Svyatki

Svyatki, also known as Christmastide or the Twelve Days of Christmas, is an ancient Eastern Slavic and Orthodox Christian celebration. It begins on Christmas Day, January 7th, and lasts until Epiphany on January 19th. This period is marked by a mix of Christian observances and older, pre-Christian traditions.

Historically, Svyatki was a time for feasting, visiting friends and family, and celebrating the birth of Jesus. It was also a period associated with divination and fortune-telling, particularly among young women who would seek to learn about their future husbands and marriage prospects. Common customs included kolyadovanye, where groups of people, often dressed in costumes, would go from house to house singing carols and receiving treats.

The transition from pagan to Christian practices is evident in Svyatki. Elements like dressing up, singing songs, and certain rituals have roots in ancient winter solstice festivals, which were later incorporated into the Christian calendar. While the religious aspect focuses on the Nativity of Christ, the folk customs represent a continuation of older cultural practices and a time of joy and revelry after the fasting period of Advent. Today, Svyatki remains an important cultural and religious holiday in many Eastern European countries.