7. Dos and don’ts in Russia!
In every country they have their rules, cultural tradition, sometimes even strange things. Russia isn’t an exception.
Ethnic Cultures & Religions in Russia
Although Russia is a multi-ethnic and multi-faith nation, the majority of Russians consider themselves Christians, with around 75% of the population belonging to the Russian Orthodox Church. However, the vast majority of Orthodox believers do not attend church on a regular basis.
While most Russians appreciate Christian moral values, they don’t tend to uphold them as strict guidelines, and most Russians live life in a largely secular society. Christian traditions are most visible in Russia during holy days and festivals such as Easter and Christmas, which are as much about gathering together with family and friends as they are about religion.
Russia is home to a diverse array of minority religions, including a Muslim population of around 5%. The indigenous people of Siberia practice an array of ancient religions, with forms of Shamanism and Buddhism still thriving here after hundreds of generations.
Who is Russian?
What does a Russian look like? Ask yourself this question and you’re likely to immediately picture a fair-skinned European who speaks Russian, attends Orthodox mass on Sunday and is a mad fan of football. While football fanaticism may be a common thread that links Russians of all backgrounds, the truth is Russia is a diverse, multicultural, multinational state. There around 200 ethnic groups in Russia.
Russian Traditions, Manners & Etiquette
Greetings
The typical Russian greeting is a firm handshake while maintaining direct eye contact. Males will shake a female’s hand a little less firmly. When female friends meet, they kiss on the cheek. A meeting between close male friends often begins with a pat on the back and a hug.
Russian Naming Conventions
Russian names are comprised of:
- A first name, which is the given name
- A middle name, which is a patronymic, or version, of the father’s first name. It’s formed by adding ‘-vich’ or ‘-ovich’ for a male, and ‘-avna’ or ‘-ovna’ for a female. The son of Mikhail’s patronymic name would be Mikhailovich. His daughter’s patronymic name would be Mikhailovna.
- Last name, which is the family name or surname – In formal situations, people are addressed by all three names. Friends and close acquaintances may refer to each other by the first name and patronymic.
- Close friends and family members call each other by first name only.
Gift Giving Etiquette
- If you are invited to a Russian home for a meal, bring a small gift.
- Male guests are usually expected to bring flowers. Don’t bring yellow flowers, as some Russians see them as signifying separation or betrayal.
- Do not give a baby a gift until after the baby is born. It’s bad luck to do so sooner.
- Russians often protest when they are offered a gift. Replying that “it’s just a little something” and offer the gift again and it will usually be graciously accepted.
Do you have the same gift giving etiquette?
What other countries have similar etiquette?
Dining Etiquette
If you are invited to a Russian’s house:
- Arrive on time or no more than 15 minutes later than invited.
- Take off your shoes. You may be given slippers to wear.
- Dress well – smart casual, or businesslike is usually OK. Dressing well shows respect for your hosts.
- Expect to be treated with honour, respect and generosity
- Offer to help the hostess with the preparation and clearing up after the meal. This may be turned down out of politeness, but a bit of light persistence is OK to get her to accept her offer.
- Table manners are Continental – a fork in the left hand and the knife in the right.
- The oldest or most honoured guest is served first.
- Do not begin eating until the host invites you to start. Do not rest your elbows on the table.
- Russians tend to put on an overwhelmingly generous spread, and you’ll often be urged to take second helpings
- Use bread to soak up the extra gravy or sauce.
- Men pour drinks for women seated next to them.
How is your country’s dining etiquette different?
Do’s & Dont’s When in Russia
Do
- Learn key words and phrases in Russian. Brush up on greetings, numbers, shopping and bargaining words, and how to ask for directions. A few simple conversational phrases that allow you to talk about yourself and ask about others can go a long way towards connecting with local people.
- Pack dressier clothes than you might normally. Russians pay attention to their appearance and tend to be more respectful of well-dressed people.
- Bring a warm feather coat if you’re travelling to Russia in winter. It’s an essential item for keeping warm and helps you blend in with the locals! Dressing up for a night on the town is a must.
- Bring a small gift, such as chocolates, flowers, a small toy for a child or a souvenir from home if you’re invited into a Russian household.
- When visiting churches and other religious places, women should cover their heads before entering a Russian Orthodox church, and men should take off their hats if they’re wearing one.
Don’t
- Leave your shoes on when entering someone’s home. Russian homes, even apartments, are often adorned with expensive rugs, and Russian streets are often dirty because of the weather. Shoes and expensive floor coverings don’t mix! The host will usually offer a pair of slippers (tapochki) to wear inside, and women sometimes pack a separate pair of ‘indoor’ shoes if they visit some celebration.
- Overlook the elderly on public transport. Respect for elders remains a strong tradition in Russia, and not giving up your seat for an elderly person who is standing is seen as a grave offence – expect the entire bus to look at you like you’re a criminal! The same rule applies to pregnant women, and Russian men will often give up their seat for a woman regardless.
- Burp in public! Your bodily functions are considered private affairs, so do your best to keep them to yourself and avoid causing offence.
- Take pictures inside churches, unless you’ve asked the staff that it’s OK to do so..
- Be surprised if you’re stopped by the police. Carry a photocopy of your passport, visa and registration and be prepared to present them should an officer asks.
- Be afraid to open yourself up to Russian hospitality and try some unique Russian experiences. Taste local food and drink, sweat it out at a banya, discover classical ballet and theatre, get amongst it at a local sporting event, participate in a cultural festival and explore the vibrant nightlife of the Russian cities, preferably with a local as your guide.
Which point seems the most unusual to you?
Tipping in Russia
To tip or not to tip? That is the question!
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to tipping in Russia. Tipping has traditionally been frowned upon, especially during Soviet times, and many Russians still do not tip. However, tipping culture has grown alongside tourism in Russia, and as a tourist or visitor, it some places there is an expectation that you’ll leave a tip. However, the amount you tip should depend on the level of service provided and you shouldn’t feel obliged to tip if the service was not up to scratch.
Taxis
Usually, you’ll negotiate the price when you get into the taxi, so there’s no need to tip. If you don’t, simply round up the fare.
Hotels
Bellboys and porters should be tipped about 50 rubles per bag. You can tip the hotel maid about 90 rubles per day, left by the bed.
Restaurants
For table service, a tip of around 10% to 15% is appropriate if you’re happy with the service.
Bars
If there’s no waiter, you won’t be expected to tip. If you do get table service, around 10% to 15% is appropriate but not obligatory.
What was the most surprising to you about Russian traditions?
Task 2
In this video, a Russian girl talks about some very common traditions. Read the options below, listen to her and then choose the points she mentions.
Now give more details on each point. If it’s necessary, watch the video one more time. Record your answers and send them to your teacher. You can start with the statement from the exercise above and then add explanation. E.g.:
Celebration of the New Year in Russia is a family holiday. They get together, cook a lot of food, watch old films, listen to the President’s congratulations, listen to the chimes of the Kremlin kuranti (clock), drink champaign and watch a concert.
Task 3
This video tells you about what travellers in this country have to take into consideration.
First, watch the video carefully, then complete the summary below by filling in the missing words from the video.
Summary
In this summary of what you’ve heard in the video, there gaps with the missing words. Fill them in.
Task 4
Read the experience of people from different countries who visited Russia. You will need to fill in the gaps with words. Pay attention to the forms of the verbs.