February 20, 2012 Bliny By Anton Chekhov In honor of Maslenitsa, we offer this great story/essay by Chekhov on bliny: "Did you know that bliny have been around for over a thousand years, since what is known as the old Slavonic ab ovo...? They appeared on earth before Russian history began and have lived through it all from the beginning to the last page, without any doubt, invented, like the samovar, by Russian minds...." Food & Drink Holidays
December 18, 2009 Annual Holiday Gift Guide By The Editors Our annual consideration of some great gift ideas for Russophiles. Now available online as well! Holidays
January 14, 2009 Independence Day By Linda DeLaine In most countries, Independence Day conjures up images of grand celebration, fireworks, family get-togethers, parades and so on. These celebrations commemorate the declaration and establishment of sovereignty by a colony or nation occupied and governed by another nation. This is not exactly the case with Russia's Independence Day. History Holidays
May 01, 2008 Independence Day By Tamara Eidelman It did not seem like such a big deal at the time, Russia declaring its sovereignty on June 12, 1992. Everyone was doing. Maybe that is why so few people can remember the holiday now... History Holidays
January 10, 2008 Twin Christmases By Paul E. Richardson In February 1582, the Catholic Church, in the person of Pope Gregory the thirteenth, decreed a new, more accurate calendar to replace the Julian calendar, which had been in use since 45 BC. The revision meant dropping 10 days off the year... Culture History Holidays Humor
December 13, 2007 Russian Orthodox Christmas By Linda DeLaine The Church's celebration of the Nativity is on January 7th; information about the Feasts of Christ's coming into the world and Scripture readings for the services and Liturgies. Holidays Religion
December 04, 2007 Holiday Gift Ideas By The Editors Where we reveal where to buy everything from Russian cologne to Russian videos. Holidays
November 29, 2007 Prianiki for the Holidays By Linda DeLaine Brief history of Russian prianiki (gingerbread) and a traditional recipe to enjoy during the holidays or anytime throughout the year; especially with a nice hot pot of tea! Culture Food & Drink Holidays
October 09, 2007 Women's Day? By Maria Kolesnikova A look at the origins of International Womens Day (March 8), how it was celebrated in Soviet times, and how it is changing today. Holidays
September 04, 2007 Ded Moroz By Linda DeLaine Ded Moroz; Grandfather Frost; is the Russian counterpart to the Western Santa Claus and other Gift Givers worldwide. He and his assistant, Snegurochka, continue to delight children and adults alike. In 2000, Santa Claus traveled to Russia to meet Ded Moroz for the first time! Culture History Holidays
April 23, 2001 Kulich - Sweetbread Recipe By Linda DeLaine A sweetbread that is a Pascha (Easter) tradition. Food & Drink Holidays
January 23, 2001 Russian Pascha By Linda DeLaine Easter is the most important celebration of the Russian Orthodox Church. Find out what constitutes a traditional Pascha meal and read the Patriarch's message. Culture Holidays Religion
