The Old New Year came into our culture along with the old style of chronology.
In 1918, the Bolshevik government decided to change the calendar. Tsarist Russia lived according to the Julian calendar, and Europe according to the Gregorian calendar. The first was created in the Roman Empire and was based on ancient Egyptian astronomy. The Gregorian calendar was more accurate, it was created in the 16th century, taking into account the latest knowledge about the structure of the universe. The difference between the two systems of calculation was 13 days and created inconvenience for the conduct of international political and economic affairs and led to funny incidents in everyday life. For example, according to the dates on the postmarks, it appeared that the telegram had been received in Europe several days earlier than it had been sent to Russia.
The transition to the Western European calendar took place on February 14, 1918. According to the decree, the main goal of the entire project was "to establish in Russia the same number with almost all cultural peoples."
An unusual holiday also appeared - the old New Year, that is, the New Year in the old style, which was not forgotten among the people. However, the old New Year was celebrated on a smaller scale than the night from December 31 to January 1.
The Russian clergy did not agree with the transition to the new style and did not abandon the Julian calendar. But this was not so important for the Bolsheviks, who had already signed the Decree on the separation of church from state and school from the church. The old style became informal.
Today the Russian Orthodox Church still uses the Julian calendar. Therefore, Christmas in our country is celebrated on January 7, and in Catholic states - on December 25. New Year, or rather "New Year", the Orthodox Church celebrates on September 14 (September 1 according to the old style) - not from the Nativity of Christ, but from the creation of the world. During the secular New Year holidays, believers keep the Nativity Fast.
Contrary to popular belief, the tradition of celebrating the old New Year exists not only in our country. There are similar holidays in the countries of the former USSR, as well as in Greece, Serbia, Montenegro, Algeria, Tunisia, and many other countries. In all states, the appearance of an unusual date is associated with the transition to different calendars, but each country has its own traditions. In the German-speaking regions of Switzerland, for example, on January 13, they celebrate the old St. Sylvester's Day, dress up in a fancy dress and wish each other a Happy New Year. In Macedonia, on New Year's Day, according to the old calendar, carnivals are held. There is an analog of our holiday in Wales - the Hen Galan festival. It also means the onset of the New Year according to the Julian calendar, and on this day children can "carol" - go home and receive sweet gifts.
In Russia, the old New Year, according to statistics, is celebrated by about half of the country's population, gathering at the festive table. A number of museums and cultural organizations devote thematic exhibitions to the holiday.
