The Old New Year

There is a holiday in Russia which confuses many people, mainly foreigners, especially when they first hear about it. The name of it is the Old New Year. Sounds strange, doesn’t it?

But, nevertheless it is celebrated on January 14, which is December 31 according to the Julian calendar, which Russian church refused to change to the Gregorian in 1582. In other words, the Old New Year is the actual New Year – just old style.

In this way they celebrate New Year twice in this country – December 31 and January 13.

The Old New Year is not an official holiday, but in reality for many Russians it is the great way to continue the New Year’s celebration.

But it is not only in Russia, where people celebrate this holiday, the name of which is the Old New Year. It is celebrated in Serbia, Macedonia, India and in some other countries, Switzerland for example.

Switzerland together with the rest of Europe celebrate the New Year on December 31. But in the canton Appenzell the holiday is celebrated twice, it is repeated on January 13 under the name of Alter Silvester.

From early morning (5 o’clock), almost all male population of the canton villages and towns, children included, go out into snowy streets, all wearing costumes of Silvesterklauses. Singing «Zäuerli», they go from farm to farm in deep snow ringing cowbells to scare away evil spirits.

It is believed that most beautiful celebration of Alter Silvester is held in Urnäsch. It is a very small village situated in the valley with the same name, with the population of some two thousand people.

Happy Old New Year, dear friends!!!!!!!

This is the traditional and usual greeting for this odd - strange holiday.