RUSSIAN CULTURE: TRADITIONS, CUSTOMS, GASTRONOMY, MUSIC - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2024

The culture of Russia is born from inheritances coming from the Slavic influence, prior to Christianization, and the arrival of the Byzantine Orthodox tradition from the 10th century, known as the Kievan period. Starting in the 14th century, the Mongol hordes introduced part of the Asian customs to the region. Later, in modernity, all these elements would also be united with the culture developed in Western Europe.

Culturally, Russia has experienced various variations. During the times of the Soviet Union many of the traditions were suppressed. The control of the State on different subjects of the society even sanctioned the freedom of worship. It was from the time of the 80s when the various celebrations began to be resumed and spaces were opened to annul the restrictions on freedom of belief.

Moscow, capital city of Russia

Image by Michael Siebert from Pixabay

The Orthodox Church plays an important role in Russian society. Much of its cultural legacy has been influenced by this institution, which has also made various adaptations to certain traditions to link them with religion. However, today there are still traditions that are not related to the church.

Traditions

Victory Day

It is celebrated annually every May 9. It is a commemorative event that honors the date on which Nazi Germany surrendered during World War II. Military events are organized. Most people go to the local parades although the main point of interest is Red Square in Moscow.

It is a national day, recognized, so schools and workplaces are usually free of activities during this day. The tradition has its origin from 1945 in all the countries that made up the Soviet Union. It was the morning of April 9 when the Soviet government announced victory over Germany after the signing ceremony in Berlin.

However, the traditional celebration that takes place today is carried out since 1995. Among other customs is that of giving red carnations to veterans. The schools also sometimes prepare some activities presenting poems or songs related to the war and inside the homes they organize family banquets.

Maslenitsa or the week of

It is a celebration that takes place the week before the period of Lent. Although many describe it as a Slavic tradition, dating from before the arrival of Christianity, today it combines both elements, both "pagan" and religious motives.

Among the activities, a large figure called "Lady Maslenitsa" is made from straw and dressed in cloth. Dances are performed around this great figure and at the end of the week it is set on fire.

Pancakes or blinis are the most common food, since during the Lenten period foods such as milk and eggs are restricted. This is how the pancake was the ideal recipe to take advantage of each of these ingredients before entering the religious period.

Before the Christian influence, this festival was dedicated to the Sun and the farewell to spring.

Epiphany Day

Every January 19, the Epiphany Day is commemorated in Russia, in which honor is paid to the baptism of Jesus, who according to the Bible, was baptized in the Jordan River at the age of 30.

The Christian community usually has a tradition to submerge in the waters during this day. Around the time of year, these rituals are often held on frozen lakes. It is an allusion to the baptism of Jesus. Baths on this day are believed to bring health and well-being to people.

Usually on January 18, these small wells are prepared that are dug in the shape of a cross. After being blessed through a ceremony, the believers begin to immerse themselves within them. Among some established rules, during swimming people must submerge their head three times.

Russian christmas

The celebration of Christmas in Russia is guided from the Julian calendar, so the date of the Christmas Eve is located on January 7. This is because the Orthodox Church remains faithful to this calendar.

Saint Nicholas is a characteristic element as in different countries of Europe. In Russia he is known as Ded Moroz (grandfather of cold), who in turn is accompanied by his granddaughter Snegurochka (the Snow Maiden).

Since 2005, starting with the New Year, the following ten days have been recognized as days of rest. The days of Christmas are very familiar. Gifts and banquets are the main elements.

The night of Ivan Kupala

It is a celebration that takes place between July 6 and 7, which according to the Julian calendar means June 23 and 24. It is a festival of Slavic origin in the eastern areas. It revolves around the winter solstice, although in pre-Christian times it was done in honor of the deity Kupala, of fertility.

During this day people usually dress with flower crowns and dances are also held around the bonfires. Among other rituals are night swims. These symbolize the baptism of Saint John the Baptist, since the celebration has been combined with Christianity after the arrival of this religion, thus adapting to the beliefs of this faith.

The Name of Ivan Kupala comes precisely from the mixture of pagan and religious traditions. Ivan is the reference to the name of Saint John the Baptist, whose celebrations also take place between June 23 and 24 according to Christianity.

Custom

Love of tea

Russians tend to drink tea frequently, so that in homes there are usually specific utensils for its preparation. It is usual to see a style of teapot made of ceramic or glass. Inside this container they make a fairly concentrated infusion that they then dilute to their liking in cups of hot water when serving.

This is how they ensure that the drink is always hot and each person can be served with the concentration of tea of ​​their choice.

Never arrive empty handed

Gifts are a habit among Russians when visiting. From edible presents like chocolates, to decorations like flowers, they are well received by the hosts.

Wear slippers at home

Russians have the habit of wearing slippers inside the house, so when they arrive from the street they change their shoes for a pair of these. It is usual that they also have slippers for guests. It is everyday that each member of the family has at least one pair of slippers.

Serious personality

It is known that Russian citizens are not used to being very expressive or cheerful in front of people, especially if they are strangers. It is not usual to smile whenever you interact with someone. On the other hand, they are not so effusive when it comes to greeting.

Baths in sauna

One of the popular customs for Russians is to take baths in saunas. It is part of frequent activities. It is a tradition of Slavic origin and has been a part of Russian history for many centuries. Originally it consists of a wooden room with a stove, designed to generate heat within it.

It is known as banya, among Russians, a word that refers to public baths. It is common to see various sites built for this activity around the country, mainly in Moscow.

Gastronomy

Borscht

Despite the fact that its origins are associated with the Ukrainian region, this recipe is a traditional part of Russian cuisine. It is a beet and vegetable soup that takes on a reddish hue. It is usually eaten with some kind of meat and bread.

It is a recipe that is centuries old. Before growing in popularity it was a dish associated with rural and poor areas.

Olivier salad

It is a very popular Russian salad, made with potatoes, peas, carrots, onions, pickles, egg and meat, which can be ham, chicken or mortadella. These ingredients are mixed with mayonnaise.

Some locate its origin in Moscow, although it is quite recognized in other places such as Turkey and Ukraine. It is a common dish within the festivities and frequently offered in restaurants. Its origin can be traced back to the 1860s by the hand of a chef named Olivier Guillerminav, who ran a restaurant known as Hermitage, located in Moscow.

Shashlik

It is a recipe that consists of meat skewered on small sticks as skewers. In Russia you can combine varieties of meat such as chicken, beef or fish. Likewise, pieces of tomato, onion or peppers are usually added. It is a recipe frequently prepared outdoors and on the grill.

It is said that the recipe began to become popular in Russia towards the end of the 19th century. Its name comes from the Turkish word "shish" which means "skewered".

Shchi

It is a soup with vegetables whose main ingredient is cabbage or sauerkraut. It can have a sour taste so its acidity is one of the most outstanding characteristics. It is a popular recipe throughout Russia. Among some variations you can also add pork or chicken.

Chicken Kiev

It is a dish made from chicken fillets which are mashed and rolled with butter. They can then be prepared fried or baked with an egg breading and breadcrumbs.

It originated in the times of the Russian Empire and is currently very popular in other countries such as Ukraine. It dates back to the 18th century and was born from the combination of French techniques with traditional Russian culinary elements.

Music

The traditional music of Russia throughout history has been divided into two aspects, sacred music linked to the Orthodox religion and popular or secular music. Sacred music arises from the Christianization of the region at the end of the 10th century.

At first, secular music was conceived as "bad" because most of it was linked to dance and instruments, while sacred music gave priority to singing. Part of this antagonism was given by the idea that the instruments came from man, so it could not be considered as something sacred. This is how the music linked to the Orthodox Church focused on the voice and choral singing.

From the eighteenth century, foreign influences such as Italian opera began to arrive in Russia, which made a great impact on Russian culture. At present it is a highly valued genre in the country. Popular music would also include these types of choral and lyrical elements, also adding lyrics that made reference to love or patriotism, leaving a little of the religious theme.

The balalaika, a three-stringed instrument. Typical of Russian musical tradition

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

Russia also has various traditional instruments such as the balalaika, a kind of "Russian guitar" whose body is triangular and consists of three strings; the vladimirskiy rozhok, a horn or trumpet made from wood, can also be highlighted; and finally it is worth mentioning the accordion, which is a widely used instrument in the musical tradition of this part of the world.

Religion

The Orthodox Church is currently the most influential religious institution in the country. More than half of the population identifies with this religion. Christianity came to Russia in 988 during the mandate of Prince Vladimir I of Kiev. Since then it has long been the most powerful institution.

There are currently approximately 5000 religious associations, of which the Orthodox Church has a number close to half while the other part is distributed in various types of faith such as Muslims, Jews, Evangelical Christians, Adventists, Roman Catholics, among others..

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