Мандарины - Tangerines
As we say in Russia, "Новый год пахнет мандаринами” (Novyy god pakhnet mandarinami), which means “The New Year smells of tangerines". In December, in every Russian house, you will find many kilograms of this orange joy. This tradition appeared at the end of the 19th century when rich families began to decorate the Christmas tree with tangerines. They were often wrapped in gold or silver foil. Since then, tangerines have been a symbol of the New Year. Now tangerines are even put in sweet gifts for children.
Ded Moroz and his granddaughter Snegurochka
Everyone in our country knows and loves these heroes and expects miracles and surprises from them. They are not just New Year's symbols, but elements of the national cultural tradition. In English, we could say that it's like Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden, and we call them “Дед Мороз и Снегурочка” (Ded Moroz y Snegurochka). They are sure to come to children's parties and give gifts. Cheerful and kind Grandfather is the personification of happiness and peace.
Caviar sandwiches
A spoon of red caviar on a slice of crispy white bread with a thin layer of butter is a real delicacy on the New Year's table. Since red caviar is an expensive product, we eat it only on special occasions, and such a case is the New Year. In Russian, caviar sandwich is a “бутерброд с икрой” (buterbrod s ikroy).
Салат Оливье - Olivier salad
What is a New Year without salad "Olivier"? I think about this ”celebrity" you've heard it many times. And, of course, it’s also on our New Year's table. Usually, they make so much salad that you can eat it all next year 😄. Its main ingredients are potatoes, carrots, eggs, canned cucumbers and green peas, sausage, onions, mayonnaise, and spices to taste.
The President's speech
A very important part of the New Year's holiday in Russia is the president's speech in the last minutes of the outgoing year. We attentively listen to the New Year wishes of the president and at the same time open the champagne. After that, the Clock Chimes on the Spasskaya Tower of the Moscow Kremlin ring 12 times, and during this time you need to make a wish. Some write their wishes on a small piece of paper, set it on fire, then throw it into champagne and drink it. This ritual needs to be done while the clock is ringing.
By the way, since there are 11 time zones in Russia, the broadcast with the president's congratulations is recorded on video in advance and shown at midnight for each time zone. Therefore, we celebrate the New Year in Russia 11 times!
Come to us in Russia and you will see that, despite the frosts, we celebrate the New Year very warmly, sincerely, and cheerfully!
