The date of Christmas time in 2024 will be the same as in previous years - from January 6 to January 19 inclusive. She always remains the same. Christmas time (in church definitions, Holy days) is a festive period that lasts “from the star to the water”, that is, from the moment the first star appears on Christmas Eve to the baptismal consecration of water. In a number of settlements in Polesye, they list another one and a half days after Epiphany (the whole day of the 20th and half of the 21st). Interesting traditions, beliefs and signs are associated with Christmas time. Many of them made it to 2024.
History
Christmas time began to be celebrated in ancient Greece.During the change of year, the Greeks wore clothes intended for the opposite sex and fur coats turned inside out. Faces were hidden under masks. This tradition existed until the collapse of Byzantium. Over time, such festivities became popular in Italy. They replaced the long-standing celebration of the rise of the sun.
The first information about the holiday in Rus' dates back to the XIII century. In those years, the Slavs worshiped Kolyada, the god of life and nature. They performed various gardening rituals and asked for a rich harvest. With the adoption of Christianity, the church began to attempt to eradicate ancient traditions. However, she did not succeed and she offered an alternative - to devote the festive period to the glorification of Jesus Christ.
Traditions
Before the winter holidays, dry grass was scattered around the house, and a sheaf was placed in the red corner. Colorful ribbons were hung on fruit trees.Our ancestors believed that these actions attract joy and prosperity. For two festive weeks, they were engaged in fortune-telling. Initially, it was done by magicians, and later by everyone.
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January number |
What was customary to do |
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6 | We were carefully preparing for the holiday. In the morning, they cleaned the house, prepared 12 options for dishes, and, if possible, gave back the borrowed money. After the first star rose, the whole family sat down at the table. For deceased relatives, juicy and uzvar were placed on the window. These people were remembered during the meal |
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7 | On Christmas morning, Christians went to church, where they praised the Son of God. When they got home, they prepared festive dishes. The menu definitely included kalachi. The birth of Christ was celebrated in beautiful new clothes in light colors |
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13 | Arranged feasts. They invited relatives and friends. Meat dishes were definitely on the menu. The festivities taking place on this day were called schedrovkas |
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14 | Getting rid of old unnecessary things by burning them. Women walked around the house with candles. It was believed that the fire frightens evil spirits |
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18 | Believers stocked holy water for a year, swam in the hole |
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19 | The post started. Food of animal origin and alcohol were excluded from the diet. Women washed their faces with holy water to preserve their beauty |
The pagans believed that during the festive period you can not marry - they will be unhappy.The Orthodox also had prohibitions on this subject - the young were denied a wedding. It was impossible to scandal and swear at Svyatki, as this attracts trouble (and at once to all family members). Hard work was banned. If possible, we tried not to borrow money so that next year we would not be in need.
Don't confuse Christmas time with Christmas time. These are different terms. The latter is a calendar with the name of the saint to be remembered.
Signs and beliefs
For centuries Christmas time was considered a special period. During them, the people were especially observant. As a result, many beliefs and signs arose. The most famous among them are:
- Cloudy weather on January 18 - to a rich harvest, and sunny - to hunger.
- Porridge cooked on January 12 turned out delicious - love and prosperity will reign in the house.
- Loss of jewelry - to profit, and any other thing - to poverty.
- Go hunting - bring trouble for the coming months.
- Taste all the dishes on the festive table - become lucky for the whole year.
- A large number of stars on the night of January 14 - to prosperity on a global scale.
- Crackling frosts on January 7 - to peace and understanding.
- A girl or a guy during a feast to sit in the corner - in the future to have problems in his personal life.
- Snowstorm January 6 - to a rich harvest.
- Dreams seen on January 16-18 reveal the secrets of love relationships.
- Dreams seen on the night before Epiphany can tell about fateful events.
Esotericists advise you to find out in advance what date Christmas time will be in 2024. It is believed that correctly conceived, during this period, the desire will surely come true. The ritual is carried out as follows. At night they go out into the street and go to a deserted place.There, they first look at the sky, and then, concentrating on their dreams and desires, close their eyes with their right hand. For several minutes, thoughts are visualized and spoken aloud. At the end, the presented images are thrown into the sky by hand. Upon arrival home, a red candle is lit. She is left to burn to the end.
Svyatki is a complex of holidays with a rich history. During its existence, it absorbed both pagan and Christian traditions. In any case, it remains bright, fabulous and therefore loved. Today, both small children and cynical adults are looking forward to it.
