10 Unique Russian Traditions and Customs


 

Traditions and customs in Russia represent the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage. You can participate in a variety of unusual traditions in Russia, from the prehistoric paganism of Maslenitsa and Ivan Kupala to the more modern Orthodox holidays of Christmas and Easter.

This article looks at 10 Russian customs and traditions. We will discover the origins of these customs, how they are still observed today, and the significance they hold for the Russian people. All these are helpful whether you’re considering a trip to Russia or are just interested in learning more about it.

1. Maslenitsa – Butter Festival

Photo by Samira Rahi on Unsplash

Maslenitsa is a  week-long festival. It marks the end of winter and the start of spring. It is a customary Russian event that is observed in the final week before Lent. Maslenitsa, sometimes referred to as the Butter Festival, is celebrated by eating blini (thin pancakes) and taking part in sledding, snowball fights, and snow fort construction. The celebration heralds the passing of winter and the coming of spring.

2. Ivan Kupala the pagan festival

A pagan feast called Ivan Kupala honors the summer solstice. Ivan Kupala is celebrated on the night of June 23. It is a joyful occasion filled with customs, songs, chants, and a variety of legends, beliefs, and rituals. Russians leap over bonfires, gather herbs, and look for the fern blossom during Ivan Kupala. The event is linked to a lot of superstitions as well, such as the idea that if you jump over a campfire with your significant other, you will stay together forever.

3. Christmas festivities

Christmas, which is observed on January 7th, is a significant festival in Russia. The date is different because the Russian Orthodox Church uses the old ‘Julian’ calendar for religious celebration days. Russians often go to church on Christmas Eve and partake of the customary kutya dinner. They enjoy time with their loved ones and open presents on Christmas Day.

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4. Easter celebrations 

Another significant festival in Russia is Easter. Russians typically bake paskha and dye eggs on Easter Eve. They attend church services and enjoy time with loved ones. The dyeing of eggs is one of its distinctive traditions. Russians color their eggs crimson rather than pastel hues to represent the blood of Christ and new life. During the celebrations, family and friends trade these eggs.

5. Spitting or touching wood

Russians frequently practice the superstitions of spitting and touching wood. If you commend someone, you might observe them touching a wooden surface three times or spitting three times over their left shoulder. This is done to fend off the evil eye. It is due to the widespread practice of superstition and belief in the evil whereby complements are believed to bring the bad omen.

6. Always gift an odd number of flowers

Make sure you are aware of the customs if you intend to give someone else a bouquet of flowers. The first rule is that you must provide an odd number of flowers because an even amount denotes a funeral. Yellow flowers are sometimes associated with funerals, so if you’re hesitant, choose another color. Knives, scarves, and clocks are never appropriate gift items. In Russia, these items are seen as unlucky. Instead, you ought to present an odd quantity of flowers, a book, or jewelry.

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7. The Russian wedding 

Russian weddings can last up to a week. They differ from American weddings in other ways as well. The bride’s father is given a gift called a vykup nevesty as part of the ceremony. The wedding consists of two stages, the second of which includes a “Crowning.”

The priest lays crowns on the couple’s heads as they stand on a rose-colored piece of crown at this point. Following the ceremony, the couple releases balloons or doves as a sign of their union after smashing a few crystal glasses. Then they leave for a quick tour of the city, so they may take pictures at all of its famous landmarks.

8. It is bad luck to have empty bottles

In bars, restaurants, and even at home, avoid placing empty bottles on the table. This is seen to be unlucky and disrespectful. An empty bottle on the table is believed to be a sign of impending misery or poverty by a long-standing superstition. Some claim that the bottle will become the home of malevolent spirits.

Indeed, some claim that in the early 19th century the Cossacks were paid according to the amount of empty bottles on their table during the wars with Napoleon. When they had saved all the pennies, the cunning Cossacks buried their empty bottles under the table.

9. Avoid stepping on grass

Make sure you avoid walking on any grassy areas when you are in public. Notably in popular tourist destinations like St. Petersburg’s Summer Gardens. The police have a reputation for closely monitoring this and giving fines to people immediately. Although there may not be any signage to serve as a reminder, it is a widespread practice.

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10. Respect Babushka

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The Russian name for grandma is babushka. She is a representation of history and wisdom. Respecting Babushkas, whether young and elderly, is essential. Furthermore, since they will always prevail, there is no point in debating with them.

Bonus: Troika – Traditional Sleigh Ride

A classic Russian sleigh called a troika is pulled by three horses side-by-side. It serves as both a mode of transportation and a representation of Russian traditional culture. Troika rides are exhilarating and unforgettable due to the speed and exquisite movements, as well as the rhythmic sound of the bells attached to the horses.

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These ten distinctive Russian rituals and traditions serve as a symbol of the nation’s diversity and cultural wealth. They offer a window into the deeply ingrained customs that have been handed down through the ages. These customs add to the distinctive fabric of Russian culture, whether it is the joyful celebration of Maslenitsa, the intricate workmanship of Matryoshka dolls, or the spiritual significance of Easter processions. These traditions enables us to appreciate the nation’s history.

 

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