Russian holidays Учитель: Мишуренкова Ольга Владиславовна

New Year holiday New Year's Day is one of the most favourite holidays in Russia. On the New Year's Eve Russians decorate trees, hide presents for each other, make fireworks, cook delicious meals, lay the table and celebrate in the company of families and friends. The integral part of this holiday is Farther Frost. For the first time this holiday was proclaimed by Peter The Great. New Year's Day is one of the most favourite holidays in Russia. On the New Year's Eve Russians decorate trees, hide presents for each other, make fireworks, cook delicious meals, lay the table and celebrate in the company of families and friends. The integral part of this holiday is Farther Frost. For the first time this holiday was proclaimed by Peter The Great.

Christmas Christmas Day in Russia marks the birth of Jesus Christ in the Christian Orthodox tradition. People in Russia celebrate Christmas Day with activities such as having a family dinner, attending a Christmas liturgy and visiting relatives and friends. There is a 40-day Lent preceding Christmas Day, when practicing Christians do not eat any meat. The Lent period ends with the first star in the night sky on January 6 – a symbol of Jesus Christ's birth.

Defender of the Fatherland Day ► Defender of the Fatherland Day is a tribute to all the generations of Russian soldiers from the ancient times till modern days, to all those who courageously defended our Motherland from invaders. On this day all boys and men - receive special greetings and presents.

Women's Day Every 8 March, the United Nations declares this day as the International Women's Day to celebrate women. It is a tradition to present women gifts and flowers to express men”s appreciation of their work, love and devotion. Thus, nowadays Russian women hardly ever recollect that this holiday was originated as a day of rebellion of women struggling for equal rights with men. This day was very special to the Russians in the 1940s.

Victory Day Victory Day is one of the most sacred holidays for the Russian people. Russia commemorates the dozens of millions of its countrymen fallen in World War II. Flowers and wreaths are laid on the wartime graves. Veterans come out into the streets wearing their military decorations and medals. The entire nation pays tribute to the eternal sacrifice that ensured its future.

Spring and Labour Day In the former Soviet Union, 1 May was International Workers' Day and was celebrated with huge parades in cities like Moscow. Celebrations of May 1 lost their political meaning in Russia after Some political parties and labor unions may have demonstrations on this day, but most Russians use Spring and Labor Day for gardening or spending time with their families. In the former Soviet Union, 1 May was International Workers' Day and was celebrated with huge parades in cities like Moscow. Celebrations of May 1 lost their political meaning in Russia after Some political parties and labor unions may have demonstrations on this day, but most Russians use Spring and Labor Day for gardening or spending time with their families.