Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Official website of the State –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On the night of January 13-14, Russia celebrates an unusual and beloved holiday – Old New Year.
This is a great opportunity to get together again, thank the past year for all the good things, and make a wish to come true in the new year.
How the Old New Year came about
The date of New Year celebrations in Rus' has changed several times.
At first, it was celebrated in the spring, when nature was awakening. In 1492, the celebration was moved to autumn, coinciding with the harvest. In 1700, Peter the Great set the date of the celebration to the familiar January 1st, introducing the Julian calendar and a new system of counting years: from the Nativity of Christ, rather than "from the creation of the world," as had been the case previously.
In 1918, our country switched to the Gregorian calendar, which is considered more accurate. The difference between the two calendars is 13 days, so New Year's Day received a second date according to the Old Style—January 13.
Holiday traditions
Vareniki with a surprise are an essential part of the holiday table. In the past, housewives would make their own vareniki and add various symbols to the filling: pepper meant change, sugar meant the "sweet life," salt meant tears, a coin meant wealth, a coin meant new clothes, a thread meant travel, and so on. Today, you can buy ready-made vareniki with such surprises and test your luck.
The evening of January 13th is popularly known as Generous Evening – at this time, it is customary to go from house to house, singing songs wishing for a successful New Year. In return, hosts give guests candy and small coins to ensure their wishes come true.
On the morning of January 14th, it's time to sow—to invite harvest and wealth for the coming year. Boys and men go from house to house, scattering grain on the floor and congratulating the owners on the holiday, wishing them prosperity. It's believed that the more sowers who come to a home, the more luck they will have in the new year. Gifts of candy and coins can be offered as a form of gratitude.
On Old New Year's Eve, you can make wishes, give gifts, and even start putting away your New Year's decorations. The main thing is to enjoy the day, savor the time spent, and recharge your batteries for the accomplishments ahead.
Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: January 13, 2026.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.