Characters
What do we call Santa Claus in Russia?
Ded Moroz (Дед Моро́з)
When does "Santa" visit?
New Year's.
What do Russians do on New Year's?
Drink, watch fireworks, and eat lavish meals.
Who is "Santa's" granddaughter?
Snegurochka (Снегурочка)
What do Russians do before Christmas/New Year's?
Have a 40-day fasting period (Nativity Fast).
What do children go out and do on Christmas Eve?
Caroling or Kolyadki.
What day does Santa come on in the Russian holiday?
New Year's Eve
When is Christmas celebrated?
January 7th.
What days do Russians primarily fast on?
Wednesdays and Fridays.
What colors are the characters often seen in?
Santa: Red, sometimes blue
Santa's Granddaughter: Blue
January 10th.
What do we decorate on New Year's?
A Yolka (like a Christmas tree).
When is "Santa's" birthday?
November 18th (the start of Winter)
Why is Christmas celebrated on a different day than we celebrate it?
Because Russia uses the Julian calendar for religious holidays.
What do we do after Christmas?
Caroling, fortune-telling, and feasting.