Culture & Customs

You may have heard of Tuva because of its stamps. But the Siberian Russian republic is so much more, offering a curious mixture of deep cultural traditions, natural beauty, and mortal danger. 

When a general retires, a village can be in real danger. Because a general cannot ever really retire, and he may or may not have the sort of useful skills that the local folk require.

The pirog is quite capable of holding the flag as the most important dish in Russian cuisine. It is a filling, generous, and hearty meal, containing all the major food groups (vegetables, animal protein, grains, and bread) rolled up in one.

In this week's Odder News, stay out of the elevator, be careful where you ice skate, and Ivan Urgant says goodbye to 2021 in grand fashion.

The Russian town of Rasskazovo hosts the very first all-Russian sock knitting championship. 

"Since I am also a lawyer, I can act as an attorney for Father Christmas, and remind the plaintiff that Father Christmas fulfills wishes and gives gifts only to good girls and boys. Let him analyze his behavior and, perhaps, find something that has prevented Father Christmas from presenting him with gifts for the New Year holidays. This will be the main line of defense."

–  On December 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to defend Father Christmas after a St. Petersburg lawyer sued the gift-bringer.

A holiday survey detailed Russians' preference for gift-receiving.

Despite the pandemic (and a bad reputation for a distinctly Russian grimace), it’s not all sad faces in Moscow at the end of 2021.

Florence, Italy, is joining in on the Dostoyevsky anniversary fun.

An annual Russian competition to decide the best school cafeteria cook in all the land was held recently.

In this week's Odder News, next year will be better, St. Petersburg's mayor should move to Africa, and bunkers are hip.

Thankful for the care they received while ill, one citizen gladly gives away their wheels for the greater good.