I am proud of the culture and traditions of Russia

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.

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

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.

posh celebrations. On this day young girls wear flower wreaths on their heads and sing songs, referencing to love and marriage

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.

funerals, etc. But if you want to get a better understanding of this country, you should visit it during the main religious holidays.