Did you know that Christmas used to be banned in Russia? After the 1917 Revolution Christmas was banned. Not until 75 years later, in 1992, was Christmas allowed to be openly celebrated.
Christmas is rooted in the Russian Orthodox faith, around the Christmas Eve fast and meal. The fasts lasts until the evening worship service or the first star appears in the sky. The dinner that follows is called the Holy Meal, in which meat is not allowed. However, Kutya, a type of porridge, is the primary dish.