Restoration of Orthodox Christmas as State Holiday in Post-Soviet Russia.

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 | Political | Social |
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
Published: 
4 min read

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russia saw a major shift in its socio-political landscape. One significant change was the reinstatement of Orthodox Christmas as a state holiday. Under Soviet rule, many religious practices were suppressed, and Christmas had been stripped of its official status. However, with the fall of the Soviet regime, the Russian government moved to restore numerous cultural and religious traditions, among them Orthodox Christmas. Orthodox Christianity, being the largest religion in Russia, had deep historical roots predating the Soviet era. The recognition of Orthodox Christmas as a public holiday was seen as a restoration of a significant cultural heritage. It facilitated the resurgence of religious freedom and traditions that had been curtailed for decades. The change allowed citizens to openly celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with liturgical events, family gatherings, and festive activities. This alteration impacted various facets of Russian society. Economically, the holiday spurred an increase in consumer activity related to the festivities. Socially, it fostered a sense of unity and cultural identity. Official statistics showed a marked increase in church attendance during the Christmas season, indicating a revival of religious practice among the populace. Furthermore, educational institutions integrated the tradition into their holiday calendars, allowing future generations to connect with their cultural and religious background. In conclusion, the move to reinstate Orthodox Christmas as a state holiday marked a significant shift in post-Soviet Russia, reflecting broader changes in national identity, cultural revival, and religious freedom. It illustrated how the country sought to reclaim and celebrate its heritage in the new political landscape. #MoofLife #OrthodoxChristmas #CulturalRevival #ReligiousFreedom #PostSovietRussia #RussianTraditions
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