Eastern Orthodoxy: Rituals and Traditions

1. Russian Christmas
1. When is Russian Christmas celebrated? Why on that date?
2. What is "kutya" and what is it's meaning?
3. Describe the traditions of the Christmass dinner.
4. How do people greet each other on Christmas?
5. Who is Ded Moroz?
6. Who is Snyegurochka?
2. Marriage in the Orthodox Church
1. What is the symbolism of the rings in an Orthodox marriage ceremony?
2. What is the symbolism of the candles?
3. What happens with the hands of the couple during the ceremony? What is the meaning of that act?
4. What is the meaning of drinking from the common cup?
5. What is the symbolism of the walk?
3. Old wedding ceremony
1. What are some unique traditional preparations in a wedding ceremony?
2. What is the symbolism of placing hops, fur coats, and straw mattresses with the seams unsewn?
3. How do you drive unclean spirits away from the wedding?