Exploring

RUSSI
A
 Table of
Contents
Introduction Russian Clothes Verbal Codes

Russian Food Traditions, Customs, and Beliefs Non-verbal Codes

 Introduction
Have you ever heard the quote, "Smiling without a reason is
a sign of a fool"? That quote is a famous saying in Russia
which explains a lot about their poker, expressionless face,
that non-Russian people would instantly think of as rude
when speaking about them. Contrary to the stereotypes of
many that Russians are grumpy, such behavior is just
actually a part of their culture.

So today, we are here to clear some of the stereotypes about

Russia and provide some of the country's significant facts.
We will serve you their vast culture, which is as vast as their
land area. Join us as we travel across Russia's pride: its
ancient history and multi-faceted culture.

Pelmeni
Pelmeni are pastry dumplings stuffed with
minced meat and tucked in a pasta-like
dough. You can savor them as they are,
smothered in butter, topped with sour cream,
or floating in soup broth.
Russian Food
Borscht Shashlik Tea
Shashlik is the ultimate dish for picnics and Tea is an important part of Russian culture.
This classic dish boasts a medley of beets,
summer cookouts. The secret to flavorful Due in part to Russia's cold northern climate,
cabbage, and other vegetables simmered into
shashlik is the marinade, and every Russian it is considered the de facto national
a vibrant red soup. It’s delicious whether
family has a well-guarded recipe for it, which beverage, one of the most popular beverages
served hot or cold, and for the perfect finish,
usually includes kefir or vinegar. in the country, and is closely associated with
add a blob of fresh sour cream on top.
traditional Russian culture.

Vinegret
Vinegret is a vibrant salad that’s as visually
appealing as it is delicious. Diced beets give
the dish a striking ruby-red hue and a natural
sweetness. What ties it all together is the
dressing, a simple blend of vinegar,
sunflower oil, salt, and pepper.
Russian Food
Blini
Blinis are hors d’oeuvres you’ll often spot on
buffet tables and street stalls alike. It’s no
mystery why—it’s a timeless classic that
never fails to win everyone over.
Medovik
Thin layers of honey-infused sponge cake
with sour cream filling and garnished with
nuts or bread crumbs.
Pirozhki
Pirozhki is popular as street food or just a
quick, satisfying snack. These boat-shaped
buns come with various fillings, such as
ground meat, potatoes, cabbage, or
mushrooms.
 Russian Clothes Shuba-Mantel
These luxurious coats are often
made from high-quality fur such
as sable, fox, mink, or chinchilla,
Kokoshnik Ushanka and are a status symbol due to
a traditional Russian headdress a traditional Russian fur hat with their expense and exclusivity.
symbolizing marital status and ear flaps that can be tied up to the
regional origin crown of the hat or fastened at the
chin to protect the ears, jaw, and
lower chin from the cold.

Sarafan
a long, sleeveless dress worn over
a blouse, often richly embroidered
and decorated with traditional
patterns.
Kosovorotka
a traditional Russian shirt with a
unique design that sets it apart
from other types of shirts. It is
known for its distinctive collar
that can be buttoned up to the
neck, giving it a high and elegant Men’s Clothing
appearance. Men's fashion has evolved, with a mix
of Western and traditional Russian attire
being popular. Modern Russian clothing
Women’s Clothing
Women often opt for a mix of traditional
for men often includes tailored suits,
and contemporary styles, combining
stylish coats, and trendy accessories.
elements like folk patterns with modern
silhouettes.

Traditional Modern
 Traditions, Customs, and Beliefs
Explore the evolution of Russian
clothing, with a glimpse into the
evolution of traditional and modernized
Russian clothing, where practicality and
functionality, highlighted by fur-lined
garments and layered designs, serve as a
response to the challenging winter
climate.
Evolution of Russian Clothing
 Traditions, Customs,
and Beliefs
Step into the festive world of Orthodox Christmas
in Russia, where joyful gatherings and lit-up
midnight masses light up the winter nights.
Experience the celebration as Russians dress up,
showcasing the cultural magic of this special
season that goes beyond just clothing. Embrace the
warmth of traditions and the joyous unity that
defines this cherished holiday.
Orthodox Christmas Celebration
Traditions, Customs,
and Beliefs
Pancake Week (Shrovetide)
Originating in pre-Christian
times, this tradition has evolved
from a solemn remembrance of
the departed into a lively
celebration adorned with round,
sun-like pancakes, exciting
sledding, and engaging social
activities. These rituals not only
mark the culmination of winter
festivities but also signify the
eager anticipation of a fruitful
spring harvest.
 Traditions, Customs,
and Beliefs
Russian social traditions are
indeed characterized by strong
ties and expressions of
hospitality. Practices like
exchanging gifts with both hands,
removing shoes upon entering
homes, and observing toasting
formalities, including making eye
contact and clinking glasses with
every individual at the table, are
customary.
 Verbal Codes
Russian is the official language of Russia, which is
similar to what they call their citizens. Russian is an
East Slavic language of the wider Indo-European
country. However, unlike the Roman languages of the
west, the Russian language is distinct in both sound and
structure. It has twice as many vowels and some extra
consonants, endowing it with a melody all its own.

Russians also put a distinct stress on syllables containing the consonant "R"
and are known for having a heavy pronunciation on such words.
 Generally, Russians are comfortable with
directness, but it only applies when they're
talking with people whom they have
profound relationship with.

Russian Verbal Codes

However, with regards to speaking with others, especially elderly people, Russians are actually very polite.
In fact, Russians will avoid saying a direct no as much as possible. Criticisms, in particular, will only be
expressed in a roundabout way. If at all, criticism should only be voiced in private, accompanied by
numerous positive remarks to ensure that the person being criticized does not lose face. This makes Russia
a country of high-context culture which means that a lot of things are not said directly but must be
understood.
Non-Verbal Codes
Russians greet each other with a wave during
informal situations, and a handshake both in formal
and informal situations. They do this after crossing
the threshold in a room because not doing so will
apparently bring bad luck. One kiss on the cheek is
the typical way that Russian girls greet each other.
There was a tradition to greet by three cheek kisses
in old Russia, but nowadays it’s gone.

Fig
This hand gesture in Russia is
very popular and is basically a
rude way of saying “You get
nothing”, or simply stated,
“screw you”.
Non-Verbal Codes
A Flick on the Neck
This gesture is generally
used to replace the phrases
“Davayte Vipyem” or
“Let’s drink”
“I’m fed up with it” Throwing the hat off the A confused head scratch.
floor.
This gesture basically Though Russians can just scratch their
This gesture comes from the
means that you’re fed up head when they’re confused, they tend
old times when people really
with something to make it more emphatic by doing so.
threw their hats on the
The thing is that it takes more time to
ground. This gesture
make this gesture than the usual head
expresses that a person has
made a desperate decision. scratch, so Russians get more time to
think.
Thank you!
Prepared by:
Bolosan, Sheikha
Mamuad, Samantha
Rivera, Yasmien
Soriano, Zamantha
Viloria, Christine