| Christmas In RUSSIA
 St.
Nicholas is especially popular in Russia. The legend is that the
11th-century Prince Vladimir traveled to Constantinople to be
baptized, and returned with stories of miracles performed by St.
Nicholas of Myra. Since then many Eastern Orthodox Churches have
been named for the saint, and to this day, Nicholas is one of
the most common names for Russian boys. The feast of St.
Nicholas (December 6) was observed for many centuries, but after
the communist revolution, the celebration of the feast was
suppressed. During the communist years St. Nicholas was
transformed into Grandfather Frost.
Other religious traditions were suppressed during the
communist era. Before the revolution, a figure called Babouschka
would bring gifts for the children. Like Italy's La Befana, the
story is that Babouschka failed to give food and shelter to the
three wise men during their journey to visit the Christ Child.
According to tradition, she still roams the countryside
searching for the Christ Child and visiting the homes of
children during the Christmas season. Babouschka never
completely disappeared, and now in the post-communist era, has
returned openly. Christmas trees were also banned by the
Communist regime, but people continued to trim their "New
Year's" trees.
Most Christian Russians belong to the Eastern Orthodox
Church, and it is customary to fast until after the first church
service on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve dinner is meatless but
festive. The most important ingredient is a special porridge
called kutya. It is made of wheatberries or other grains which
symbolize hope and immortality, and honey and poppy seeds which
ensure happiness, success, and untroubled rest. A ceremony
involving the blessing of the home is frequently observed. A
priest visits the home accompanied by boys carrying vessels of
holy water, and a little water is sprinkled in each room. The
kutya is eaten from a common dish to symbolize unity.
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