Our country is amazing in that people here celebrate almost all the holidays, despite the beliefs. Moreover, some of them are adapted to everyday life and are not always considered religious. This article will consider the date of January 13: what holiday is celebrated on this day by Russians, as well as residents of other countries.
Orthodox church holiday
This date is very important for clergy and religious people. What exactly is celebrated on January 13, what church holiday? So, this is the day of Reverend Melania's memory (first of all). However, on this day other religious figures are also honored: the holy martyr Michael, the martyr Peter, as well as St. Dositheus, Metropolitan of Zagreb.
The completion of winter Christmas time
So, on January 13, which Orthodox holiday, sorted out. They honor first of all Melania. But still, this day is most often considered as the completion of winter Christmas time. New Year's holidays end, however, young people previously allowed themselves another day to walk. In the evenings, boys and girls gathered in small companies, walked the streets, sang. In some areas of our homeland, this day is also called "Generous evening." So, young people could go home and be generous, i.e. using special songs and sentences to earn yourself various goodies. Sometimes the company dressed up and in the center of the city or village arranged a small concert with dances and dances to the accompaniment of folk instruments.
It is important to note that girls especially loved (and still love) this holiday. After all, it is customary to guess at Melania. Unmarried girls threw boots over their backs, counted stakes on a fence, i.e. They did everything to find out what their future life would be like and how soon they would be with their beloved. Fortune-telling has now changed a little, but the expected result is still the same.
Signs
It should be noted that our ancestors followed various signs. So, on Melania's day, one could guess what would happen next:
- If the sky is clear and the stars are visible on the night of January 14, a good harvest is expected this year.
- If there was a blizzard in the evening of January 13, it was believed that there would be a good harvest of nuts.
- If there will be hoarfrost on the branches on the morning of January 14, it was believed that barrels for honey should be prepared, because the year will be fruitful for this wonderful food product.
- If fog fell on the ground near the morning of January 14, the year also promised to be fruitful and rich.
- People said: those who were born in Melania or Basil (January 14) will be happy. And if they wear jasper around their neck, they are also rich.
There was also a simple custom associated with the future harvest of fruit trees. So, in the morning of January 14, it was necessary to go out into the garden and eat them all. So much so that snow falls as much as possible. After all, in the fall the fruits will be showered like that in baskets.
Old New Year
I wonder what holiday from January 13 to January 14 the inhabitants of our country celebrate? Old New Year of course! It would seem a little strange name. However, in reality it is extremely simple. The thing is that at this time earlier (according to the old calendar, old style) the arrival of the new year was celebrated. It must be clarified that this holiday appeared back in 1918, when the Gregorian calendar was introduced into everyday life (previously people used the Julian calendar). It is celebrated very widely: with festivities the night away, revelry, fun.
The rules of nutrition on this day
Having understood what holiday is celebrated on the territory of Russia from January 13 to 14 , you need to tell that at that time certain dishes should be put on the table. First of all, this is kutia, the so-called “generous”. It is seasoned with various dried fruits, poppy seeds and other goodies.
January 13, what holiday? Old New Year! On this day, the hostess should also treat guests with cakes and pancakes. All generosity (youth who come to visit) must be given a pancake with jam to eat. By the way, with the help of pancakes you can even guess. They wrap caviar (for prosperity), meat (for a full life), greens (for health), cottage cheese (for fun) and lean porridge (for poverty). What kind of filling in a pancake will fall for a person, such a life awaits him throughout the year.
Slavic holidays
We further consider the date of January 13th. What holiday was celebrated on this day by our Slav ancestors? So, Mara Zimnaya was celebrated (or Sechenia, Chuzhenya). It was believed that it was at this time that winter fully came into its own. According to popular beliefs, this day was considered terrible for all living things. Our great-grandfathers believed that this is the blackest and most unlucky day of the year. And all because Mary’s daughters went out into the wild - Fever, Shaking, who in every possible way dirty people and even harmed their health and life.
It should be noted that little is known about this day today. They tried to talk less about him, no celebrations were held. However, if a person was dashing, then at that time he could call upon the evil forces of nature to harm his foe.
Rite on Winter Mara
We further consider the date of January 13th. What holiday did our ancestors celebrate on this day? Winter Mara, mistress of winter. One rite has survived, which certain people on this day could hold. As you know, all the forces of nature, both bad and good, must be respected. And for this there were special people. They also honored Maru. To do this, it was necessary to find a fallen tree in the forest, a dog skull was laid at its foot, and animal skins tied to branches. They presented Mara with boiled eggs and unleavened cakes, chopped on the so-called Navi bones, i.e. sharpened pegs. At this time, they read special spells and poems. And all so that the Winter Mara does not get angry with people and does not spoil their lives.
Other holidays that are celebrated on this day in the Russian Federation
January 13, what holiday in Russia is still customary to celebrate? Day of the Russian press. It was on January 13, back in 1703, that the first printed newspaper, Vedomosti, was published. However, it is important to note that she did not have a permanent name. Sometimes the newspaper was called "Russian Vedomosti", "Vedomosti Moscow" (if it was only about Moscow news), etc. The first issue described the military and political affairs of the whole country.
We further consider the date of January 13th. What holiday in Russia is celebrated today? It should be noted that the Day of the Russian Press was established not so long ago - in 1991. And the holiday came to replace the Day of Soviet Press, which was celebrated on May 5.
It is also important to note that on this day the most active figures of the Russian media are awarded. Interestingly, in 2010, approximately 47 thousand different newspapers and magazines were registered in Russia. And by 2015, their number has almost doubled.
Other holidays and days
13th of January. What holiday is celebrated on this day in different countries of the world?
- This is the day of the greatest prophet Muhammad. To be precise, the date of its birth is unknown. They mark the day when the prophet died. That is why the date itself is celebrated with a certain amount of sadness. This day is called Mawlid al-Nabi. In Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and Syria celebrate it very widely.
- January 13, what is a divine holiday in India? So, there they worship the goddess Lori. At this time, bonfires are lit throughout North India to mark the end of a harsh winter. The arrival of Lori is usually celebrated by fasting and gifts to each other. And in the evening it is allowed to organize a feast with many goodies and dishes. Also on this day you can see a special Indian dance of Bhangra, which is attended exclusively by men.
- January 13, what church holiday does the Swedes have? So it's Tjugondag Knut Day. At this time, marks the end of the Christmas festivities. The first word in the name of the holiday is literally translated as "twenty", i.e. it’s been twenty days since Christmas (Catholic). The scenario of the celebration varies depending on the area. For example, in the southern part of the country, a straw scarecrow the size of a person is burned.
- Memorial Day in Lithuania. In this country, January 13 is the Day of Remembrance of all defenders of freedom.
January 14 - Vasily's Day
So, on January 13, what an Orthodox holiday, of course. This is Melania's day. But on January 14, the Russian Orthodox Church honors Basil the Great. In the people it’s Vasily’s day, or Ovsen. From this date, people finished their walks and went to get a job.