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January 1 - New Year's Day
The New Year holiday is very popular, especially with children. In every house there is a firtree. The presents are supposed to be sent by Father Frost (Santa Claus) and the Snow Maiden. People usually see the New Year in sitting round a festive table. They are addressing New Year's greetings and good wishes to one another. They are raising their wineglasses filled with sparkling champagne.
January 7 - Christmas
The Russian Christmas is celebrated on the 7th of January. The holiday is connected with the wonderful birth of Jesus Christ as it is described in the Holy Bible. On that day, about 2000 years ago, Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem. When Jesus was born, wise men from the East came to worship him. They gave the Child presents - gold, frankincense and myrrh. That's why people nowadays try to please their friends and relatives giving them Christmas presents.
Easter
Easter is a very popular holiday in Russia in commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus. Easter has no fixed date. It is held on the first Sunday after the date of the first full moon that occurs on or after March 21. Here is how the Holy Bible describes Jesus Christ's resurrection: "Suddenly there was a great earthquake; and the angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone from the door of the tomb and sat on it. And the angel said, 'I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he is risen." That's why people nowadays greet each other on the Easter day by the words "Christ is risen!" And the expected answer is "He is risen indeed!" People also paint eggs and give them to one another as a symbol of eternal life.
March 8 - Women's Day
This is the day of paying tribute to women. On March 8, men give women flowers and presents, and do all the domestic work around the house and in the kitchen. 'In some countries this day is called Mother's Day and is celebrated in spring.
Yumorina
Yumorina is April Fools' Day and takes place on April 1. On this day you can meet someone who will try to pull your leg. Even if he fools you, you aren't showing signs of bad temper. Otherwise, people will suspect you of the worst possible sin-a lack of humour |
