January 10 — Household Day, or Christmas Meat eater: history, traditions, omens

According to the national calendar, Household Day, or Christmas Meat-eater, is celebrated in Russia on January 10. In the old days, the celebration was considered a time of family feasts, weddings and merry festivities. In 2026, the holiday falls on a Saturday. What is the story behind this holiday, what traditions and prohibitions exist on this day, read in the Izvestia article.

Household day, or Christmas meat—eater - the history of the holiday

Household Day, or Christmas Meat-eater, is an important national holiday in Russia. Every year it falls during the Yuletide festivities, which last from Christmas to Epiphany. By this day, the strict Christmas fast ends and meat is allowed to be served. Festive dinners are held on this day, families and guests gather at the table, and various rituals are held.

The name "Household Day" is associated with the tradition of spending time with the closest people, doing household chores together and preparing for the celebration. The peasants believed that family was the most precious thing a person had. The second name — the Christmas Meat Eater, or Meat Eater — refers to the ancient tradition of slaughtering cattle and cooking meat dishes in early January.

Traditions and rituals of the household holiday day (Meat Eater) on January 10

Traditionally, in Russia, families gathered around a large festive table. The main component of the dinner was meat dishes, including baked chicken, mutton, pork chops, and boiled pork. Families also got pickles and compotes.

Wedding ceremonies were also often held on the holiday. Many young couples choose January 10 to get married, believing that the angels in heaven bless this union and family life will be happy.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Eve: when in 2026, as celebrated in Russia

In addition, on this day, boys and girls gathered together, played folk games, and also guessed their betrothed. One of the interesting rituals was making wishes. Before the holiday, the family went to Krasnaya Gorka, where they drove a pointed peg into the ground, and in the morning they tied colored ribbons on it, making their most cherished wishes. It was believed that after such a ritual, wishes would certainly come true.

Bans on Household Day (Meat Eater) January 10

On Household Day, the Slavs adhered to certain restrictions. On this day, it is strictly forbidden to swear, get angry, and quarrel with loved ones, as conflicts can ruin family relationships.

Other bans for January 10th:

— spending the day alone, feeling sad leads to longing;

— leaving windows and doors open leads to the expulsion of happiness from the house;

— going anywhere can lead to trouble for those who are away from home.

— borrowing and lending money leads to financial problems.

Signs for Household day (Meat Eater) on January 10

By January 10, there are many folk signs related to the weather and animals. For example, frost on the ricks predicts a rainy summer, and thick frost or snowfall promises a good harvest of bread.

Orthodox traditions of the Christmas Fast: customs and prohibitions of 2025

Other signs for January 10th:

— windless weather and frost on the trees — for a successful and fruitful year;

— a cat sleeping all day and large flakes of snow lead to an early warming;

— damp salt — for bad weather;

— a dog lying in the snow leads to a snowstorm;

— wet weather leads to a good flax harvest;

— restless behavior of fish in a pond leads to snowfall.

Earlier, Izvestia told about the history, traditions and signs of the Nativity of Christ.