Fortune telling is traditionally a popular activity during Orthodox Christmas. It goes back to pagan times, and although it was frowned upon by the church, it was loved by people. Today the forgotten past-time is being revived.

Orthodox Christmas is one of the most-loved holidays in modern Russia. At a time when Europe has already finished its holiday season, Russians are just starting.

Christmas Eve is a time to pray, repent ones sins and… find out what fortune has in stock for you.

In many villages people are trying to revive the old tradition of fortune-telling, especially on the night before Christmas. They do it exactly as their ancestors once did many, many years ago.

Hundreds of families try to keep up with the tradition and pass it from one generation to another. Various things are used for this absorbing pastime: wood, bread, rings, wax and paper. Bread stands for stability and well-being, it’s a symbol of prosperity and peace in the household.

A piece of wood, bread and a ring are placed into three small glasses and covered with a shawl. If a girl picks out a ring, it means you would probably soon be wed.

There is a belief that girls and women can see their future if they pour melted wax in the water. When the wax hardens, an image appears. But first you have to cut pieces of candle, place them into a spoon and then heat the spoon over the candle.

This mysterious trick is to be made in silence. You can only whisper, because loud voices may scare off the good spirits and summon evil ones.