All About Russian Traditions
Indeed, Russia is a very distinctive country deeply rooted in passed on traditions. The culture of this country is rich with history and ancient practices that connect everyone together. Even though Russia has been through numerous wars and destructive regimes, it has endured and survived over countless generations. Below, you can read all about Russian traditions that have been timeless and valuable.
Food
Borscht
The first Russian tradition regarding food is Borscht. This soup was originally made from cow parsnips and eaten exclusively by the poor. Due to an economic decline, nobles were more willing to try what they had previously shunned. As a result, they added new ingredients because they had crops in different regions. Today, borscht is made from beets and served with sour cream.
Currently, there are hundreds of variations to the recipe, as the flavor depends largely on the region. For instance, Kiev cooks this soup with bacon and beans while Moscow cooks it with sausage. Furthermore, Lithuania serves the soup cold while Russia cooks it with sorrel and greens instead of cabbage. The possibilities of this dish are truly endless.
Olivier Salad
The next Russian tradition regarding food is the Olivier Salad. Also known as the Russian Salad, it was named by Russian Chef Lucien Olivier. He cooked for the Hermitage restaurant in the 1860’s. His recipe included carrots, peas, french beans, potatoes, mayo, black pepper, salt and egg (optional). It was a very famous and secret recipe until Olivier’s Sous Chef Ivan Ivanov stole the recipe.
When the Hermitage closed down in 1905, the recipe for the salad began to circulate in numerous publications. There are variations to the salad, namely by changing the choice of meat.
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Art
Ballet
When it comes to Russian art, Ballet is one of the most prestigious and well-known forms. Though Ballet originally came from France, its second home has been in Russia since the 1700’s. Peter the Great replaced traditional Russian folk dances with ballet from France. Subsequently, Peter and Catherine the Great built schools and theaters in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The first ballet school was established in St. Petersburg in 1738.
Undoubtedly, countless classical masterpieces have come from Russia, including The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and Don Quixote. Today, Russia houses two of the most famous ballet companies in the world: the Bolshoi and the Kirov. Famous classical music composers like P.I. Tchaikovsky also became prominent.
Drink
Vodka
Russians actually invented this starchy spirit. This drink is mostly consumed by men, as it is seen as unladylike for women to drink it. Russians prefer to drink vodka straight as opposed to mixed in a drink.
Moreover, sharing a drink of vodka for men is a gesture of hospitality and a part of becoming friends in Russia. A shot glass is always used to consume vodka, as drinking out of the bottle is considered unsophisticated. Russians believe that if you feel a cold coming your way, a shot of vodka can kill the virus.
There is a Russian Vodka Museum in St. Petersburg that was reopened in 2008. When you visit Russia, be sure to check it out!
Enrique bernardino
I am slowly learning about the beauty of Russia and her traditions
“RussiaGirlsAreFabulos.”
“MWM” ©