There is no religion higher than truth. So stated Madame Elena Blavatsky over a century ago.

The custom of presenting bread and salt -- khleb ee sol -- is probably one of Russia’s best known. What does it mean?

Amongst many Russian sayings, one -- in the end of ends -- is one that Mama and Papa, Babushka, aunts and uncles often used during the course of a conversation. What does it mean?

Iconography, in my opinion, is a form of non secular art. It has a long history in Russia where icons are venerated and hold a special place in the church and home.

If one were to spend a minute viewing each and every one of the Hermitage museum’s pieces, it would take more than a decade to see them all! Read more about one of the finest museums in the world.

The hen or chicken, called the coo-ree-tza, is an ancient symbol of happiness in Russia. Hens can be found everywhere in Russia: from her folktales to folk art such as the matrioshka or nesting doll and all over the land.

The name Faberge evokes images of beautifully crafted items from jewelry to writing sets. It reminds me of days when quality reigned supreme over quantity.

Paskha is a rich cheesecake that is served during the Easter holiday and eaten with the Easter bread known as kulich. Here is an easy recipe.

In Russia as in other countries, legends and myths abound. One of my favorite legends is that of one Feodor Kuzmich, circa the early nineteenth century. Feodor is said to have been the Tsar Alexander the First, who faked his death to pursue wandering in the later years of his life.

Tsar Nicholas the II was the last and doomed ruler of the Romanov dynasty that had ruled Russia for three centuries.