Russian traditions
Almost every nation and country has a reputation of some kind. The English are reputed to be cold, reserved, easy-going and fond of sport. They are a nation of homebodies. "There is no place like home", they say. The British likewise heartily abide by the saying known all over the world, ”My home is my castle” .They prefer a small house built for one family, with a small garden and a fireplace in the centre of the house. They like animals very much and follow tradition concerning food and meals. We know much about English traditions and customs but now I'd like to say a few words about the traditions of my native land, Russia.
First, about Russian people. In my opinion, our main character traits which distinguish us from other people are Russian hospitality, our "open heart" and "golden hands". Wise Russian fairytales reflect this wisdom.
Our people are hardworking, patient, never losing hope for a better life. Russia is a talented nation. Russia gave the world the magnificent names of Pushkin and Lermontov, Chaikovsky and Repin, thousands of names of world famous poets, writers, composers, scientists. All of them are the pride of the nation because they elevate the beauty of our land and people.
Besides these great names in literature and music, our country is famous for Russian traditional folkart, with our skilled craftsmen and women making painted boxes of Palekh, coloured shawls of Pavlov Posad, clay toys of Dymkovo, laces of Vologda, all of which are known all over the world.
Gzhel and Khokhloma are considered to be national cultural symbols of Russia as well as matryoshkas and samovars. The history of khokhloma goes back to the 17th century The production of tableware-dishes, spoons, mugs began at that time in the villages of Suomino and Khokhloma in Nizhniy Novgorod Province, on the banks of the great Russian river Volga. Many carpenters, and painters have been working since then reviving the traditions of old masters. The Khokhloma style is characterized by using plant elements in painting the tableware. The prevailing colures are black, yellow, gold, green and red. And nowadays this craft will hopefully be preserved, to be developed and brought into the future by new generations of painters.
The revival of old crafts and folk art is connected with the current cultural renewal of the traditional arts in Russia, of all peoples inhabiting our big country. There are 100 different native ethnic groups. They are proud of their culture, costumes, dances and language. It is the revival of our souls. Now we recelebrate the forgotten holidays of the past, Troisa, Maslenitsa, and Easter.
Once again we sing Russian folk songs and chastushki, dance Barinya, spring round dances, perform khorovods, and ride in troikas.
Traditional Russian cooking is world-famous for such dishes as okroshka, shi, pelmeni, kurnik, and the beverage kvass.
We have begun to build, rebuild and repair churches, which sadly fell into disrepair during the Soviet era, following the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. One shining example of this reconstruction is the rebuilding of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in the center of Moscow. It is truly a divine symbol of reviving human feelings, national pride and patriotism.
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Russian Holidays
· There are many national holidays in Russia, when people all over the country do not work and have special celebrations. The major holidays are: New Year's Day, Women's Day, May Day, Victory Day, and Independence Day.
· The first holiday of the year is New Year's Day. People see the new year in at midnight on the 31st of December. They greet the new year with champagne and listen to the Kremlin chimes beating 12 o'clock.
· There are lots of New Year traditions in Russia. In every home there is a New Year tree glittering with coloured lights and decorations. Children always wait for Father Frost to come and give them a present. Many people consider New Year's Day to be a family holiday. But the young prefer to have New Year parties of their own.
· A renewed holiday in our country is Christmas. It is celebrated on the 7th of January. It's a religious holiday and a lot of people go to church services on that day.
· Non-official "Men's Day" is the 23d of February, it is a public holiday called "The Homeland Defenders Day". All men in Russia are liable for call-up (including reservists), so they all are celebrities. On this day women usually give men small gifts.
· On the 8th of March we celebrate Women's Day when men are supposed to do everything about the house and cook all the meals. This is pretty nice — at least once a year women can take a break and forget about all those dishes, cooking, kids, take a magazine and relax on a coach.
· The 1st of May is the Day of Labour. During Soviet time there were huge demonstrations on this day, as everybody was obliged to show his loyalty to the state; now only communists organize meetings on this date.
· The greatest national holiday in our country is Victory Day. On the 9th of May, 1945, the Soviet Army and its allies completely defeated the German fascists and the Second World War and the Great Patriotic War ended. A magnificent memorial on Poklonnaya Gora has been built to commemorate the Victory. Many veterans take part in the military parade and lay wreaths on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Radio and television broadcast popular war songs. A lot of guests from different countries of the . world come to Moscow to participate in the celebrations.
· Independence Day is anew holiday in our country. On the 12th of June, 1992, the first President of Russia was elected.
· The 1st of September is the Day of Knowledge — it's the beginning of a school year. Children go to schools with flowers for teachers, there are meetings before the classes start.
· The 12th of December — the Constitution Day. This day the first Constitution of the Russian Federation was adopted in 1993 (previous Constitutions were all Soviet Unions).
· Russians love to celebrate. We adopted the Western holidays such as St. Valentine, and Halloween. We also appreciate Chinese New Year, Muslim and Jewish holidays, as Russians are very tolerant to other religions.
· We also celebrate Easter and lots of professional holidays which are not public holidays and banks, offices and schools do not close.
А nswer the questions:
1) What public holidays are celebrated in Russia; What holidays do you celebrate?
2) Do you have a favorite holiday? What is it? What your favourite public holiday is, and why you like it;
3) Who do you like to spend holidays with?
4) How your favourite public holiday is celebrated in your city, town or village.
5) What are your favorite things to do during holidays and why do you enjoy during them?
6) Do you think holidays are important?
7) What is the greatest national holiday in your country?
8) Are there holidays in your country that have come from other countries?