The historian spoke about the symbolism of Christmas and the traditions of the holiday

One of the main holidays of Christians all over the world - Christmas, which Orthodox Christians celebrate on January 7 - has many ancient traditions. Dmitry Viktorovich Surzhik, an associate professor at the State Academic University of Humanities, told Izvestia on January 6 that they relate to worship, decorating houses and streets, giving gifts, and having a festive dinner.

"The Feast of Christmas in Orthodoxy is the second most important holiday, it is dedicated to the birth of Jesus Christ from the Virgin Mary. In Russia, it follows almost immediately after the celebration of the New Year, and already in early December in the streets of cities appear Christmas trees, on the top of which are attached stars symbolizing the very star of Bethlehem. It used to be eight-pointed, but in Soviet times it was replaced by a five-pointed one," the expert said.

In honor of the holiday, the tradition of Christmas fairs and charity events is returning in Russia today. Closer to Christmas, on January 7, near churches and homes of believers decorate a creche - a Christmas manger, the place where Jesus Christ was born.

"There is an Orthodox tradition to observe the Christmas fast. It lasts from November 28 to January 6 inclusive and lasts 40 days, ending on Christmas Eve. At this time there is not only a refusal of certain types of food, but, as in the Great Lent before Easter, it is a time of moral cleansing, putting your thoughts in order," Surzhik pointed out.

The day before Christmas is called "Christmas Eve", which comes from a special dish - sochiv: it is boiled rice or wheat with nuts, honey and fruit.

"It is only possible to begin eating on this day after the end of the liturgy, which passes into vespers. It is believed that on this day it is forbidden to eat until the first star appears in the firmament. It was with the appearance of the first star over Bethlehem that Jesus was born," the expert noted

According to some folk traditions, it is customary to put 12 dishes on the table on Christmas Eve according to the number of apostles. Sometimes a coin is put in the Christmas cake.

On the night from January 6 to 7, a festive liturgy is served in churches, believers can greet each other with the words: "Christ is born!" and hear in response: "Let us glorify Him!".

After the end of the fast, believers are deflowered, that is, they gradually move to the consumption of different fast foods. Also on January 7 begins the Holy Week, which lasts until January 18, until Epiphany Eve. During these days it is also customary to do charity. Children at this time went to houses, sang different, often church songs, carols, and received some sweets and treats for it. It was called caroling.

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Earlier, on January 1, Deputy Mayor of Moscow Natalia Sergunina said that the guests of the festival "Journey to Christmas", which is held in the capital until January 12 as part of the project "Winter in Moscow", are waiting for New Year's master classes, matinees, thematic exhibitions and sports competitions. According to her, during the vacations guests will be met and congratulated by their favorite fairy tale characters - Father Frost and Snow Maiden.