January 10 - Domochadtsev Day, or Christmas meat-eating: history, traditions, prohibitions

According to the folk calendar, January 10 is Domochadtsev Day, or Christmas Meat Feast. In the old days, this period was considered the time of weddings and family feasts, when meat could already be served on the table. In 2025, the celebration falls on Friday. About the traditions and omens of this day tell "Izvestia".

Domochadtsy day, or Christmas meat-eating, - the history of the holiday

Every year the holiday falls at the height of the Christmas festivities, which last from Christmas to Epiphany. By this time, the strict Christmas fast is over and meat products can be eaten.

Besides, at the beginning of January in villages they slaughter cattle and prepare dishes from meat, first of all from pork, that's why the celebration is nicknamed Christmas Meat-eater, or simply - Meat-eater.

Its other name - Domochadtsev Day - is connected with the tradition of spending time with the closest people, jointly doing household chores and preparing for the feast. Since ancient times this day serves as a reminder that the most important thing is peace and harmony in the family.

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How Domochadtsev Day (Meat-eater) was celebrated in Russia

Traditionally, the whole family gathered at a big festive table, played different games and made wishes. Slavs believed that if on this day to make one common wish, it is sure to come true. The older members of the family were given small gifts. Most often they were sweets or warm things - mittens, scarves and valenki.

Relatives and neighbors were invited to visit. The main treat was meat dishes - pork chops, boujenina, lamb or baked chicken. Pickles and compotes were taken out of the cellars and put on the table.

With Meat-eater in Russia also began the time of weddings. There was no more fasting, and before the work in the field was still far away, so the holiday was considered a good time for marriage rites. Unmarried girls traditionally arranged Christmas Eve fortune-telling, wishing to know their fate.

There were also weather omens for this day. For example, it is believed that if the morning of January 10 was frosty, the harvest will be bountiful, and frost on the haystacks portends a rainy summer.

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What you can and can not do on the folk holiday of January 10

According to folk beliefs, on the holiday you can not be sad and spend the day alone. Otherwise, you can spend the whole year in boredom. Do not leave windows and doors open - the house will leave happiness. You should not go on the road. This promises trouble for those who are away from home.

Under the ban are quarrels and conflicts between loved ones. People believed that even trifling disagreements can permanently spoil relations in the family. And in order not to need anything during the year, you should not borrow or lend money.

Earlier "Izvestia" told how in Russia celebrated Christmas Eve.