In all countries celebrating Easter, this bright day is celebrated with folk festivities. The traditions of celebrating Russian Easter are gradually adopting some customs from Europe, but many of them still remain unchanged.
Easter service
It is the church service that announces the solemn beginning of the holiday. In Russia, the service begins with the coming of the Light of God, symbolized by the fire from Jerusalem. Every year the blessed fire is delivered to Russia from the Church of the Resurrection of Christ and is kindled in the churches of large cities.
At midnight, a procession of the cross takes place around the church, in which its participants greet the risen Christ with singing and ringing of bells. Then all the participants in the procession enter the church, where divine chants will take place until the morning.
Festive greeting
During the holiday, people greet each other with the phrase: "Christ is Risen!" and the answer to it: "Truly He is Risen!" It is believed that the younger generation should begin greeting the older generation. It is also customary to kiss three times.
This long-standing tradition is called Christianization and comes from the apostles, who in this way was in a hurry to share with each other the joyful news of the holy resurrection of Christ.
Easter meal
The variety of the festive table symbolizes the end of Lent. The unchanged edible attributes of Easter are colored eggs and Easter cakes, which, as a rule, go through the rite of illumination in the church. It is with their use that the breaking of the fast at the festive table begins.
According to an ancient legend, in which the egg changed color to red in the hands of Mary Magdalene, it is customary to paint eggs red, and this is usually done using onion peels and colored dyes. However, today a wide assortment for creativity offers a variety of stickers, egg decorations, special paints and egg masterpieces have long ceased to be monotonous.
Of course, housewives find it difficult to refrain from decorating their table as best as possible, and some new items are constantly being introduced into the Easter traditions of Russia. There is even a special egg shell carving technique.
But no matter how far the flight of fantasy goes, you shouldn't worry about a large number of decorated eggs. The long tradition of beating Easter eggs for strength, or simply presenting the most beautiful specimens as an Easter gift - all this will quickly adjust the egg stocks downward.
As for other gifts for the Easter holiday, small Easter cakes can also be added to a painted egg. By distributing them to family and friends during the Easter meal, you can share your joy and festive mood with them.
