Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Official website of the State –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On January 6, the eve of the main Christian holiday, one of the most mysterious and spiritual days of the year arrives – Christmas Eve.
What is "sochivo"?
The name of the holiday comes from the traditional dish served on this day, sochivo – grains of wheat, rye, and oats soaked in water with the addition of honey, poppy seeds, and dried or fresh fruit.
"You can't see the first star"
Christmas Eve is the last and strictest day of the forty-day fast, when only one meal is allowed and only after the first star appears in the sky.
Historically, this tradition stems from the long service held on this day, which ended only in the evening, when the stars were already shining in the sky. The monks were allowed to eat only after this, to gain strength before the nighttime liturgy.
In addition, the first star in the sky is a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem, the appearance of which informed the Magi about the birth of Jesus Christ.
Festive table
For the festive dinner, 12 Lenten dishes are prepared—one for each apostle. The main dish is sochivo, with which the meal begins.
Also on the table are borscht, porridge, fish dishes, vegetable salads and stews, mushrooms, pickles, boiled and baked flour products, legume dishes, uzvar (a fermented drink) and dessert, which is usually baked apples with honey and nuts.
Fortune telling and carols
Beyond strict church traditions, Christmas Eve is surrounded by a mystical aura and is closely associated with folk fortune-telling. It was believed that on this night, the boundary between worlds becomes thinner, allowing one to glimpse the future. Unmarried girls were especially active in fortune-telling: they would throw a shoe or felt boot, pour wax, study shadows, burn threads, look in mirrors, and much more.
Christmas Eve marks the beginning of the season of caroling—visiting friends and singing songs that wish well-being to the hosts and glorify Christ and the Virgin Mary. The singers are greeted with refreshments and a small gift, and refusing is considered a grave sin and a bad omen. Caroling continues throughout the week of Christmas, from Christmas Eve to Epiphany.
Advertising and literature
The older generation may remember the phrase "you can't eat until the first star" from a popular commercial from the late 1990s, directed by Timur Bekmambetov and based on a true story. Once, during a Christmas dinner at Catherine II's palace, the empress noticed that all the guests were eating except Alexander Suvorov. When asked about his abstinence, the military commander replied that it was Lent and "you can't eat until the first star, we're waiting, sir." Catherine then ordered that he be presented with a star-shaped medal, and Suvorov joined the meal.
Literary works, such as Nikolai Gogol's story "The Night Before Christmas" from the cycle "Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka," will also help you get into the spirit of Christmas Eve in Rus'.
Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: January 6, 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.
