Many other religious and folk 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 and were replaced by "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 January 6, Christmas Eve. The church in Russia still uses the old Julian calendar, therefore their Christmas celebration is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar that we use.
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. The kutya is eaten from a common dish to symbolize unity. Some families used to throw a spoonful of kutya up to the ceiling. According to tradition, if the kutya stuck, there would be a plentiful honey harvest.
For many Russians, a return to religion represents a return to their old roots and their old culture. Throughout Russia, after Christmas Eve services, people carrying candles, torches, and homemade lanterns parade around the church, just as their grandparents and great-grandparents did long ago. The Krestny Khod procession is led by the highest-ranking member of the Russian Orthodox Church. After the procession completes its circle around the church, the congregation reenters and they sing several carols and hymns before going home for a late Christmas Eve dinner.
Riga, which is the birth place of the world-wide decorated Christmas tree tradition will this year open its traditional Christmas markets on November 28.
The Christmas markets, actually almost a fair, will take place in the picturesque Old city of Riga, mainly on the Livu square and the Town Hall Square. This year the Christmas markets will continue till January 9, thus include not only Protestant and Catholic Christmas, but also the Orthodox Christmas celebrations. Riga is well-known for its unique double Christmas traditions as the Latvian population is mainly Lutheran and Catholic, while the Russian-speaking population mainly belong to the Orthodox church that celebrates Christmas in the beginning of January. A series of Christmas concerts will be organized in the many beautiful churches in the center of Riga. With its pleasant price-level and numerous sophisticated shopping malls Riga is a great destination for Christmas shopping.
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