For a Russian person, his historical heritage is very important. For centuries, Russian folk traditions and customs have been observed among both rural residents and citizens. These include both Christian and pagan rites that have come into modern life since ancient times. Christianity gave the people Easter and Christmas, paganism affects the celebration of the Russians Ivan Kupala and Shrovetide. Christmas carols and wedding customs are also firmly embedded in modern life.
The traditions of the Russian people are especially observed during the celebration of Easter. Before this holiday, everyone bakes Easter cakes and dyes eggs. Not only believers, but also people far from religion, participate in this rite. At night, everyone collects Easter and colored eggs in baskets, takes all the food prepared for the holiday, and carries them to church. The priest walks with a bucket and a broom, and, sprinkling holy water on the food and the parishioners, he says: “Christ is risen!”, And all the people echo to him: “Truly, he is risen!”. This means the joy of the resurrection of Christ, which is celebrated on this day. Then everyone goes to “talk,” that is, to eat fast-food foods that could not be eaten during the entire Lent.
In winter, the traditions of the Russian people are especially evident in the celebration of the Nativity of Christ. Of particular interest are the carols that take place on the night of January 7th. People go home, sing songs (carols), for this their owners thank and treat. Children especially love this tradition. They are especially pleased to gather in small groups and go caroling. Many people buy sweets, cookies, fruits in advance of the Christmas holiday in order to treat little guests. It is believed that they bring good fortune to the home and well-being.
The traditions of the Russian people are interesting in celebrating the New Year - the favorite holiday of all, from young to old. In children, the joy and anticipation of the holiday begins a week before the New Year - on the day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. At night, parents hide in a boot for children the gifts that Nikolai allegedly brought them. Children, having woken up in the morning, first of all run to look for gifts, have fun and enjoy the holiday. For the New Year, it is customary to decorate the Christmas tree with the whole family. At night, everyone gathers at the Christmas trees at the festive table, make wishes, congratulate each other, give gifts.
Especially Russian customs are reflected in the rite of baptism. Children are usually baptized in infancy. For the rite of baptism, the parents of the child choose the godmother and father, who will continue to be responsible for him and help throughout the life along with the baby's parents. Usually godparents and real parents always maintain warm friendly relations, and godchildren wear the so-called “supper” for their godparents at Christmas. The kalachas are wrapped up in a scarf, the presents are folded up, and the child goes on a visit - carries a treat to his godparents. Those in return are treated to it and give gifts.
The church wedding rite is very beautiful, which, honoring the Russian customs, is performed after the wedding of the newlyweds. It is believed that after the wedding, when the Lord will consecrate their relationship, and the young will live happily under the auspices of heavenly forces. Before the wedding, the groom “buys” the bride from his relatives, passing a lot of tests that suit his bridesmaids. This rite, as it were, shows how much the groom appreciates and knows his bride, as well as his desire for marriage. When the young after the wedding come home, according to tradition, they are met at the doorstep by their parents with bread and salt, wishing them happiness and longevity.
The traditions of the Russian people found an interesting manifestation in the celebration of Ivan Kupala. This is an echo of pagan rites, so beloved among the people. On this day in the evenings dances and dances are arranged, jump over a fire. The boldest of them set off at night in search of a fern flower. The people believed that to those who find this color - all the happiness of life will be revealed. Maslenitsa is no less loved by the people. Throughout the week, people bake pancakes, treat each other, sledding and fist fights. This is the last week of fun and revelry, because it is followed by Lent.