Values
The concept of power and status symbols is very prevalent in Russia. This is mainly because it is the largest country in the world and is very centralized. There is a very noticeable discrepancy between the less and more powerful citizens.
Russia is a very “we” society as opposed to an “I” society, which can also be described as a Collectivist society. In Russia it is important to have solid and strong relationships with everyone from friends, family, and even neighbors, as it helps with life’s challenges. The more people you have on your side in Russia, the easier it is to rise in power and help yourself. They are also traditionally very deeply rooted in the Orthodox religion, and also Paganism. Many believe in many omens and legends.
Russia is a more feminine society, meaning that more of an emphasis is placed on caring for others than caring for yourself. It’s considered more important to enjoy what you do for a living as opposed to being competitive and rising to the top doing something you might not enjoy as much. This might seem contradicting because such importance is placed on status, but it’s customary to be modest when speaking of ones’ achievements, unless the person speaking is the boss, in which case it’s more acceptable to act proud.
Russians might not come across as the warmest culture in the world, but for them it’s a sign of respect to be more formal when meeting someone for the first time.
Russians do not place a strong emphasis on leisure time and overall are considered a more pessimistic and cynical view on the world.
Russia is a very “we” society as opposed to an “I” society, which can also be described as a Collectivist society. In Russia it is important to have solid and strong relationships with everyone from friends, family, and even neighbors, as it helps with life’s challenges. The more people you have on your side in Russia, the easier it is to rise in power and help yourself. They are also traditionally very deeply rooted in the Orthodox religion, and also Paganism. Many believe in many omens and legends.
Russia is a more feminine society, meaning that more of an emphasis is placed on caring for others than caring for yourself. It’s considered more important to enjoy what you do for a living as opposed to being competitive and rising to the top doing something you might not enjoy as much. This might seem contradicting because such importance is placed on status, but it’s customary to be modest when speaking of ones’ achievements, unless the person speaking is the boss, in which case it’s more acceptable to act proud.
Russians might not come across as the warmest culture in the world, but for them it’s a sign of respect to be more formal when meeting someone for the first time.
Russians do not place a strong emphasis on leisure time and overall are considered a more pessimistic and cynical view on the world.
Rituals
Easter
• Night services and organized processions
• Holiday baking and egg painting
• Give away Easter eggs to neighbors
• Day of abundant food
• Send and deliver gifts to poor families
Christmas
• Holiday of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.
• Orthodox church observes on Jan 7, Western churches celebrate on December 25
• Nativity Fast
• Christmas Eve
• Twelve days of Christmas
• Epiphany
Ivan Kupala
• Kupalo: God of summer fertility
• Sing songs, jump over bonfires
• Celebration of summer solstice
• Girls make wreaths of herbs, believed to be miraculous and healing if made on the holiday.
Maslenitsa
• Remembrance of the dead
• Takes place in winter
• Jolly holiday, lots of sledding, sleigh-riding, and fun
Wedding
• Very specific order of events: matchmaking, engagement, bridal shower, wedding ranks, wedding train, wedding rituals, church wedding ceremony, meeting of the newlyweds.
• Night services and organized processions
• Holiday baking and egg painting
• Give away Easter eggs to neighbors
• Day of abundant food
• Send and deliver gifts to poor families
Christmas
• Holiday of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.
• Orthodox church observes on Jan 7, Western churches celebrate on December 25
• Nativity Fast
• Christmas Eve
• Twelve days of Christmas
• Epiphany
Ivan Kupala
• Kupalo: God of summer fertility
• Sing songs, jump over bonfires
• Celebration of summer solstice
• Girls make wreaths of herbs, believed to be miraculous and healing if made on the holiday.
Maslenitsa
• Remembrance of the dead
• Takes place in winter
• Jolly holiday, lots of sledding, sleigh-riding, and fun
Wedding
• Very specific order of events: matchmaking, engagement, bridal shower, wedding ranks, wedding train, wedding rituals, church wedding ceremony, meeting of the newlyweds.