A special Russian holiday is the old New Year: why is it called that, the date is in 2026, how is it celebrated

On the night of January 14, 2026, millions of people in Russia and other post—Soviet countries will celebrate an amazing holiday - the old New Year, which is a historical and cultural phenomenon rooted in the depths of centuries. This day, like a time machine, allows you to look into the past and feel connected with the traditions of your ancestors, whose lives were inextricably linked with natural cycles and the church calendar. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

Historical paradox: why the New Year is old

The emergence of the old New Year is associated with the transition of Russia from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar in 1918. The decree of the Council of People's Commissars prescribed counting the day after January 31, 1918, not February 1, but the 14th. As a result, the calendar "moved" by 13 days, and the usual January 1 in the old style began to correspond to January 14 in the new.

The Russian Orthodox Church has not recognized this transition and continues to celebrate its holidays, including Christmas, according to the Julian calendar. Thus, the old New Year is not an independent holiday, but the eve of St. Basil's Day, which falls on January 14 according to modern chronology. This date is a direct legacy of the previous era and a kind of bridge between secular and ecclesiastical traditions.

Traditions and customs of the Old New Year celebration

The main tradition of the evening is a rich festive dinner with the family. The central dish on the table was roast piglet, symbolizing fertility and the future well-being of the household. A mandatory attribute of the meal was a generous kutia, or sochivo, which was prepared with the addition of butter, nuts and raisins.

The housewives also served dumplings with cottage cheese, which, according to legend, attracted material prosperity to the house. Other frequent guests at the table were pancakes, pies and various meat dishes. There was a belief that the more plentiful and varied the food, the more successful and satisfying the coming year would be.

Another important tradition was the rite of generosity. Young people and children went from house to house singing special songs, in which they wished the owners health, a rich harvest and happiness. For this, they were thanked with treats and small money. It was believed that such an exchange ensured the well-being of the entire village.

What not to do in the old New Year

There are also several strict prohibitions associated with the holiday, dating back to ancient times. On this day, it was strictly forbidden to pronounce the word "thirteen", as well as to count small objects, which, according to superstition, could attract trouble and tears. Another prohibition related to lending money: it was believed that this was how you could give away your financial well-being from home.

It was impossible to take out the garbage from the house, so as not to accidentally take out good luck with it. A special ban was imposed on requests for anything: tradition dictated to celebrate the holiday with the family, without disturbing other people. Violation of these rules, according to popular beliefs, could bring upon a person poverty and misfortune.

Divination and mystical practices

The night of January 14th, which ends the Yuletide period, has been considered the best time for fortune-telling since ancient times, especially for unmarried girls. One of the most popular was fortune-telling on the betrothed with the help of mirrors and candles. The girl sat in the dark between two mirrors, lit candles and peered into the reflection, hoping to see the face of the future groom.

Another common method was wax divination. The melted wax from the candle was poured into a container with cold water, and then they tried to predict the future using the resulting figure. A ring or candle promised an early wedding, a ship promised a long journey, and a shapeless lump foreshadowed difficulties.

They also guessed by the shadow of crumpled paper, which was set on fire on a saucer, and by the sounds: going outside, the girls listened to the barking of dogs — a ringing bark meant that the groom would be young, and a hoarse one spoke of an old matchmaking. They sang songs under the windows, paying attention to the first reaction they heard: kind words promised a happy marriage, and abuse promised problems in their personal lives.

The modern sound of an ancient holiday

Nowadays, the old New Year is not an official holiday, but it remains very popular. It is perceived as a more peaceful, family and spiritual holiday, devoid of the fuss and obligations typical of the night from December 31 to January 1. Many people see it as an opportunity to prolong the charm of winter holidays and once again gather around the table with their loved ones.

This holiday allows you to complete the cycle of New Year's celebrations, "celebrate" what failed on the main night, or just enjoy a quiet evening with your family. It serves as a reminder of the rich history and cultural traditions that continue to live, adapting to the realities of the modern world, but without losing their original essence and symbolic significance.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.