Holidays in Russia
There are dates and events in the life of our country that are memorable to every Russian citizen. The dates of this kind are: Victory Day, May Day, Constitution Day, the Women's Day, the Day of Sovereignty of the Russian Federation. These are national holidays, people do not work on these days. The most memorable date is the Victory Day which is celebrated on May 9 to commemorate the Victory of the Russian troops over the Nazi invaders. Love for freedom has been a national character of the Russian people. No enemy has been able to conquer our country. When Russia was attacked by the enemy, the Russian people rose up in defence of their Motherland.
May Day is regarded as the day of solidarity of the workers of the world. It commemorates the tragic events pf the years 1884-88 in Chicago when the workers were fighting for their rights.
Christmas and Easter are both religious holidays. Now they are officially marked throughout our country. In Russia Christmas is celebrated on January 7. Easter is the most important holiday for the Orthodox. Besides the religious significance these holidays have become the days of family reunion and happiness.
In Russia Christmas is celebrated on January 7. In Europe and in the USA it is marked on December 25. On Christmas people celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Easter symbolises the Revival of Jesus Christ. For the greater part of people of our country these holidays have lost their religious significance and are the days of family reunion, relax and happiness.
There is one more holiday which is loved both by adults and children. This is New Year, with a New Year Tree, bells, presents and Father Frost. People believe that a miracle is a must on this day. New Year's celebrations receive widespread coverage by mass media. On the New Year night people go to a dance, visit their friends or stay at home and watch TV.