#cooking #newyear #traditions
The Old New Year is a traditional holiday observed informally in some countries. It is the first day of the new year in the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the universally adopted Gregorian calendar. Therefore, the Old New Year is celebrated on January 14.
Although the Gregorian calendar was officially adopted in all European countries, the Eastern Orthodox Church, some Oriental Orthodox denominations, and Berbers in North Africa still follow the old Julian calendar. Due to this, some countries celebrate the arrival of the new year twice by both calendars. January 1 is usually a public holiday, whereas January 14 is an unofficial celebration.
In the liturgical calendar, the Old New Year corresponds to the feast day of Saint Basil the Great. In some countries, it is reflected in the holiday’s name or traditions. For example, the Old New Year in Macedonia is also known as Vasilica. And Serbians celebrate the day by baking vasilica, round cornmeal loaves that are served for the Old New Year dinner.
In the former Soviet republics (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan), the Old New Year is celebrated by non-religious people as the final day of the holiday season. For devout Christians, the holiday season concludes with Epiphany, which is observed by the Eastern Orthodox Church on January 19.
The Old New Year in ex-Soviet states combines secular traditions associated with New Year’s Day and Christmastide customs that stem from pre-Christian rites and rituals. One of such customs is kolyada. Kolyada is basically a hybrid of mummers’ plays and carol singing. It involves young people and children in costumes going from house to house and signing carols. In return, they expect to be given money and sweets.
Although the custom isn’t as widespread as it used to be, it still persists. In cities, it’s mostly children expecting to get some sweets from their relatives and neighbors, much like Halloween trick-or-treaters in the West but without scary costumes. For most people, it’s a nostalgic family holiday that involves a large meal and celebratory drinking. (Taken from Anydayguide.com)
The winter is here, believe it or not. We are at home baking all things imaginable, since it’s a snow day one needs to keep warm and cozy while staying in. The highlight of this gastronomic celebration is baked apples, what are you cooking/baking today? What are your go to activities on a snow day? Are you experiencing inclement weather conditions as well?
Why I quit my job 