Christmas divination, or Kolyadki, is an ancient tradition that has evolved over time but remains preserved in Russia for centuries. These practices involve rituals aimed at predicting the future, particularly in matters of love, marriage, health, and fortune.
The Christian name of the holiday is associated with the period of Svyatki, which takes place from Christmas (January 7) to Epiphany (January 19). This timeframe is considered special, as the boundaries between worlds are believed to thin, making predictions more accurate. The most reliable and precise divinations are thought to occur on St. Basil's Eve—the night before the Old New Year. Divination on the first and last days of Svyatki is not recommended, as ancestors believed that trying to foresee the future on Christmas or Epiphany could "misread fate."
Kolyadki, on the other hand, are ceremonial songs and rituals currently performed during Svyatki. In pre-Christian Slavic tradition, the Kolyada festival was celebrated during the winter solstice, approximately from December 21 to 23. It symbolized the birth of the new sun and the end of the old annual cycle. In Slavic tradition, these days were seen as a time when ancestral spirits and otherworldly forces were especially close to the living. People believed that during this time, they could glimpse the future and receive answers to important questions. This period was considered magical, as the boundaries between the living world and the supernatural grew especially thin.
In pre-Christian tradition, divination during Kolyada was conducted with great solemnity. The primary period for divinations began on the night of the winter solstice (around December 21–22) and continued until the early days of January. With the arrival of Christianity, the celebration's timing shifted to coincide with Christmas and Svyatki, covering the period from December 25 to January 7 according to the old calendar. Even during Christian times, Slavs continued to honor ancient deities during this period, particularly the god Svyatovit. Kolyadki singers would go from house to house, singing songs, wishing the hosts prosperity, and receiving treats in return. Often, Kolyadki were accompanied by divinations, as these two elements were considered part of a single sacred process. Kolyadki were typically performed in the evenings and at night, especially on Christmas Eve and the night before the Old New Year (January 13–14).
Popular ancient divinations in Russia during the Kolyadki:
Divination with Shadows from FireFor this divination, a fire was lit in the center of the house, and the shadows cast by objects and people were interpreted as symbols of upcoming events.
Divination with WaterWater was placed in the cold, and the patterns formed in the ice were used to predict the future—whether it would bring luck, health, or danger.
Divination with Grains or NutsGrains or nuts were mixed in a bag, and a question was asked. The extracted item was interpreted based on its condition—whole, cracked, or damaged.
Divination with Snow CoverAt night, people would go out into the field and interpret the future based on the condition of the snow or the tracks found. For example, smooth snow promised good luck, while animal tracks signaled an unexpected meeting.
Divination with WaxOne of the most common methods—melt a candle and pour the wax into cold water. The shapes that formed were interpreted as signs of future events.
Divination with a MirrorThis is a mystical and often frightening divination. Girls would sit before a mirror by candlelight and try to see the image of their future spouse in the reflection.
Divination with a BootAn inseparable attribute of Christmas divinations. Girls would throw a boot over the gate, and the direction of its toe would indicate from where the groom would come.
Divination with GrainsThis method was used to predict the harvest and financial well-being. Grains were mixed with other items, and each participant would choose their own symbol.
Divination with CardsWith the advent of cards, this method quickly became popular. Both regular playing cards and special divinatory cards were used, including ancient Slavic koshchuny.
In modern times, Christmas divinations remain popular, although they have taken on new forms:
Online DivinationsWith the development of technology, platforms and apps have emerged where one can virtually practice divination, for example, using Tarot cards or runes.
Divination with FriendsA modern interpretation of traditional rituals, where divinations turn into a fun activity during holidays.
Astrological ForecastsMore and more people turn to astrology for predictions, especially during the Christmas season.
Psychological InterpretationsSome people view divination as a way to work with the subconscious, focusing on symbolism and inner feelings.
Christmas divinations are a fascinating blend of tradition, mysticism, and modernity. They not only allow one to connect with the culture of our ancestors but also offer an opportunity to reflect on the future, using ancient knowledge and intuition.
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