From Bodun?
The term hangover today is often used beyond the New Year mood, yet the origin remains rooted in a specific Vasilyan memorial day.
Bodun is a memorial day observed in the lower Vyatka region. It is well known in the Yaransky and Pizhansky districts of the Kirov region. Contemporary researchers describe it as a day when families gather by the graves of loved ones, spread tablecloths, and share food and drink as a sign of remembrance. This practice sometimes culminates in music as an accordionist walks along the cemetery path and grieving relatives join in with songs, while women in the tombs cry out and tap the ground with their heads. The term Bodun is linked to these sounds and customs [citation 1].
Over time the phrase began to migrate into broader Russian usage, where people started connecting the idea of a hangover or headache after heavy drinking with the day after New Year celebrations [citation 2]. The language hints at a severe head ache, thirst, and a craving for more alcohol, which many associate with a postcelebration state.
Experts describe two patterns among those who feel unwell after heavy drinking. Some experience classic poisoning from alcohol and cannot stand the sight of vodka the next morning. Others still crave alcohol as a rescue remedy. In medical terms this distinction helps separate ordinary drunkenness from alcohol poisoning or intoxication [citation 3].
Thus, some individuals who cannot face vodka the next morning are dealing with a form of poisoning rather than a mere hangover. A specialist in genome analysis explains that high levels of alcohol oxidation products in the blood can drive discomfort, identifying this as poisoning rather than hangover syndrome [citation 4].
Alcohol poisoning shares symptoms with poisoning from other substances, though the illness typically passes more quickly in most cases. Some individuals have found relief in brine from pickled vegetables, though experts caution not to rely on brine alone. They emphasize that sauerkraut juice or cucumber brine can be helpful due to lactic acid bacteria and probiotics that aid digestion, along with vitamin C acting as an antioxidant. Still, excessive consumption of brine can irritate the stomach, so moderation is essential [citation 5].
Posokina notes that attempting to cure a hangover with cucumber brine would not work if the brine is overly acidic, and that cabbage juice can offer benefits because it contains probiotics and nutrients that support the digestive system. The broth and fermentation byproducts contribute to hydration and mineral balance, though the best approaches vary by individual tolerance [citation 6].
A true hangover occurs in someone who has developed an ongoing alcohol dependence. The morning after heavy drinking in such cases typically involves severe sickness and withdrawal symptoms from the absence of alcohol in the bloodstream. In this context, a dose of alcohol may temporarily ease symptoms, a condition described as withdrawal relief rather than a simple hangover [citation 7].
The concept of an alcoholic hangover signals chronic alcohol use and is tied to a pattern of regular drinking. The transition from festivity to withdrawal can be gradual and subtle, making it easy to ignore the underlying issue [citation 8].
In scientific literature, the phrase excess drinking is approached differently across languages. British sources distinguish between one-off large intakes and sustained heavy use, but there is a need to clarify what constitutes heavy consumption over time. A clearer explanation is that persistent drinking on many days without social engagement represents a different biochemical profile than a single heavy episode [citation 9].
Experts describe the biochemical picture in the body of someone with an alcoholic hangover. Blood pH shifts due to acetic acids from alcohol metabolism, electrolytes are depleted, and water shifts from the bloodstream into tissues, causing dryness in mucous membranes and visible swelling in the face. The heart works harder as a result, and rhythm disturbances may occur. The liver and pancreas can experience stress, leading to digestive disruption and a range of systemic symptoms. In such cases, the urge to drink can be driven by the body’s chemical state rather than conscious choice [citation 10].
When addiction has developed, resisting drinking becomes difficult. People may attempt to quit, experience relapses, or seek help from medical and psychological professionals. The belief that quitting is simply a matter of willpower is common, yet medical opinions emphasize that addiction involves biochemical changes that reduce voluntary control. Families often underestimate the need for support, sometimes mistakenly assuming the person is not truly alcoholic unless a severe crisis occurs [citation 11].
During festive periods, it is prudent to consider the signs of post-intoxication and the symptoms of a real hangover. Proper care is then guided by medical insight—whether through hydration and nutrition or other appropriate measures—rather than relying on outdated folklore. The goal is to address the underlying state with accuracy and care [citation 12].