What Calendar Does Russia Use
Personal Experience
Growing up in Russia, I always wondered why our country celebrated New Year twice. Once on January 1st, and then again on January 14th. It wasn’t until I got older that I learned about the Julian and Gregorian calendars and how they affected our holidays.
Explanation
Russia currently uses the Gregorian calendar, which is the same calendar used by most countries in the world. However, prior to 1918, Russia used the Julian calendar, which was introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BC. The Julian calendar was 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar, which meant that when Russia eventually switched to the Gregorian calendar, they had to add 13 days to catch up.
Why Did Russia Switch Calendars?
Russia switched calendars in 1918 because the Julian calendar was outdated and did not accurately reflect the length of a solar year. The Gregorian calendar, which was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, corrected this by adding a leap year every four years, except for years that are divisible by 100 but not by 400. This adjustment ensures that the length of a solar year is accurately reflected in the calendar.
What Holidays Are Affected?
The biggest holiday affected by the calendar switch was Russian Orthodox Christmas, which was celebrated on January 7th under the Julian calendar and is still celebrated on the same day under the Gregorian calendar. However, New Year’s Day was moved from January 1st to January 14th to account for the 13-day difference between the two calendars.
Events and Festivals
Russia has a rich cultural heritage, and there are many events and festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. Here are just a few:
- Maslenitsa – A week-long celebration leading up to Lent, where people eat blinis (thin pancakes) and participate in traditional games and activities.
- Victory Day – Celebrated on May 9th, this holiday commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
- White Nights Festival – Held in St. Petersburg during the summer months, this festival celebrates the city’s long days and short nights with music, theater, and dance performances.
- Scarlet Sails – A celebration for high school graduates that takes place in St. Petersburg, featuring a boat parade and fireworks display.
What Happens During These Celebrations?
During Maslenitsa, people dress up in traditional costumes and participate in activities like sledding, snowball fights, and dancing. Victory Day is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and wreath-laying ceremonies. The White Nights Festival features performances by world-renowned artists, and the Scarlet Sails celebration is a night of music, dancing, and fireworks for graduates.
Question and Answer
Q: Why does Russia celebrate New Year twice?
A: Russia celebrates New Year twice because of the calendar switch from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. January 14th used to be January 1st on the Julian calendar, so it was still considered the start of the New Year.
Q: What is the difference between the Julian and Gregorian calendars?
A: The Julian calendar was introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BC and was 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar. The Gregorian calendar, which was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, corrected this by adding a leap year every four years, except for years that are divisible by 100 but not by 400. This adjustment ensures that the length of a solar year is accurately reflected in the calendar.
FAQs
Q: When did Russia switch to the Gregorian calendar?
A: Russia switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1918.
Q: What holidays were affected by the calendar switch?
A: The biggest holiday affected by the calendar switch was Russian Orthodox Christmas, which was celebrated on January 7th under the Julian calendar and is still celebrated on the same day under the Gregorian calendar. However, New Year’s Day was moved from January 1st to January 14th to account for the 13-day difference between the two calendars.