On January 1, the church celebrates the great Christian thinker, philosopher and writer St. Basil the Great (c. 330-379). He gave realization to the \/Christ law of love and forgiveness, preaching mercy and charity. He organized the first charitable monastic center in Caesarea, where the sick and suffering received free help. That is why Basil was called "the Great" and after his death he was canonized by the church. His deeds are celebrated on the day of his death.<\/p>\n
In the folk calendar, January 1 is a winter, pagan holiday with rich rituals. It is celebrated throughout the country. The day is called Vasilyovden, Vasilitsa, Vasilia, Survaki, Surva, Suruva, Surozdru. Throughout the country, the most characteristic custom is the Survakaneto. It is expressed by touching with a raw stick and wishing for health and prosperity. Usually, young children between 4 and 12 years old perform the survakan. Early in the morning, on the first day of the new year, the children gather in groups and set off around the village with their Survachki, of course starting the ritual calling from their home. The survachka is made of a dogwood stick, richly decorated with popcorn, threads, dried fruits, wool, and croissants. In different regions of the country, we can see survakniki that differ in shape and decoration. First, the children hit each member of the family with a stick, starting with the oldest, and congratulate:<\/p>\n
"A rough, rough year,<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0Happy New Year,<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0green grain in the fields,<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0a large bunch of grapes on a vine,<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0yellow mammoth of the forest,<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0red apple in a garden,<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0a house full of silk,<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0See you next year,<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0next year, bye.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n You can read more about our holidays and customs in the collection:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n