The Old New Year: History, Traditions, and Celebration Dates

The Old New Year is a unique cultural phenomenon celebrated in Russia and several other countries around the world. This holiday emerged as a result of a change in the calendar system and became an important part of Russian tradition. Many Russians happily observe it, extending the New Year atmosphere and gathering around the festive table with family and friends.

When the Old New Year Is Celebrated in 2026

The Old New Year is traditionally celebrated on the night of January 13 to January 14. In 2026, the date remains unchanged—the holiday falls on the same night. Interestingly, this date is fixed only until the end of the 21st century. From 2101, the difference between the Julian and Gregorian calendars will increase by one more day, and the Old New Year will be celebrated on January 15. According to statistics, more than half of Russia’s population celebrates this holiday, and it is especially popular among younger people under 40. Celebrating the Old New Year does not have the same scale as the traditional New Year on January 1, but it retains a special, heartfelt atmosphere of a folk celebration.

History of the Holiday’s Origin

Transition to the Gregorian Calendar

Until the beginning of the 20th century, the Russian Empire used the Julian calendar, created in Ancient Rome based on Egyptian astronomy. By that time, European countries had already switched to the Gregorian calendar, developed in the 16th century using the latest astronomical knowledge about the structure of the universe. The difference between the two systems of chronology was 13 days, which created serious inconveniences in international relations. Curious situations arose: a letter sent from Russia to Europe, according to postal stamps, arrived several days earlier than the date it was sent. This complicated political and economic dealings between countries. On February 14, 1918, the Bolshevik government issued a decree on Russia’s transition to the Gregorian calendar. The main goal of the reform was to establish a unified system of timekeeping with all cultured nations of the world. After the transition, the country effectively jumped 13 days ahead.

The First Celebration of the Old New Year

Many people who were accustomed to celebrating the New Year on January 1 according to the old style did not abandon this tradition. The Old New Year was first celebrated on the night of January 13 to January 14, 1919. Thus appeared a holiday with an unusual name, meaning the New Year according to the old calendar style.

The Position of the Orthodox Church

The Russian Orthodox Church did not agree with the calendar reform and continued to use the Julian calendar. For the Soviet authorities, who had already separated church from state, this was not of great importance. That is why Orthodox Christmas in Russia is celebrated on January 7 rather than December 25, as in Catholic countries. The Church New Year, or indiction, is celebrated by the Orthodox Church on September 14 according to the new style, which corresponds to September 1 on the Julian calendar. Chronology is counted not from the Nativity of Christ, but from the creation of the world. During the period of secular New Year holidays, believers observe the strict Nativity Fast, which makes full celebration on January 1 impossible.

Traditions and Customs of the Old New Year

St. Basil’s Day and the Generous Evening

On January 14, according to the church calendar, the day of remembrance of Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, is observed. This saint was known for miraculous healings and was revered not only by Christians, but also by Jews and pagans. In the past, St. Basil’s Day was considered one of the most important holidays, marking the beginning of a new agricultural year. The evening of January 13 was called St. Basil’s Evening or the Generous Evening. Housewives set rich tables with the best dishes, invited guests, and held lavish feasts. There was a belief that whoever prepared the most luxurious table would be fortunate throughout the year. Mandatory dishes included kutia made from wheat groats with meat or lard, as well as various pork dishes, since Basil the Great was revered as the patron saint of pig breeders.

Caroling and Shchedrivky

In the old days, people believed that the new year would be happy if the old one was seen off as joyfully as possible. This belief gave rise to the saying, “As you greet the New Year, so shall you spend it.” Young people put on masks and went caroling, singing ritual shchedrivky songs and wishing prosperity to every household. Hosts generously rewarded the guests with sweets and pies. It was important to finish caroling before midnight, as it was believed that after twelve o’clock evil spirits began roaming the streets. On the morning of January 14, the ritual of sowing was performed: boys and young men went from house to house, scattering grain and saying the words, “I sow, I sow, I congratulate you on the New Year.” This ritual symbolized a future rich harvest and attracted prosperity to the home.

Modern Celebrations

Today, the Old New Year is celebrated in much the same way as the regular New Year: people dress up, set a festive table, and invite guests. Television often broadcasts reruns of New Year shows and concerts. The holiday is perceived as a second chance to properly welcome the New Year and do what did not work out on the night of January 1. Many use this opportunity to congratulate friends and relatives whom they did not manage to congratulate earlier, exchange gifts, or make a wish. To make a wish come true, one needs to write it on a piece of paper, burn it, drop the ashes into a glass of champagne, and then drink it to the chimes of the clock.

Dumplings with Surprises

One of the most popular Old New Year traditions that has survived to this day is making dumplings with surprises. The whole family gathers together and makes dumplings, placing small symbolic objects inside some of them. With their help, people tell fortunes about what the coming year will be like. Each surprise has its own meaning: a bean foretells an addition to the family, a coin symbolizes wealth and financial well-being, pepper promises thrills and adventures, sugar or a sweet filling predicts a sweet life, dill promises good health, and a thread points to a long journey. It is important to warn guests about the surprises in the dumplings so that they are careful when eating the dish.

Omens and Beliefs

The Old New Year is surrounded by many signs and superstitions: Weather omens: If the night is clear and starry, the summer will be fruitful, especially for berries. A southern wind foretells a warm and hot year. A western wind promises an abundance of milk and fish. Omens of prosperity: If a person receives money for work or a service on this day, the entire following year will be profitable. The first guest from a large family brings satiety and prosperity into the home. Omens for unmarried women: Single women are advised to celebrate the Old New Year in a mixed company where men are present. According to belief, this will help them meet their future spouse in the coming year. Young people traditionally chose this day for matchmaking, believing that a marriage concluded after a proposal on the Old New Year would be long and happy.

What Should Not Be Done on the Old New Year

Lend or borrow money. It is believed that if this prohibition is violated, a person will experience financial difficulties throughout the next year and will be unable to pay off debts. Celebrate in an all-female company. According to belief, this promises loneliness and an unhappy year. Men must be present. Clean the house on January 14. Despite the desire to tidy up for the holiday, doing so on the day of the Old New Year itself is forbidden. There is a belief that along with the trash one can accidentally throw away luck and well-being. It is better to clean in advance and spend the festive day resting and enjoying communication.

The Old New Year in Other Countries

The Old New Year is celebrated not only in Russia. This holiday exists in various forms in many countries: Former USSR countries: Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and other republics have preserved the tradition of celebrating the Old New Year. Balkan countries: In Serbia and Montenegro, this day is called Little Christmas. In North Macedonia, carnivals are held in honor of the New Year according to the old calendar. Switzerland: In German-speaking regions, the Old St. Sylvester’s Day is celebrated on January 13. People dress in masquerade costumes and congratulate each other on the New Year. African countries: In Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco, there are also traditions associated with celebrating this day, connected with historical transitions to different calendar systems. Other countries: Analogues of the Old New Year can be found in Greece and Japan, and in Wales the Hen Galan festival is celebrated, when children go from house to house and receive sweet treats, similar to caroling.

Cultural Significance of the Holiday

The Old New Year has become an integral part of Russian culture. Although it is not an official public holiday, many museums and cultural organizations dedicate themed exhibitions and events to it. The holiday preserves a connection with the historical past and folk traditions, uniting generations. This day provides an opportunity to extend the New Year atmosphere, meet with those with whom it was not possible to celebrate on January 1, sum up the outgoing festivities, and tune in to the working year. The atmosphere of the Old New Year is distinguished by special warmth, since it is a folk, not a state holiday, and everyone decides for themselves whether to celebrate it or not. After the Old New Year, it is traditionally customary to take down the New Year tree, ending the festive season and returning to everyday life with renewed strength and hopes for a happy year.