Russian Culture Site
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A Russian Cemetery On Red Hill
Russians gather at cemeteries on the Sunday after Easter, known as the “Sunday Of Thomas” or “Krasnaya Gorka” -- Red Hill to commemorate the dead. Red Hill is a holiday with pagan overtones that welcomes spring and is a popular day for weddings since church weddings aren't performed during Lent.

Angel's Day -- Name's Day
In the tradition of the Russian Orthodox Church, a person is named after a saint whose memory is celebrated on a day that follows the person’s birthday. This day is called Name's Day -- Angel's Day or literally "Day of the Angel" and is akin to another birthday.

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

Death Rituals in Russia
In the Russia -- Rossiya -- of old, death had its specific protocols and mourning periods that ensued were as long a period of a year.

Fasting
Fasting is the abstinence from food and it has been a Russian custom for many centuries. It has many benefits, both physical and spiritual.

First Generation Russian American
What does it feel like for a young child to adjust to life in America without speaking English? It's reminiscent of the Tower of Babel. Read more about my personal account in the article!

Honey Day August Fourteenth
August fourteenth is celebrated as honey day in Russia. It is thought that on this day, closer to the fall in the Northern Hemisphere, the stock of honey in the beehive is at its zenith.

Russian Chai and the Samovar
Tea or chai was introduced to Russia by the Mongols. Tea is prepared either in a teapot or in the samovar, a brass tea urn. Tea is a delightful beverage, and to boot, it can help ward off a cold with the recipe I've included in this article.

Russian Folk Beauty Tips
Two Russian beauty rituals that you may want to consider at home instead of heading out to an expensive spa. They’re suitable for both women and men and appeal to a sense of frugality: one for the hair and one for the face.

Russian Zakuski - Appetizers
Zakuski are Russian appetizers. The word zakuska is derived from the verb zakusit, meaning to nibble, eat, bite. Zakuski are the equivalent to the French version of hors d’oeuvre, Spanish tapas, or Italian antipasti -- apertivos. Zakuski run the gamut from expensive to simple.

Sochelnik Christmas Eve
Discover the traditions of Russian Christmas Eve or Sochelnik. Did you know that Russians also have a version of the tale "The Night Before Christmas," written by Nikolai Gogol?

The Matrioshka Doll
Russia’s best known and recognizable folk craft items are the nesting dolls known as matrioshka dolls. These dolls come in a wide array of colors, sizes and motifs and represent Russia herself.

Zima The Russian Winter
In certain parts of Russia, the Russian winter is especially cold and snowy, but despite the weather, winter has an interesting tradition associated with it.