Culture & Customs

“It was a lot of fun during the Rivolushun. And I won’t never forget the Russian Rivolushun.” In which we look at the 1917 revolution through the eyes of schoolchildren at the time.

Continuing scandal, new demonstrations, a sesquicentenial and a linguistic smackdown. Just another week here at TWERF.

A random query led us down a rabbit hole to see how online translation engines are humming these days. Won't you join us?

One hundred years ago, in 1917, Russia was wracked by revolution, famine, foreign war, and domestic unrest. And yet, throughout 1917, babies were born, lives were started. 

How it was that in the eighteenth century Russian mythology was trumped-up in the Western manner? Who wanted it? And where did we get Lel, Yarilo and Zimtserla? We explain everything you'd want to know about Russian fakelore.

Many Russian cities have songs about about them. Here are six of the best ones about Russia's Northern Capital – three by American artists, three by Russians.

Bob Blaisdell reviews Other Russias, an album of images and impressions of ordinary, unconnected Russian citizens who have unexpectedly found themselves activists. 

The northwestern tip of Russia is one of the finest places from which to view the elusive Northern Lights. If you can handle the cold, the dark, and the visiting Muscovites.

Most beautiful village takes it on the chin, movie museum, Kremlin foundations, and more.

Abortion rights and domestic abuse have come under fire of late, marking some new battle lines in the social sphere.

City, state and citizens battle over the future of St. Issac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg

We look at the special place in Russian culture occupied by tvorog, and of course offer a tasty recipe...