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.