The Old New Year in Russia

In winter, softly lies the snow in Russia,
And stars in the sky shine bright in their throng.
Recently, the New Year was welcomed in revelry,
Yet Grandfather Frost comes again for the song.

At the door, Old New Year is knocking,
The people of Russia await it with glee.
Everyone: Russian, Tatar, and Yakut are rejoicing,
But those who are not in Russia may struggle to see.

Once in March, the Slavs welcomed the season,
As springtime unfurled, they marked New Year’s birth.
Then March was exchanged for September’s reason -
A novel approach, for what it was worth.

But Peter the First, wishing reforms to initiate,
And honouring the Julian calendar's art,
In Russia’s vast lands, from edge to edge,
He declared the New Year in January to start.

By Peter, a new path was traced, a new vector,
A gaze toward Europe, where light had its reign,
And in those moments, a blend of all breezes,
The Tsar announced the new date for his domain.

Thus, the New Year in Russia began to be celebrated
In a new way, as fresh traditions took flight.
From now on, the year counted from Christ’s nativity,
Across all of Great Mother Russia, shining bright.

In the heart of winter, when blizzards were swirling,
The courtyards adorned, with joy all around.
In homes, scented with fir, a magic was unfurling,
A special atmosphere of wonder was found.

The history of Russia is quite complex indeed,
With tragedies, sorrows, and wars we have known.
And by changing the Julian calendar's creed,
We began to greet the New Year with tone.

But the world is thus: when power is shifting,
They often present us with something anew,
However, in the people's memory, in their traditions,
History is passed on, tenderly kept true.

So it is that Old New Year has its own glory,
A special holiday that the people revere,
And twice they mark the arrival of the New Year,
Illuminating the sky with fireworks so clear.

Let us congratulate one another on this special New Year,
And wish for all honest folk all the best,
That each day be filled with meaning and purpose.
Now, forever, and evermore, let us attest!