Russian Calendar Is Reorganized
The reorganization of the Russian calendar marks a significant shift in cultural practices initiated by Czar Peter the Great on December 20, 1699. This reform changed the traditional Russian New Year from September 1 to January 1, aligning it with Western practices. However, instead of adopting the Gregorian calendar, which had been introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, Russia continued to use the Julian calendar until 1918. The transition to the Gregorian system occurred following the Bolshevik Revolution, reflecting a broader wave of modernization in Russia. Today, the January 1 New Year celebration is an integral part of Russian culture, enjoyed by people across various religious backgrounds. Festivities commonly include gatherings with family and friends, and are marked by traditional elements such as champagne and sweets. This evolution of the calendar illustrates the intersection of cultural reform and historical events in Russia, shaping contemporary practices and celebrations.
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Russian Calendar Is Reorganized
Russian Calendar Is Reorganized
As part of a process of modernization, Westernization, and cultural reform, on December 20, 1699, Russian czar Peter the Great officially proclaimed a reorganization of the traditional Russian calendar. Previously, September 1 had been the Russian New Year. Henceforth, due to czar Peter's decree, the New Year would be celebrated on January 1 just as it was in western countries.
However, Peter did not adopt the new Gregorian calendar which had begun to spread in western countries beginning in 1582. It was in that year when Pope Gregory XIII issued a new calendar that corrected most of the flaws in the old Julian calendar, which had been used since Roman times when it was first promulgated by the Roman general and leader Julius Caesar. Like most eastern European nations that were primarily Orthodox, Russia was slow to adopt the Roman Catholic pope's new calendar. However, it finally did so on February 7, 1918, after the Bolshevik Revolution which swept the czars from power. Today the January 1 celebration of the New Year is a popular holiday with most Russians regardless of their religious denomination and is traditionally celebrated on the night before with champagne and candy.