Holidays

Compiled here is an interactive source of material where you can explore the shared holidays across the REES (Russian, East European, and Eurasian) region. Dive in and learn about the history of shared holidays and how countries today celebrate them in vastly different ways; watch some videos depicting these traditions, and maybe pick up a traditional recipe or two. 

While there are unique customs and traditions in each country in the REE region, there are also many shared aspects of Christmas celebrations in these regions.

One of the most shared aspects of Christmas is the emphasis on family and community. People often gather with loved ones to exchange gifts, share meals, and participate in festive activities. In many places, it's also common to attend church services and sing carols with family and friends.

Another shared aspect of Christmas is the tradition of decorating trees and homes with lights, ornaments, and other festive decorations. In some countries, like Romania, people hang pieces of chocolate on fir trees. 

Food is also a significant part of Christmas celebrations in many countries. Traditional dishes vary, but in Eastern Europe, Russia, Turkey, and Central Asia, it's common to enjoy hearty meals with meat, potatoes, and other seasonal vegetables. In some countries, like Russia, it's also traditional to enjoy dishes like pickled herring and beetroot soup.

In many countries, Christmas is also associated with the arrival of Santa Claus or other gift-giving figures. Children often leave out stockings or shoes to be filled with presents on Christmas morning.

While there are many similarities in Christmas traditions across Eastern Europe, Russia, Turkey, and Central Asia, there are also unique customs that vary from country to country depending on whether the area is Orthodox or Catholic. 

One of the main differences between Catholic and Orthodox Christmas is the date of celebration. The Catholic Church celebrates Christmas on December 25th, while the Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on January 7th.

Another significant difference is the liturgical calendar used by the two churches. The Catholic Church uses the Gregorian calendar, while the Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar. This means that, for example, the Catholic Church celebrates Advent, the period of preparation leading up to Christmas, for four weeks, while the Orthodox Church celebrates the Nativity Fast, a similar period of preparation, for 40 days.

There are also differences in the liturgical traditions and practices associated with Christmas in the two churches. For example, the Catholic Church has a tradition of Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, while the Orthodox Church celebrates a Divine Liturgy on Christmas Day.

In terms of cultural and social customs, there may be variations in the way Christmas is celebrated in Catholic and Orthodox countries and communities. However, it is important to note that there is a significant degree of overlap and commonality between the two traditions, as they both stem from the same roots in early Christianity.

Christmas is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration in Eastern Europe, Russia, Turkey, and Central Asia. Whether it's through family gatherings, festive decorations, or delicious meals, the holiday brings people together to celebrate the joy of the season.

In former Soviet countries, the celebration of New Year's Eve is closely tied to Christmas traditions, as the Soviet government officially banned the observance of Christmas and other religious holidays in the 1920s. As a result, many of the customs and traditions associated with Christmas in these countries were adapted for New Year's Eve.

One of the most prominent examples is the use of a decorated tree, which is known as a New Year's tree, or a "yolka" in Russian. This tradition was originally associated with the Christmas holiday, but it was rebranded as a secular symbol of the New Year celebration. The yolka is typically decorated with lights, ornaments, and tinsel, much like a Christmas tree would be.

Another tradition that was adapted for New Year's Eve is the exchange of gifts. In the past, gifts were traditionally exchanged on Christmas Day in these countries, but with the banning of the holiday, the practice was moved to New Year's Eve. Today, it is common for families and friends to exchange gifts on New Year's Eve, often following a festive meal.

In addition to these traditions, there are other customs that have become associated with New Year's Eve celebrations in former Soviet countries. For example, it is common to celebrate with fireworks and toasts, often accompanied by a glass of champagne or other sparkling wine. Many people also participate in outdoor celebrations, such as street festivals and concerts.

Despite the secularization of these traditions, many people in former Soviet countries still view New Year's Eve as a time for family and community gatherings, much like Christmas is in other parts of the world. The holiday is an important cultural touchstone for many people, and the customs associated with it continue to evolve and adapt over time.

One of the most prominent features of New Year's Eve is the emphasis on festive parties and gatherings. People attend parties and count down until the New Year with friends and family. Fireworks displays are also frequent, with many cities putting on a spectacular show to recognize the start of the New Year.

Another shared aspect of New Year's celebrations is the tradition of making resolutions for the coming year. Many people use this time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the future.

In many countries, including Russia and Ukraine, it's traditional to celebrate the New Year with a large meal that features foods like caviar, pickled vegetables, and other dishes. In Turkey and Central Asia, it's common to indulge in sweets like baklava and halva to mark the New Year.

Many people also participate in various customs on New Year's Eve. In Russia, for example, it's traditional to write down wishes for the coming year and burn them, while in Turkey, people often place a coin in their champagne glass to bring good luck.

New Year's Eve is a time of joy in Eastern Europe, Russia, Turkey, and Central Asia. Whether it's through festive parties, traditional customs, or delicious food, people come together to welcome the New Year.

International Women's Day honors the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, and also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality.

On Women's Day, women are celebrated with flowers, chocolates, and other gifts from their friends, family, and colleagues. In some countries, Women's Day is also an opportunity for women to express their views on issues affecting their lives and to call for change. Women's marches and demonstrations are common in many cities and call for an end to discrimination and violence against women.

In Russia, Women's Day is a public holiday, and it's customary for men to present gifts and flowers to the important women in their lives. The day is often celebrated with concerts, parties, and other cultural events.

In Turkey, Women's Day has a political significance, as it commemorates a strike by women textile workers in Istanbul in 1910. On this day, women march in the streets, holding banners and signs calling for gender equality and an end to violence against women.

In Central Asia, Women's Day is celebrated with traditional dances, music, and cultural events that highlight the important role of women in society. Women are also honored for their contribution to their families and communities.

Women's Day is a joyous celebration of women's achievements and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality.

While this festival is primarily celebrated in countries like Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, it is also observed in parts of Eastern Europe, Russia, Turkey, and Central Asia, where it is known as "Nevruz" or "Navruz."

One of the most shared aspects of Nowruz celebrations is the focus on renewal, rejuvenation, and rebirth. It's a time when people welcome the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature. Many people clean their homes, buy new clothes, and prepare delicious food to mark the start of the new year.

Another shared aspect of Nowruz celebrations is the tradition of setting up a special table called "Haft-sin," which features seven items that symbolize different aspects of life, including health, wealth, and happiness. The items typically include sabzeh (sprouts), samanu (sweet pudding), senjed (dried fruit), sir (garlic), serkeh (vinegar), somagh (sumac), and seer (apples).

In many countries, including Turkey and Central Asia, it's traditional to jump over bonfires or jump over a pile of burning hay to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness. People also participate in music, dance, and other festive activities, including sports and games like wrestling, to celebrate the start of the new year. 

Nowruz is also a time for visiting family and friends, exchanging gifts, and giving to charity. It's a time when people come together to share their love and affection with one another and to wish each other good fortune and prosperity in the coming year.

Easter is a significant Christian holiday in Eastern Europe, Russia, Turkey, and Central Asia. It is celebrated with various traditions and customs that have been passed down for generations. In the Orthodox tradition, in countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, and Bulgaria, Easter is celebrated towards the end of April, while in the Catholic tradition in countries like Poland, Croatia, Slovenia, and Czech Republic, it is typically celebrated on the second week of April. It is one of the most significant holidays in both religions. 

Overall, one of the most shared aspects of Easter celebrations in these regions is the importance of eggs. Decorated eggs are a common sight during Easter, with intricate designs and bright colors that symbolize the rebirth of spring. Some people even participate in egg-tapping games, where they knock their eggs against each other to see whose egg remains uncracked.

Another shared aspect of Easter is the traditional Easter bread, which is made in various shapes and sizes, often with special ingredients like raisins or nuts. In some countries, the bread is even braided into intricate designs, symbolizing the interconnectedness of family and community.

In many places, Easter is also a time for attending church services and participating in religious processions. In countries were Catholicism is prominent, people will attend mass during the morning or afternoon, while Orthodox church goers will attend a lengthy divine liturgy. People dress up in their finest clothes and carry colorful banners and crosses as they walk through the streets.

The Catholic Church has a rich tradition of liturgical music and hymns associated with Easter, such as the Exsultet, a hymn of praise sung during the Easter Vigil. The Orthodox Church also has a rich tradition of hymns and liturgical music, but their services tend to be longer and more elaborate, often lasting several hours.

In terms of Easter celebrations in Central Asia, as the majority of the population is Muslim, Easter is not widely celebrated in this region. However, there are some Christian communities in countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, where Easter may be celebrated by small groups of believers. These celebrations are likely to be similar to those observed by other Christian communities around the world, with traditions such as the Easter Vigil, the lighting of candles, and the sharing of meals and fellowship.

HEaster also has a fun and playful side, especially for children. In some countries, like Poland for example, Easter Monday is celebrated with water fights and playful pranks, like throwing flour or squirting water on friends and family members.

In Russia, the Easter feast is a time for enjoying traditional foods like kulich (sweet bread) and paskha (a sweet cheese dish). It's also common to visit family and friends during this time and exchange Easter gifts.

In Turkey, Easter is known as "Paskalya" and is celebrated with special meals and traditional dances. Children often participate in egg hunts and decorate eggs with bright colors and patterns.

Overall, Easter is a time for celebration, joy, and togetherness in Eastern Europe, Russia, Turkey, and Central Asia. Whether it's through decorating eggs, sharing special meals, attending church services, or participating in fun traditions, the holiday is a time to come together with family, friends, and community to celebrate new beginnings and the hope of spring.

May Day is dedicated to honoring the achievements of workers and promoting social and economic justice.

May Day, also known as International Workers' Day, is a public holiday celebrated in many countries around the world on May 1st. The holiday has its origins in the labor movement, and it is meant to commemorate the struggle for workers' rights and social justice.

In Europe, May Day is celebrated in different ways in different countries. In some countries, such as France and Germany, it is a public holiday, and workers often take to the streets to participate in marches and rallies. In other countries, such as the United Kingdom, May Day is not a public holiday, but there may still be celebrations and events organized by labor unions and other organizations.

In Central Asia, May Day is not widely celebrated, as the majority of the population is Muslim and the holiday has its roots in the labor movement, which is not as prominent in this region. However, in some countries, such as Kazakhstan, there may be small-scale celebrations organized by labor unions and other organizations.

In post-Soviet countries, May Day has a more significant historical and political significance, as it was widely celebrated during the Soviet era as a holiday of the working class. While the holiday is no longer officially celebrated in some of these countries, such as Ukraine and Georgia, it is still observed in others, such as Russia and Belarus. In these countries, May Day is often marked by parades, speeches, and other events organized by labor unions and political parties.

The holiday itself originated in the United States in the late 19th century, as a response to poor working conditions and a lack of labor rights. It was first observed in the U.S. on May 1, 1886, when workers went on strike to demand an eight-hour workday. The holiday spread to other countries over time, and it became associated with the struggle for workers' rights and social justice around the world.

One of the shared aspects of May Day celebrations in these regions is the tradition of holding parades and rallies. Workers and trade unions march through the streets, carrying banners and signs that promote their causes and demands for better working conditions, fair wages, and social justice.

Another shared aspect of May Day is the emphasis on outdoor activities and festivities. People often gather in parks and public spaces to enjoy live music, dance performances, and other cultural activities.

Food is also a significant part of May Day celebrations in many countries. People gather with friends and family for outdoor picnics, barbecues, and other festive meals.

In Russia, May Day is a public holiday, and people often participate in military parades and other patriotic celebrations. In Turkey, May Day is a day of solidarity for workers, and people often gather in Istanbul's Taksim Square to march and protest.

Since its inception, May Day has evolved in many ways, both in terms of its meaning and its cultural and political significance.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, May Day was primarily associated with the labor movement and the struggle for workers' rights. Workers around the world would take to the streets on May 1st to demand better working conditions, higher wages, and other labor reforms. May Day became a symbol of solidarity and unity among workers, and it played an important role in the formation of labor unions and other workers' organizations.

During the 20th century, the meaning and significance of May Day began to evolve. In some countries, such as the Soviet Union, May Day became closely associated with the ruling Communist Party and was used as a way to promote communist ideology and political propaganda. In other countries, such as the United States, May Day lost much of its political significance and became more of a symbolic holiday associated with springtime and the changing of the seasons.

Today, May Day is celebrated in many different ways around the world. In some countries, such as France and Germany, it is still a public holiday and is celebrated with parades, rallies, and other political events. In other countries, such as the United States, it is not a public holiday, but it is still observed by labor unions and other workers' organizations. In still other countries, May Day has lost much of its political significance and is simply a day to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Overall, May Day has evolved from its origins as a labor holiday to become a symbol of social justice, solidarity, and the struggle for workers' rights around the world. While the specific ways in which it is celebrated and its cultural and political significance may vary from country to country, its fundamental message remains the same: the fight for a more just and equitable society that values the contributions of all workers.

Overall, May Day is a day of solidarity, celebration, and social justice in Eastern Europe, Russia, Turkey, and Central Asia. It's a time to recognize and honor the contributions of workers, and to come together as a community to demand fairness, justice, and a better future for all.

On this day, people come together to remember the sacrifices made by their ancestors and pay tribute to those who fought and died to defeat the enemy. It is a time to honor the bravery of the soldiers, sailors, and airmen who fought on the front lines, as well as the contributions of civilians who worked hard to support the war effort.

The celebration is marked by parades, fireworks, and other public events. People dress up in their finest clothes and adorn their homes and streets with flags, banners, and flowers. It is a time of national pride and unity, where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to honor their shared history and heritage.

May 9 Victory Day is a joyous occasion that brings people together to celebrate their triumph, and to remember the sacrifices made to secure peace and freedom for future generations.

The cult of World War II, also known as the Great Patriotic War, is a significant aspect of Russian national identity and history. The war was a major event in the country's history, and its memory is deeply ingrained in Russian culture and society. The Victory Day celebration on May 9th, which marks the defeat of Nazi Germany by the Soviet Union in 1945, is an important holiday in Russia and other former Soviet countries.

The Victory Day celebration is marked by parades, concerts, and other public events across Russia and former Soviet countries. In Moscow, a large military parade is held in Red Square, featuring displays of military hardware and personnel. The day is also marked by the laying of wreaths and flowers at war memorials and other sites of significance.

The celebration of Victory Day in former Soviet countries may differ slightly from country to country, but the general themes and traditions remain the same. In Belarus, for example, the day is marked by a military parade and the laying of wreaths at war memorials. In Ukraine, Victory Day is officially celebrated on May 8th, but many people still observe the holiday on May 9th.

Despite the widespread popularity of Victory Day celebrations in Russia and other former Soviet countries, the holiday is not without controversy. Some critics argue that the cult of World War II has been used to justify authoritarianism and the suppression of dissent in modern-day Russia. Others argue that the focus on the Soviet Union's victory in the war has overshadowed the suffering and sacrifices of other nations and groups that were involved in the conflict.

Overall, the cult of World War II and the celebration of Victory Day remain important aspects of national identity and culture in Russia and other former Soviet countries. While the holiday may differ in some respects from country to country, its significance and symbolism are deeply ingrained in the collective memory of these nations.