Old New Year

January the 14th

The night from the 13th to the 14th of January is called Old New Year in Russia. Before 1918 in Russia there was The Julian Calendar, which was 13 days ahead of the Gregorian calendar which was used in Europe. The soviet leaders in 1918 accepted the European calendar, although for so long time they had to specify if a certain date was according to the new or old style. So then people got used to celebrating New Year according to the new calendar but the tradition to celebrate Old New Year remained. This holiday is more family-like and less solemn with no Kremlin bells or a president speech. Folk traditions, like the singing of carols and the telling of fortunes, may be observed during Russian Old New Year, and a large meal will be served.