Search by tag «Russian culture» 104 results

• Treasured and Hard-to-Find: Optimists in Russian Literature

  Russian literature isn’t exactly a cheer-up genre – but when optimism appears, it’s earned and stubborn. These are not your YOLO go-getters but rather those who persevere in the face of grand challenges, choose to see the best in each situation, or accept their circumstances with grace instead of abandon. Let’s meet some of them and experience the hopecore of Russian lit today.

  27.01.2026

• Five Paintings: Winter in Russian Art

  What’s the Russian winter really like? And which traditions and pastimes were and still remain popular during the coldest months of the year? Let’s explore it all – with these five breathtaking winterscapes painted by Russian artists.

  02.01.2026

• Wrapped in Tradition: Timeless Shawls of Russia

  Shawls are one of the most popular associations with Russia. This even coined the term babushka, which now not only means “grandmother,” but also a way of wearing a headscarf tied under your chin. Let’s dive into the history of different styles of this traditional & iconic accessory.

  08.12.2025

• Skomorokhi: The Travelling “Mages” of Medieval Russia

  Your current vibe is “November gloom” and you forgot when you saw the sun last? We know who might’ve lifted your mood in 15th-17th century Russia: skomorokhi, the travelling actors and musicians. Hopefully, our story about them will have a similar uplifting effect. 

  24.11.2025

• New Russian Tongue-Twisters

  Earlier, we shared with you some classic Russian tongue-twisters and even the longest tongue-twister, but today we shift our focus: what if you could practice your pronunciation with words more relevant to modern daily life? Here are five examples for you to master – and enjoy. 

  10.11.2025

• From Proverbs to Affirmations: Russian Folk Wisdom vs Modern Truths

  Proverbs store folk wisdom for centuries after they’ve first been coined. But times change and what was perfectly sound advice a hundred years ago may sound quite toxic in our day and age. And yet we keep using them, as they are so much a part of our culture. Today, we’ll be taking a look at some of such Russian proverbs – and trying to make them more relevant. 

  21.10.2025

• Classical Music You Didn’t Know Was Russian

  On this episode of Name That Tune: ITMO NEWS Edition, we have classical pieces by Russian composers that you’ve definitely heard before! Can you name them all? If not, no worries, and get ready to learn all about them in this story.

  17.10.2025

• Three Ideas by Russian Philosophers Worth Exploring

  When it comes to philosophy, Russia is mostly known for its religious Christian thinkers, tracing back to theological writings by monks like Nilus of Sora or the novels of Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky. But there’s more to Russian thought than that. Let’s explore three thought-provoking ideas by major Russian philosophers.

  29.09.2025

• Three International Stars Who Made It Big in Russia

  These celebrities enjoy global fame, but in Russia, they hold a particularly cherished place in popular culture. Who exactly are they, and what explains their enduring popularity in both the USSR and modern-day Russia?

  05.09.2025

• Five Paintings: Students in Russian Art

  September is here, and with it comes not only a new season, sweater-weathered yet comforting for many, but also the school year. On that occasion, we’ll show you how Russian artists from various historic periods portrayed school on their canvases.

  01.09.2025