Unknown Russians and Russia

Russian favourite pastime

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 16:25:00 +0000

Favourite Russian pastime is to visit their friends or relatives. At weekends when people from foreign countries go to the country from their towns or have picknics at the seaside, Russian people ( if it is not a summer) go to visit their friends and relatives.

In summer they usually visit their dachas. Relatives and friends can live at the other end of the city but it is not an obstacle for them.

Country people can walk a few kilometers to the next village for it (if they don't have a car). When people meet, they discuss cooking recipes, drink vodka and watch TV.

Russian Orthodox Church

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 15:11:00 +0000

If you want to know how Russian church looks inside, watch this video.

Typical russian village

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 16:24:00 +0000

From this video you can learn how a Russian village looks like.

Interesting facts about Russia

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 17:27:00 +0000

Foreign people often have wrong ideas about life in Russia. This facts about Russia will help you to understand what ideas are right and what are wrong.

Myth1
Russian women are very sexual.That’s not true. They are the same as women in other countries. They have different temperaments. Some of them are sexual, some of them are not.

Myth2
The level of culture is very low in Russia.That’s not true. In Soviet times they attach a lot of importance to the level of Russian culture. Unfortunately now it is really becoming lower with the break down of the USSR. Most of young people want to have higher education if it is possible for them.

Myth3
Russian people use foul language. Not all the people. A lot of people really use it, but it mostly depends on their social status and the level of education.

Myth4
It is dangerous to walk along the streets in Russia.To walk along the streets in these countries is as dangerous as to walk along the streets in other countries of the world. If you will not run into trouble yourself.:)

Myth5
All men in Russia drink hard. Not all of them.:)
There are a lot of hard drinkers here.But their number is bigger in villages and in small provincial towns. It can be explained that life in such places is boring and monotonous and there is often no job, so hard drinking becomes the way of escaping problems.

Myth6
There are no expensive and good shops in Russia.That’s not true. In big cities there are a lot of them and their number is growing every day.

Myth7
Polar bears walk along streets in Russia.I also would like to look at them,but to my regret they live only in the North Pole. By the way their number decreases every year, so they can disappear from the North Pole too.:)

Myth8
Russian people eat a lot of black and red caviar.It would be great!:) But it was long ago.People there were able to afford it in the middle of the twentieth century, as it was cheap. Now it is very expensive and common people eat it very seldom.

Myth9
There is still stagnation and low civilization in Russia.This is true only particular. In big towns the civilization is good and economics is developing well. The situation is much worse in in villages and in the depths of the country.

Who is a typical Russian person?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 15:57:00 +0000

A typical Russian person is romantic.He can see chaos around himself and believe that there is success and happiness ahead of him, though he often does nothing to achieve them.

A typical Russian person is a melancholic person, who hopes for the best, but prepares for the worst.

Russians dream about suddenly becoming rich some day.One of the most favourite folk-tales is about idler Emelya and a magic fish that fulfilled all his wishes.They like to complain of their poverty.

Russian people have a sensible perception of life. They need close relations and they are emotionally dependent on their environment. They do not like reserved and not emotional people. They consider them to be not sincere.

Russians are also very dependent on the social opinion. That is why their behavior in public places differs from their behavior with friends and relatives.

Are Russian people Europeans or Asiatics?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 18:35:00 +0000

It is a difficult and old question. A lot of people have been disputing about it.

European and Asiatic cultures are mixed very much there and nobody can tell exactly.

One famous man said: ” Russian people behave like Asiatics in Europe and like Europeans in Asia’.

Maybe that is why Russian character is considered strange. As it is typical neither for Europeans nor for Asiatics.

The Asiatic traits of Russian character are:
- Some character traits: cunning, collectivity, aspiration for profit, they are less rational;

- The state is more important than a personality;

- There are a lot words from oriental languages in Russian language;

- Connections are very important. For example if you want to find a good job, you should have connections;

The European traits of Russian people are:
- Christian religion;

- Culture;

-Civilization;

So if you want to understand Russians you should be a European and Asiatic person at the same time.:)

Behaviour of Russian people

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 16:57:00 +0000

Russian people can seem unceremonious for people from other countries. They can touch your clothes, ask where you bought it and what is their price.

They can stare at you or your things and they think that it is normal. Foreign people usually think that their behaviour is too personal. But a long stare at the eyes is considered to be immodest in Russia.

Russians are very social. They can’t understand if a foreign person came to them and is sitting in his room. It is strange for them that he doesn’t want to communicate.

When a Russian person speaks with somebody or sits down near them, the distance between them and another people are usually shorter than in other countries.

That is why they always think that Americans and Europeans keep away from them. And foreign people usually think that Russians are unceremonious.

Europeans usually think that Russians are very familiar with their relatives.

And Russian people think that Europeans treat their relatives like strangers.

Russian people are very superstitious.They spit over the left shoulder,if they see a cat crossing their way. They also get upset when they or somebody else spill salt or break a mirror.

They are very interested in horoscopes. Especially at the end of the year they want to know the sign of the next year according to oriental horoscope and to know if it will be good for them.

If you meet a Russian person in the street and ask him about his life you will have to listen all about it. He will tell you all about his problems, illnesses, not only his but his relatives’ and so on. So be careful about it.

The most favourite topic of conversation is politics. All Russians have their own views on political situation in their countries and want to share them with others. They also like to argue what politicians are better.

Today they can criticise their country, their politics and life in them.
And tomorrow they can tell you that Russia is the best country in the world.

When Russian people speak badly about their country, people think that they are not patriotic and that they do not love it.

That’s not right. Russian patriotism is rather special. They love their home and their country but they do not like their government. They usually call it “they”.The government is their enemy and it must be avoided. They think that the government can’t be good and nobody expects it to be good.

What Russians think about other countries

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 18:49:00 +0000

It is always interesting what other nations think about your country. From this post you can learn what Russians think about people who live in other countries. Stereotypes are based on incomplete or faulty information. They can offend and hurt people; and they can lead to serious misunderstandings. As to me I don't have such stereotypes, and I don't think that they concern all the people. Anyway they exist. And I think knowing these stereotypes can help you to avoid being hurt,as sometimes it can be a shock to hear about how others stereotype us.

What Russians think about Americans.
Russians think that Americans always smile. And there is an expression "American smile" in Russia.This means a formal polite, but not sincere smile.But actually they are cold. They think that all Americans are rich and that they look down on other countries. They are great patriots and are very proud of their country.They are not so sociable as Russians used to be. They are not friends with their colleagues and neighbours like Russian people.They are very pragmatic.Most of them are overweight, but at the same time they are body conscious and fond of healthy life styles.

What Russians think about Englishmen.
Russians think that Englishmen have a lot of traditions and a strange sense of humour which is difficult to understand. They like to drink tea at five o'clock. They are cold, reserved and fond of sports.They like animals very much and follow the traditions concerning food and meals.

What Russians think about Germans.
Russians think that they are very serious, pedants and industrious. They laugh very loudly and they are a bit rude. They like rude and vulgar jokes.

What Russian think about Frenchmen.
They think that Frenchmen are very good lovers. They are often unfaithful to their wives. They like beautiful things and beauty in everything. They are epicures. They are fond of delicious food and good wine, which they drink every day. They are a bit greedy.

What Russian think about Italians.
They are very cheerful people. They speak very fast. And they are very similar to Russian people. They are spirited and emotional. They are fond of pizza and macaroni.

Mysterious Russian soul

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 18:40:00 +0000

Not long ago I watched a program on TV. In this program a Russian man travels around the world and tells about places he visits. In that program he was in New Zealand.

He met a Russian man who lived there. The traveller was curious if that man who had moved to live in New Zealand liked his life there.

” Yes, everything is OK”- answered that man, -” but there is the lack of soul here.”The traveller was surprised and wanted to know what that man meant. “For example, people here come to a restaurant and then go home. It is not interesting. And in Russia such meal could end with a fight. ” It is really difficult to understand a Russian soul !:)

I would think this man was an exception, if I didn’t remember an episode from my childhood. My parents went to a birthday party to a restaurant and some fellows began to fight. A man was hurt with a glass and all the restaurant and visitors were soiled with blood.

Sounds like a horror film.:) I am afraid that you will be frightened to go to restaurants in Russia.You shouldn’t be afraid of it. Common people do not go to restaurants now, as it is rather expensive. It was earlier when we lived in the USSR.

People who visit restaurants now do not fight, as they worry about their reputation.

How Russian people communicate

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 18:38:00 +0000

The most favourite topic of Russian people is politics. Any Russian person can tell you how things are are in politics now and what they would do, if they were the President.And they always have a plan how to save Russia from the economic crisis.

Swear-words are very popular among Russian people ,esecially young now. They think that they look cool, when they use them. Most of Russian swear-words are connected with sex and ties of relationship.

Russians are proud that their swear-words are known to all the sailors in the world. Though sailors do not know what they are about. Russians also do not think about their meaning.I think if they thought about what these words mean, they wouldn't use them so often.

In contrast to Englishmen Russian people do not like to speak about the weather a lot. Their most favorite topics of conversation are : their family, their friends and neighbors, their health and the health of their relatives, prices. They can discuss these topics even with strangers.

Foreign people used to smile even if they are not OK. There is even an expression here "American smile",that means a formal smile in an answer to somebody's greetings.

But Russian people will not smile, if something is not right in their life. They want everybody know how they suffer. If they do not want to smile, they will not do this.That is why Russians are considered to be gloomy.

There is even a proverb here:"Laughter without a reason is a sign of a fool."

What are white and black sides of a Russian character ?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 18:36:00 +0000

Positive traits of a Russian character.

1.)Generous. Of course, it is not concerns all Russian people,but it can be considered typical for most of them.

2.)Hospitable. They like to receive guests and to treat them.They think that there must be a lot of dishes on the table,as they always want their guests to be well-fed.

3.)Frank. They can tell all their secrets and their life to an unknown person in a train ot to discuss their problems with neighbours.

4.)Creative. They like to think in a non-standard way.

5.)Patient. I do not know if it is good trait for them.:)They can bear such things that foreign people would consider unbearable.

Neutral traits of a Russian character:

1.)Very interested in politics. They like to discuss it for hours.

2.)Very interested in esoterica and magic.They consider themselves to be a very spiritual nation.

3.)Like to watch TV a lot.The TV set works all the time when they are at home.

4.)Collectivists.

5.)Have imperial thinking. They are very proud of their power.

Negative traits of a Russian character:

1.)Lazy. They do not like to work.

2.)Like to take what is not well protected.They have a proverb : " All around is people's,all around is mine."

3.)Drink hard. It is usually about men.

4.)Curious. Russian people are very interested in details of other people's life and to discuss them.

5.)Like to complain to their life, government and their salary.

6.)Unpredictable. You never know what to expect from them.

7.)They are not punctual and always hope for "perhaps".

8.)They do not like to follow rules and like to break them when it is possible.

Ten Things Never to Say or Do in Russia

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 18:25:00 +0000

Every culture has its Do’s and Don’ts. Sometimes, knowing what NOT to do is even more important if you want to fit in or at least produce a good impression. Read on to
find out about ten Russian social taboos.

1.)Don’t Come to Visit Empty-Handed
If you’re invited over for dinner, or just for a visit, don’t come to a Russian house with empty hands. What you bring doesn’t really matter — a box of chocolates, flowers, or a small toy for a child, just as long as you don’t come empty-handed.

The hosts usually prepare for a visit by cooking their best dishes and buying delicacies that they normally wouldn’t buy for themselves. If, after all this effort, a guest shows up without even a flower, Russians believe he doesn’t care.

They won’t say anything, but the dinner will leave an unpleasant aftertaste.

2.)Don’t Leave Your Shoes On in Someone’s Home.
Russian apartments are covered in rugs. Often, they’re expensive Persian rugs with intricate designs, which aren’t cleaned as easily as traditional American carpeting. Besides, Russians walk a lot through dusty streets, instead of just stepping from the car directly into the home.

For these reasons, and also because this tradition has gone on for centuries, Russians take
off their street shoes when they enter private residencies. The host usually offers a pair of tapochki (slippers); if you go to a party, women usually bring a pair of nice shoes to wear inside.

And again, if you fail to take your shoes off, nobody will say anything; you’re the guest, so you can do pretty much whatever you want. But sneak a peek: Are you the only person wearing your snow-covered boots at the dinner table?

3.)Don’t Joke about the Parents.
Russians aren’t politically correct. They casually make jokes that may cause you to cringe in your seat. No sensitive issue is spared, so you better prepare yourself.

Parents, however, are the one thing that Russians just don’t make jokes about, and they don’t tolerate anyone else doing it either. So, go ahead and tell an anyekdot ( joke) based on ethnicity, appearance, or gender stereotypes; just steer clear of jokes about somebody’s mother or
father. You won’t be understood.

4.)Don’t Toast with “Na Zdorov’ye!”
People who don’t speak Russian usually think that they know one Russian phrase: a toast, Na Zdorov’ye! Little do they know that Na Zdorov’ye! ( for health) is what Russians say when somebody thanks them for a meal. In Polish, indeed, Na Zdorov’ye! or something close to it, is a traditional toast.

Russians, on the other hand, like to make up something long and complex, such as, Za druzhbu myezhdu narodami! (To friendship between nations!) If you want a more generic Russian toast, go with Za Vas! ( To you!)

5.)Don’t Take the Last Shirt.
A Russian saying that is translated " to give away one’s last shirt", makes the point that you have to be giving, no matter what the expense for yourself. In Russia, offering guests whatever they want is considered polite.

Those wants don’t just include food or accommodations; old-school Russians offer you whatever
possessions you comment on, like a picture on the wall, a vase, or a sweater.

Now, being offered something doesn’t necessarily mean you should take it. Russians aren’t offering something because they want to get rid of it; they’re offering because they want to do something nice for you.

So, unless you feel that plundering their home is a good idea, don’t just take things offered to
you and leave. Refuse first, and do so a couple of times, because your hosts will insist. And only accept the gift if you really want this special something, but then return the favor and give your hosts something nice, as well.

6.)Don’t Underdress.
Russians dress up on more occasions than Americans do. Even to go for a casual walk, a Russian woman may wear high heels and a nice dress. A hardcore feminist may say women do this because they’re victimized and oppressed. But Russian women themselves explain it this way, “We only live once; I want to look and feel my best.” Who can blame them?

On some occasions, all foreigners, regardless of gender, run the risk of being the most underdressed person in the room. These occasions include dinner parties and trips to the theater. Going to a restaurant is also considered a festive occasion, and you don’t want to show up in your jeans and T-shirt, no matter how informal you think the restaurant may be. In any case, checking on the dress code before going out somewhere is a good idea.

7.)Don’t Go Dutch.
Here’s where Russians differ strikingly from Western Europeans. They don’t go Dutch. So, if you ask a lady out, don’t expect her to pay for herself, not at a restaurant or anywhere else. You can, of course, suggest that she pay, but that usually rules out the possibility of seeing her again.

She may not even have money on her. Unless they expect to run into a maniac and have to
escape through the back exit, Russian women wouldn’t think of bringing money when going out with a man.

And for women: Even if your Russian male friend lives on a scholarship of $100 a month, he will insist on paying for everything. And if he doesn’t at least insist, we recommend taking a closer look at him. Having a woman pay is a strong taboo in Russia; you may want to wonder why this
man chooses to break it.

8.)Don’t Let a Woman Carry Something Heavy.
This rule may make politically correct people cringe, but Russians believe that a man is physically stronger than a woman. Therefore, they believe a man who watches a woman carry something heavy without helping her is impolite.

When you see a woman (or an elderly person) carrying something heavy, offer your help with this phrase: Razryeshitye vam pomoch’! (Let me help you!) or simply Vam pomoch’? ( Shall I help you?)

9.)Don’t Overlook the Elderly on Public Transportation
When Russians come to America and ride public transportation, they’re very confused to see young people sitting when an elderly person is standing nearby. They don’t understand that in America, an elderly person may be offended when offered a seat. Well, you don’t need to worry about that in Russia.

Their elderly people and pregnant women won’t be offended if you offer them a seat on a bus. In fact, if you don’t, the entire bus looks at you as if you’re a criminal. Women, even (or should we say, especially) young ones, are also offered seats on public transportation. But that’s optional.

Getting up and offering a seat to an elderly person, on the other hand, is a must.

10.)Don’t Burp in Public.
We hate to bring it up . . . And we’re sure that this suggestion doesn’t, of course, apply to our readers. But maybe you know someone you can give this piece of advice to. Know that bodily functions, such as getting rid of excess gas (yes, we’re talking about burping!), are considered extremely impolite in public, even if the sound is especially long and expressive, and the author is proud of it.

Moreover, if the incident happens (we’re all human), don’t apologize. By apologizing, you acknowledge your authorship, and attract more attention to the fact. Meanwhile,Russians, terrified by what just happened, pretend they didn’t notice, or silently blame it on the dog.

Obviously, these people are in denial. But if you don’t want to be remembered predominantly for this incident, steer clear of natural bodily functions in public.

This article was taken from the site Russian secrets for fiances

9 statements about Russia

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 18:20:00 +0000

In this post I suggest you to read nine comments that non-Russian people often make about Russians. For an explanation of each of these nine comments,you can learn some reasons that some observers and scholars give as to why Russians may appear to others the way they do.

1.Russians are dreamers and not doers.

As a general rule Americans are oriented towards doing. They measure their own value and value of other people by what & how much they do. Ideas are not valued as highly as the practical application of ideas and results. Russians are more oriented towards contemplating ideas and valuing ideas in and of themselves. A Russian who attended an American/Russian
conference described the different ways each group would spend conference evenings. "The Russians would sit all night drinking tea, discussing and reflecting upon the events and ideas of the day, while the Americans would be dunking of what they had to do the next day and preparing for it."

2.Russians are not materialistic. They consider other people more important than what you can buy.

"It's better to have 100 friends than 100 rubles." Russians have very close bonds with and depend upon a close network of friends, family and familiar faces — people they know they can trust. Government, banks, & bureaucracies are not trusted or depended upon. Friends, however, can trust each other and depend upon one other.

3.Russians value familiar faces and distrusts those they do not know.

Again, many Russians belong to close-knit groups of family & friends. Within these groups, there is great trust and a strong sense of closeness — however strangers and outsiders are not immediately trusted and are kept at a greater social and emotional distance.

4.There is a right and a wrong way to do almost anything, and Russians will not hesitate to tell you when you are doing something wrong."

Russian culture, more than many others, emphasizes clear cultural norms, rules and scripts (what people should say). Many Russians expect others to conform to these social or cultural rules and freely correct those who "stray." They may feel that they are being helpful and
saving others from future trouble or embarrassment.

5.Russians don't think about the future — they don't plan far ahead. If they have money today, they spend money today.

Russians may believe that planning for the future and living for tomorrow is sinful and contradicts Christian teachings. One Russian student quoted the Bible as proof that this belief is sacred: "Now listen to me,you that say, 'today or tomorrow we will travel to a certain city, where we will stay a year and go into business and make a lot of money.' You don't even know what your life tomorrow will be! You are like a puff of smoke, which appears for a moment and then disappears." Making the most of each day, living 'it to the fullest, and facing only the hardships of the current day are valued.

6.Russians are certain that they are right, they know everything & they have all the answers.

Many Russians appear to prefer a consensus on truth to a plurality of opinions or truths. Some writers trace this preference to the early Russian Empire - when Russia was "ruled by an autocratic dynasty with a holy mission to defend its faith against the barbarians of the East and the heresies and pluralism of the West" "The pluralism of the West was seen by Russia as chaotic, without harmony, a disunity or thought and purpose."
Historically, Russia has held to a vision of a single, unifying truth — the truth as told by the Communist party and Communist ideology; or a Russian Orthodox vision of an absolute truth with no room for conflicting opinions.
Russian Orthodoxy, according to one writer, was envisioned as "a fellowship uniting all souls under a single and correct religious rite" actively agreed upon and shared by all. The faithful were envisioned as members of one big family - just as the 15 Soviet republics were envisioned as "sisters."

7. Russians are fatalistic — they feel nothing they can do will make a difference.

It is a general Russian cultural belief that people cannot necessarily or easily change things or influence events. The goal is to be patient & persevere. Some writers say this may be because of the physical hardships of Russian life — from the long winters to shortages of goods.

8. Russians disapprove of people who are different or who break social conventions.

Again, Russians appear to prefer dear cultural norms and rules and to easily judge and criticize those who break them.

9.Russians are "lazy" — if you don't tell them what to do and supervise them carefully they will do as little as possible or nothing at all.

Russian workers and Russian students appear to prefer detailed and precise instructions from supervisors or teachers. Decisions about what should be done, and how, appear to be made at the top. Supervisors/teachers appear to know best. People may prefer to follow clear directions from above rather than risk errors or innovations that may harm their careers.

Russian Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 17:08:00 +0000

I decided to tell about Russian Christmas, as I don't like the information that I found about it in the internet. So I want to tell you my view on celebrating Christmas in Russia.

Christmas in Russia is not so favourite holiday like the New Year. Though in villages people like this holiday more. It is on the 7th of January.

On Christmas Russian people like to have a lot of delicious food. It is a holiday, when they can eat the food, they can't afford on other days.

There are also special dishes like kutya ( boiled wheat with water, raisins,nuts , sugar or honey), studen ( jellied minced meat), fried fish, a lot of different pies and sweets.

On Christmas eve ( the 6th of January) children with their parents usually go to visit their God parents. As the God parents are usually friends of the family. They give them presents: kalatch (a kind of fancy loaf), fruits and sweets. And God parents give them presents too.

On the 7th of January Russian people usually meet their relatives and have festive dinner with them.

Some people like to go to church for the night service on Christmas eve and stay there till morning. It is usually older people, as young people usually don't like this.

In the villages children like to go from house to house, singing special songs called kolyadki. With these songs they wish happiness to masters of the house and ask them to give some money and sweets.

Happy New Year and Merry Christmas to you!

Russian dacha

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 17:04:00 +0000

Watch a Russian dacha. A Russian dacha is a summer house in the country-side where all Russian people like to live in summer.Dachas are usually not accomodated to live in them when it is cold.

Russian Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 16:45:00 +0000

Speaking of religious holidays, Russian Orthodox Paskha ( Easter) doesn’t coincide with Western Easter, either.

Paskha is not only the name of the holiday, but also a special cake that Russians bake (or, more realistically, buy) for Easter.

They also paint boiled yajtsa ( eggs) into cheerful colors and exchange them.

On the day of Easter, instead of “Hello,” Russians say to each other Khristos voskryes! (Christ has arisen!) The appropriate response is Voistinu voskryes! ( He truly has!)

On Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning people put an easter cakes, painted eggs, butter, fruits into a basket and go to church to holy food.

Main Russian Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 16:43:00 +0000

New Year’s Night

New Year is celebrated on December 31 and definitely the main holiday in Russia. It’s the holiday to prepare for, give the biggest podarki (pah-dahr-kee; gifts) for, and celebrate for more than a week.

Think Christmas, but bigger, not religious, less family-oriented, and more party fun.

Russian New Year combines traditions that Americans associate with other holidays. Russian Santa Claus, Dyed Moroz ( Father Frost) comes on New Year’s night. He brings along his granddaughter Snyegurochka , and neither reindeer nor elves are in the picture.

A Christmas tree in Russian is called a New Year’s Tree — novogodnyaya yolka ( Literally: New Year’s pine tree).

Russian New Year fur tree is not just a tree; it’s also the name of a New Year’s party for children, which is organized by all the schools, youth clubs, day care centers, and companies for their employees’ children. The celebration usually consists of an interactive performance, written and staged by teachers, older students, or company enthusiasts; the traditional dance khorovod , when everybody holds hands and moves around the tree in circle; contests; and presents. Another surprising fact: For New Year’s parties, Russians of all ages dress in costumes, just as Americans do for Halloween.

No one is supposed to stay home on New Year’s night. Russians of all ages get together for New Year’s parties, where they first celebrate at abundantly served tables, and then dance the night away. If the weather permits (and even if it doesn’t), city authorities organize celebrations in the parks and on the main squares.

You’re likely to see a lot of fireworks (which you can buy on every corner), improvised khorovody, and people dressed up as Dyed Moroz(Father Frost) riding public transportation.

Russians don’t have New Year’s resolutions. Instead, they make a New Year’s wish, which is believed to always come true. They make it at the stroke of midnight while raising a glass of shampanskoye — the official drink of the New Year.

If you have a chance to celebrate the New Year with Russians, do so — it’s sure to be a memorable experience.

Old New Year’s

Considering how much fun New Year’s night is, you can understand why having just one a year isn’t enough. The roots of Staryj Novyj God(New Year) go back in time to the epoch when Russia’s calendar was two weeks behind the European one, thus placing New Year’s day on contemporary January 14.

The celebration isn’t as extensive as that of December 31 (two celebrations of that caliber would be too much even for Russians), and businesses aren’t supposed to be closed on that day. Don’t hope to get anything done, though; it’s Staryj Novyj God, and no one is in the mood for work. Visit your friends, eat, and dance.

Russian Christmas

This fact may come as a surprise, but Christmas doesn’t automatically mean December 25. Most Russians are Orthodox Christians, and Orthodox Rozhdyestvo ( Christmas) is January 7. Orthodox Christianity was the first to split from the big Christian tree back in 1054. The most conspicuous features that distinguish Orthodox churches (not to go into theology) are highly ornate internal and external design, richly decorated ikony , and generous use of incense during services. On Christmas, all-night services are held in the most important Russian churches.

Those who follow the old traditions make kutya (koo-t’ya), a wheat porridge with honey, walnuts, and other ingredients, seven of them altogether; Russians believe seven to be an especially good number.

Russian Easter

Speaking of religious holidays, Russian Orthodox Paskha (; Easter) doesn’t coincide with Western Easter, either. Paskha is not only the name of the holiday, but also a special cake that Russians bake (or, more realistically, buy) for Easter. They also dye boiled yajtsa (eggs) into cheerful colors and

exchange them. On the day of Easter, instead of “Hello,” Russians say to each other Khristos voskryes! ( Christ has arisen!) The appropriate response is Voistinu voskryes! ( He truly has!)

Women’s Day

In spite of its official name, The International Day of Solidarity of Women, or, simply, 8 marta ( March 8), Women’s Day is as far from feminism as it gets. This official day off is the day when every Russian

female has a chance to “feel like a real woman.” It’s a mixture of Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day, but more inclusive: All women, from grandmothers to neighbors to colleagues, to say nothing of mothers and sweethearts, receive flowers, gifts, and abundant compliments. This day is also the only day of the year when Russian men awkwardly cook breakfast and clean the apartment.

The Day of the Defender of the Fatherland

February 23, was initially a holiday to note men who have served or are currently serving in the military. With time, it’s become a male counterpart to Women’s Day on March 8. Offices and organizations hold parties, women give presents to their male relatives and colleagues, all TV stations broadcast thematic concerts, and cities organize fireworks and open-air festivities.

Russian Mardi Gras

Maslyenitsa ( is a week of celebration right before Lent, seven weeks before Russian Easter. Maslyenitsa goes back to the pagan tradition of greeting the spring. The main attributes include bliny (blee-nih; pancakes),which are symbols of the sun, and open-air festivals, during which straw figures symbolizing winter are burned in bonfires.

May Day

Pyervoye Maya , started as the International Day of Solidarity of Working People, but eventually it became just another celebration of spring. On the first day of this two-day holiday, various floats, political or not, navigate down the streets of every Russian town; on the second day, everybody leaves the city for a mayovka : a large-scale picnic in the lap of nature.

Victory Day

This fact is little known in the West, but the Russians took a very active part in World War II, and lost a huge number of people in it. On May 9, they celebrate Dyen’ Pobyedy (Victory Day) over Fascism with

parades, fireworks, and open-air festivals.

National Unity Day

Created to replace the Day of the October Revolution (which used to be celebrated, ironically, on November 7), Dyen’ Narodnogo Yedinstva, celebrated on November 4, commemorates the events of 1612, when two Moscow merchants called for the unity of Russian citizens in the effort to liberate Moscow from Polish-Swedish troops. It’s another occasion for parades, fireworks, and open-air festivals.

Russian Roulette

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 16:39:00 +0000

Watch video about Russian Roulette.It is a potentially lethal game of chance in which participants place a single round in a revolver, spin the cylinder, place the muzzle against their head and pull the trigger.

Russian samovar

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 16:38:00 +0000

Watch how Russian samovar looks like. Video from the museum of samovars in Tula.

Traditional Russian food

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 16:36:00 +0000

Watch video about traditional Russian food.

Russian vodka

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 16:34:00 +0000

Watch how Russians drink vodka.

Russian apartment video

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 16:33:00 +0000

Watch a video about typical Russian apartment.

Best Russian souvenir

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 16:31:00 +0000

Watch how Russian matreshka looks like. Russian matreshka is a national Russian souvenir.

Russian music

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 16:28:00 +0000

Listen to Russian popular music and watch a video.

Typical Russian birthday party

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 16:20:00 +0000

Watch a typical Russian birthday party.