January, 13 - Saturday
Generous evening, Sage! After the power of Korochun was weakened, and the new Sun began to emerge on the Slavic land, the Slavs celebrated one of the most favorite periods of the year - the Great Winter Christmas Eve. Large winter Christmas trees or, as they were called, the Great Velesovy svyatki lasted twelve days - from December 26 to January 6 in the old style. Christmas trees were divided into two six-day parts - light and dark. The first part of the Svyatok was completed by a generous evening or a Shcheprets, which was on December 31, according to the old style, on a new day - January 13th. From ancient times on this day a big festive feast was held, and generous songs (generous songs) were heard everywhere. Among the abundant festive treats, there was certainly a place for pork dishes. Our ancestors believed that the food of pork symbolizes a rich harvest and fertility. Before the generous feast, it was necessary to amuse the people with generous. The composition of the mummers remained the same as it was on Kolyada. Kolyadovschiki approach the house or to the people gathered on the street and sing: "Generous evening! Good evening!".
Then the carol players begin to "carol a torment," that is, to beg the owners of the hotel, complaining that they "went from far away", "the legs of the goat hurt" ... The hosts are resting, laughing. Then the mummers begin singing generosity, some of which contain comic threats. It is considered a great shame not to give carols. To such greedy masters, the mummers are sent "to curse": "Give them, Svarozh, on the back and in the face. Break them, Perun-father! An empty bag, a hole in a pot! ". Having typed a bag of gifts, kolyadovshchiki diverge.
Vasilyeva Kolyada, Vasiliev Evening.
Day of the Russian Press.
1858 The first Russian postage stamp was put into circulation.
1872 The weather service began in Russia.