Every nation has its own culture and traditions. Russia is a unique country with a centuries-old history and long-established national customs. Although, it’s a well-developed country with a high level of culture, most holidays and traditions date back to pagan times. For example, Easter, Christmastide, the Kupala Night, the Shrovetide - all these events have pagan roots. I’d like to say a few words about these holidays and traditions of their celebration. Easter in Russia is a glorious feast of Christ’s resurrection. It came from Byzantium at the end of the 10th century. Since then, this holiday is widely celebrated throughout the country with beautiful and solemn rites, such as eggs’ colouring, kulich baking, paschal greeting, etc. There are many interesting events during the Christmastide. Traditionally Russians have kept a 40-day fast before Christmas. On Christmas Eve they’ve prepared a delicious meal known as “kutia”. It’s a porridge made of wheat or barley and mixed with honey. Today, people use rice and dried fruits to cook this dish. On the night of Christmas it was habitual to visit the relatives and neighbours, to eat kutia and sing carols. Young girls would also arrange fortune-telling nights. Most devout people have spent days at the church. On the Ivana Kupala, which falls on midsummer night, people arrange posh celebrations. On this day young girls wear flower wreaths on their heads and sing songs, referencing to love and marriage. The Shrovetide used to be a holiday of commemoration of the dead. Today, Russians associate this day with the end of winter. They burn a scarecrow and other unnecessary things on this day. They also cook lots of pancakes and organize costumed performances. There are many other traditions in Russia, connected with christening, wedding, funerals, etc. But if you want to get a better understanding of this country, you should visit it during the main religious holidays.
