customs took root among the people quickly enough, over time, only new ones were added.

January 7. Nativity. The most important holiday for every Orthodox Christian, if we consider the public holidays of Russia.





This celebration is celebrated on January night from the 6th to the 7th. Until 1918, the holiday was considered more important than the New Year. But under the authority of the soviets, public holidays in Russia changed places in importance. The Soviet Union at that time became the only state in which the New Year in the country absorbed the attributes of the Nativity of Christ, while remaining a national holiday.

National holidays of Russia




In the last years of Russian history, more and more people visit churches and temples on January 7, recalling the religious meaning of the holiday.

February 23. Day of military glory of the Russian Federation or Defender of the Fatherland Day. On this day, it is customary to express your congratulations to the entire male half of the country. But initially, the state holidays of Russia did not include the day of all men in their ranks, and February 23 was the birthday of the Soviet Red Army, otherwise - the birthday of the Navy.

March 8. International day of the whole beautiful half of humanity. National holidays of Russia include this day since 1914.

May 1. Spring holiday of labor. First noted in Russia in 1890.

9th May. Victory Day. The holiday is dedicated to the victory of the Soviet people over fascist Germany and the German invaders in the Great Patriotic War. Numerous parades are taking place in Russia today, the main one being the parade on Red Square in Moscow. They have been honoring and expressing gratitude to veterans and combatants since 1943.

Public holidays in Russia




June 12 is the day of Russia. On this day, the country adopted the Declaration of Independence of the Russian Federation and its sovereignty. Until 2002, the holiday was called Independence Day. It is one of the freshest or youngest national memorial days. In 1994, Boris N. Yeltsin was included in the number of state holidays on June 12, and somewhat later, in 2001, V.V. Putin renamed the holiday on the occasion of the adoption of the declaration, explaining that the countdown of the new history of Russia begins with this most important document.

November 4th Day of military glory of the Russian Federation. Unity Day of the Russian people. The holiday is dedicated to such an event as the liberation of Moscow in 1812 from Polish invaders.

The list of national holidays is much larger than the list of state holidays, as In addition to significant dates for the history of the country, it contains others.

In general, public holidays in Russia are very important for every citizen of the country, absolutely everyone puts their own meaning into a particular holiday and attaches their importance. While the history of Russia is alive, the country itself and its people are still alive!




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