Russian Traditions(1)

2. Russia is a unique country that carefully preserves its traditions, which have roots not only in Orthodoxy, but also in Paganism. Russians celebrate numerous holidays, believe in omens and legends. Traditions and rituals are a bridge between the past and the present.

3. Christianity has given such holidays as Easter, Christmas, Epiphany, Apple, Honey and Bread Saviors, Palm Sunday, Trinity. Paganism – Maslenitsa, Ivan Kupala, Pokrov Day.

4. There are traditional Russian values and core beliefs shared on every level of society, including: adoration of children, respect for the elderly, a sense of humour, the importance of friendship, generosity, pride, patriotism, a love of the arts, nostalgia, self-sacrifice, conservatism, caution, collectivism, and to a degree, pessimism and cynicism.

5. The features of the national cuisine are best preserved. Russian dishes are fatty, hearty. This is due to the peculiarities of the climate. They are simple. Our ancestors cooked dishes from everything that nature gave: honey, berries, nuts, beans…

7. Greetings The typical Russian greeting is a firm handshake while maintaining direct eye contact. Males will shake a female’s hand a little less firmly. When female friends meet, they kiss on the cheek. A meeting between close male friends often begins with a pat on the back and a hug.

8. The biggest holiday in Russia which most people look forward to is the New Year celebrations. For Russians this celebration is similar to how Christmas is celebrated in the West, with family, presents, and lots of food and drink. Unlike most Western New Year celebrations where people meet the New Year with friends, in Russia it is predominately a family occasion. Russian homes are decorated with a New Year tree. The traditional food is the Russian 'olivie' salad and the drink of choice is Shampanskoe (the Russian champagne). On New Year's Eve in Russia Father Frostvisits Russian children to hand out presents and treats, often accompanied by his granddaughter Snegurochka the Snow Maiden. People also give their family, friends and colleagues New Year presents. and most firms hold corporate parties around the New Year.  NEW YEAR

9. CHRISTMAS 7 January: Russian Orthodox Christmas Along with other religious celebrations, Christmas was banned in Russia after the 1917 Revolution. Russians could only openly observe Christmas in 1992. The Russian Orthodox church – and almost all Russians – celebrate Christmas (the birth of Jesus) on 7 January. It’s mainly a religious occasion, when families gather together to attend church services on Christmas Eve (6 January). They then go home to feast on a special holy supper, which includes kutia, a porridge with raisins. Some people attend all-night vigils at church; others just go on Christmas morning.

10. TATYANA’S DAY 25 January: Tatyana’s Day Tatyana’s Day is Russian Students Day. When Elizabeth, Empress of Russia signed a decree to establish Moscow State University on 25 January 1755 – the saint’s day of third-century Christian martyr St Tatyana – St Tatyana became the patron saint of students. Most university towns have St Tatyana celebrations, holding balls and choosing the best Tatyana from the students.

11. MASLENITSA February: Maslenitsa Festival Seven weeks before Easter are the week-long Maslenitsa festivities – Russia’s pancake week. They combine the pagan tradition of marking the transition from winter to spring with the Christian tradition of feasting before Lent. Each day there are different activities: making Maslenitsa dolls from straw and old clothes, making and eating lots of pancakes (blinis), sledging, playing on seesaws, singing, fistfights, visiting the in-laws, exchanging gifts, feasting, and drinking tea or vodka. The Maslenitsadolls burn on the final day, and people jump over bonfires.

12. THE 8 OF MARCH 8 March: International Women’s Day Symbolizing women’s equality, most people in Russia refer to International Women’s Day just as the eighth of March. It’s a day for celebrating women’s achievements. People have time off work, workplaces organize celebrations, and everyone gives gifts to the important women in their lives

13. SPRING AND LABOUR HOLIDAY -1 MAY Russia celebrates this holiday along with another 141 countries. In Russia it became an official holiday after the October Revolution of 1917. Since then 1 May demonstrations have been held annually all over the country by workers who fly banners with various slogans. Although it is far from a political holiday for many and most people still prefer to go to their dacha or otherwise relax on what is usually the first warm and sunny day-off of the year.

14. 9 May: Victory Day Victory Day celebrates the end of World War II with parades, spectacular fireworks and displays of military strength. The most impressive event is in Moscow‘s Red Square, where soldiers, tanks, missiles, and other military equipment are on display on the ground while military planes fly overhead. Military memorials all over Russia are spruced up, and there are displays in museums. ДЫ

15. Russia Day is a relatively new holiday and has only been celebrated since 1994. Originally the holiday was called Day of the Adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Russia, but naturally most people preferred to just called it Independence Day. In 2002 the holiday was renamed Russia Day. For most Russians though Victory Day is more of a day of national pride and patriotism than Russia Day, which for many is just another day-off. Nevertheless concerts and other celebratory events are often held all over Russia on this day. RUSSIA DAY - 12 JUNE