Russian Culture Insights
Explore Russian culture, traditions, idioms, and etiquette with our comprehensive cultural guide for language learners.
Traditional Festivals
Maslenitsa
Traditional festival celebrating the arrival of spring
The week before Lent
New Year
Russia’s most important holiday
January 1
Idioms
глаз не отвести
Literal:can’t take one’s eyes off
Meaning:very beautiful
как две капли воды
Literal:like two drops of water
Meaning:exactly the same
не в своей тарелке
Literal:not in one’s own plate
Meaning:uncomfortable; ill at ease
Social Etiquette
Greetings
People usually shake hands; close friends hug and kiss on the cheek.
Gifts
Mind flower counts: even numbers for funerals, odd for celebrations.
Dining
Wait for the host to invite you to start; don’t refuse hospitality.
Cultural Tips
Gift Culture
Russians value gift-giving, especially on birthdays and New Year. Choose thoughtfully and wrap nicely.
Tea Culture
Tea holds an important place in Russian culture, often brewed with a samovar and served with jam and pastries.
Family Values
Family is highly valued; gatherings are common and multigenerational homes are frequent.
Literary Tradition
Russia has a rich literary heritage; works by Pushkin and Tolstoy remain widely read.
Learning Resources
Recommended Reading
- "War and Peace" — Leo Tolstoy
- "Crime and Punishment" — Fyodor Dostoevsky
- "Eugene Onegin" — Alexander Pushkin
Classic Films
- Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears
- The Barber of Siberia
- Fortress of Brest
Traditional Music
- Tchaikovsky’s ballets
- Russian folk songs
- Soviet-era pop songs
Deepen your understanding of Russian culture with our extensive guide:
✓ Cultural traditions – Major holidays, festivals, and customs
✓ Common idioms – Popular Russian expressions and their meanings
✓ Social etiquette – Proper behavior in Russian society
✓ Historical context – Background on cultural practices
Featured Content:
☛ Maslenitsa festival – Traditional spring celebration
☛ New Year traditions – Russia's most important holiday
☛ Common idioms – Everyday expressions and their usage
☛ Business etiquette – Professional interaction guidelines