Search by tag «Russian traditions» 25 results

• Wanted: Ded Moroz, Snegurochka, and Other Russian New Year’s Characters

  Two legends in fur hats and coats. Stealing the hearts of all kids (and many adults) with magic and generosity every year. Last seen on New Year’s night. Does it ring any bells? Meet the two main symbols of the New Year in Russia.

  06.12.2021

• Paint a Spaceship Like a Russian

  The Russian space agency Roscosmos has decorated the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket, scheduled to take the Progress MS-18 cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station at the end of October, with khokhloma, a traditional Russian style of painting known for its regal combination of red, gold, and black. What other famous Russian designs, theoretically, could have made it into space? 

  18.10.2021

• How to Get in Trouble at a Russian Dinner Table

  Like holding your fork in your fist? Using a napkin to blow your nose? Sitting cross-legged on your chair? Your Russian grandma – should you be lucky enough to have one – will set your Russian table manners straight, and then stuff you full.

  12.07.2021

• Maslenitsa Fortune Telling: The Unscientific Method

  With the Maslenitsa week in full swing, what can be better than gorging on buttery, lacy blini, the Russian version of pancakes? Some might argue that it’s also learning what the coming year has in store.

  12.03.2021

• ITMO Celebrates Maslenitsa: Stories from Students and Staff

  Do you love pancakes? This week you can eat them to your heart’s content – it’s Maslenitsa week in Russia! This celebration is all about welcoming spring and yes, gorging on pancakes, or blini, as they’re called here. We asked our students to describe how they’re celebrating this traditional Russian holiday.

  11.03.2021

• Koliada: Russian Trick-or-Treating?

  What do Halloween and Russian Orthodox Christmas (January 7) have in common? Asking neighbors for sweets, of course!

  07.01.2021

• Make It Magical: Guide to Russian New Year’s

  As the year draws to a close and everyone slips into holiday mode, it’s time to start thinking about how to make your New Year’s magical – and why not do it the Russian way with a late heart-warming dinner, some sparkling wine, and a visit by the one and only Ded Moroz and his granddaughter Snegurochka. Here's everything you need to know to ring in the new year like a Russian.

  28.12.2020

• Russian New Year’s Superstitions: Building a Better Year Together in 2021

  Did you know that cleaning your house on New Year’s Eve may sweep away any luck coming your way, while wearing the wrong clothes can make the next year's symbol angry? These are just some of the most common superstitions that could bring you luck in a new year. And as we’re not taking any chances, especially this year, let’s dig into all the dos and don’ts of the upcoming New Year’s Eve together. We promise that as the clock strikes midnight, you won’t turn into a pumpkin (unless that's what you wish for).

  21.12.2020

• Discover Yamal Peninsula: Wise Up and Learn to Welcome Change

  Sometimes I am terrified by how little I know about my own country and especially its many regions. Not long ago, I stumbled upon a short course on Yamal, a peninsula in Western Siberia, surrounded by northern seas, and it shook my world in so many ways that I can’t help but share what I learn in hopes to change yours – if only a little! 

  19.10.2020

• The Unexpectedly Superstitious Side of St. Petersburg

  It might be the 21st century and we are planning our trips to Mars – but don’t let that fool you! Some of us still believe in superstitions and in some kind of spooky force out there casting good or bad luck our way. And if you are in for some luck, wealth, love, and maybe good grades, keep on reading – we know the secrets and are eager to fill you in.

  05.10.2020