Russian Traditions

Many people have been greatly influenced by globalization, but long-standing traditions are still of vital importance in Russia. Moreover, many of them are truly unique and have their roots in paganism. Other traditions are closely connected with religion: Orthodoxy (the most wide-spread religion in Russia), Islam, Buddhism and other religions.

In Russia pagan superstitions and Orthodox beliefs have entwined in a very peculiar way. However, the acquisition of a new religion is a two-way process. Like any other religion, Orthodoxy did not reject pagan traditions followed by ancient Russians, but rather absorbed its features.

Certainly, major Russian holidays are greatly connected with a crop calendar and life milestones.

Russian Shashlik
Cooking shashlik is a unique Russian tradition....
Russian Old New Year
Old New Year is a truly unique holiday that is still popular in today’s Russia...
Domovoi
Domovoi is a good Russian spirit, which keeps the house clean and protects it from any misfortunes. The domovoi is often called the “master” of the house. M...
Russian Coffee (Real Recipe)
Did you think there is no such thing as Russian coffee? Many people add different alcohol to coffee. If its’ whiskey, the coffee drink is known as the Irish c...
Russian Fist-Fighting
Russian fist-fighting is entertainment, training of fighters, and also a test of one’s masculinity. “Throwing your fists around,” – used to say in t...
Sowing Season’s Rites in Russia
During Lent, it was not allowed to have fun, but Russians still had several holidays. After Maslenitsa with its fun and traditional Russian pancakes there was a...
Russian Custom of “Feeding the Cold with Jelly”
This interesting custom was common in central Russia. In May and early June in central Russia there were frequent cold spells that could destroy crops. Peasants...
Russian Rites Related to Dyed Easter Eggs
Dyed Easter eggs occupy a special place in the spring Easter tradition. How to paint Easter eggs we’ve already told you earlier. Dyed eggs were exchanged,...
Wedding Traditions of Russians – after the Wedding
In the old days the wedding did not mean that the marriage of two people was accepted and approved by the society. New marriage had to be not just agreed by soc...
Russian Rites During the Holy Week
During the Holy Week at the end of Lent Russian people celebrated two holidays – Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday. Palm Sunday (Willow Sunday in Russia) On...
Easter Eggs
The custom of painting eggs for Easter is beautiful and lets in advance to feel the spirit of that holiday. Almost three-quarters of the population of Russia co...
Traditions of Welcoming Spring in Russia
The rituals of welcoming spring in Russia began after all the rituals of bidding farewell to winter were over (Maslenitsa). «Larks» The most common ritual in ...
Traditions of Riding in Russia
It seems that riding is just for fun, but originally it had a deep meaning associated with the land. Tobogganing Tobogganing was originally created to stimulate...
Bonfires in Russia
Bonfires cleared and refreshed the aura of towns and their inhabitants. A custom of making bonfires on holidays is common not only in Russia, but many other Eur...
Color Red in Russia and the USSR
The word “red” is often used in the names in Russia, and before that in the USSR. Red Square, Red Kremlin, Red Flag… The Old Russian Meaning o...
Russian Custom: Bathing in Ice-Hole on Epiphany
Foreigners are amazed with Russians who during freezing weather on Epiphany take a dip … in an ice-hole. The tradition of bathing in an ice-hole on Epiphany c...
Russian Maslenitsa – Seeing off Winter and Preparing for Weddings
  Maslenitsa is the most joyful and most beloved spring festival. Russian Maslenitsawas inherited by Russians from their pagan ancestors. It is a welcoming of ...
The Spirit and Guardian of the Forest – Wood-Spirit (“Leshiy”)
Victor Korol’kov. Leshiy Some notion of the spirits of the woods exists in many European nations, and they are preserved as part of the folk tradition. Fo...
14 Facts About a Russian Wedding
Before a wedding ceremony a groom comes to the bride's parents to pick her up, even if they already live together ......
Russian Traditions, the “Bread and Salt” Custom
In Russia there is a very interesting tradition called “Bread and Salt”. Any tourist or official who comes to Russia is greeted with this custom. A Traditio...
Russian Sauna
Russian sauna is famous all over the world. It is a tradition handed down from the past, to promote and keep health. Russian sauna has always been surprising fo...

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