Holiday date
Old New Year is celebrated on the night of January 13-14. Once upon a time, such a holiday fell on January 1. It was called Vasily's Day, and the eve of the holiday Vasily's Evening.
history of the holiday
This holiday appeared due to a change in the calendar. When during the reign of Peter 1, people began to celebrate New Year January 1, Soviet Russia switched to the Gregorian calendar. But the Orthodox Church did not accept the changes and continued to celebrate Christmas, as usual. December 25thand the rest January 7.
And the Old New Year is celebrated after Christmas after 6 days. Thus, the holiday fell on the night of January 13-14.
Traditions
Vasiliev evening on January 13, such a day was also called Generous evening. In the morning, the housewives cooked porridge from whole grains of wheat, into which it was possible to add lard, honey or jam. It was also possible to bake pancakes, pies and dumplings with any filling.
In the evening a rich table was set on which the main course was pork. The pig was considered a symbol of fertility and prosperity. People gathered to visit each other, and it was believed that if a young man enters the house, this is a good and kind sign.
Dishes
For the festive dinner, all the best was always prepared. They put everything on the table: wine, vodka, meat, pies, pancakes, cereals, and especially a young pig.
- In modern times, pork, hare and even rooster dishes are usually cooked on the table. You can also cook july and kutya. The richer the ingredients for kutya, the better and more prosperous life will be.
- The rooster meant the lightness and airiness of all your future affairs, but the hare meant rapid success.
Beliefs
On the night of 13-14 the housewives cooked porridge. When the porridge was ready, it was taken out of the oven and examined by the whole family. If the pot cracked or the porridge was burnt or damp, then this meant an emergency.
And if the porridge turned out to be rich, tasty, then it was worth waiting for a happy happiness in the house.
Fortunetelling
Often, on the night of 13-14, an unmarried girl was left alone in the house, and then a dog was launched to her. If the dog immediately begins to take on the girl, it means that the future husband will be affectionate. But if she sniffs the walls, then the husband will be strict and evil.
You can still guess at the book. Before 12 o’clock in the night you need to take any book and ask a question, what would you like to receive an answer. Then open the book on any page and read the first line on the current page.
Happy New Year Greetings
