Christmas in Russia is a return to the old roots and old culture of the Russian ancestors. The orthodox Russian People gather in churches that are decorated with the usual Christmas trees or Yelka, flowers and colored lights.
Most Christian Russians belong to the Eastern Orthodox Church, and it is customary to fast until after the first church service on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve dinner is meatless but festive. The most important ingredient is a special porridge called kutya. It is made of wheat berries or other grains that symbolize hope and immortality, and honey and poppy seeds that ensure happiness, success, and untroubled rest. A ceremony involving the blessing of the home is frequently observed. A priest visits the home accompanied by boys carrying vessels of holy water, and a little water is sprinkled in each room. The kutya is eaten from a common dish to symbolize unity.
Babushka is a traditional Christmas figure that distributes presents to children on the day of Christmas in Russia. Her name relates to La Bafana of Italy. According to the Italian legend she declined to go with the wise men to see Jesus because of the cold weather. However, she regretted not going and set off to try and catch up, filling her basket with presents. She never found Jesus, and that is why she visits each house, leaving toys for good children.
Throughout Russia, after Christmas Eve services, people carrying candles, torches, and homemade lanterns parade around the church, The Krestny Khod procession marks the Christmas in Russia. The highest-ranking member of the Russian Orthodox Church leads it. After the procession completes it circles around the church and they sing several carols and hymns before going home for a late Christmas Eve dinner.
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