Understanding Russian Culture in Its Myriad Forms

When you talk of a certain community or a nation, you are immediately enchanted by their well-preserved culture and tradition. Such is true with a mammoth called Russia. With a plethora of cultural practices, art forms and traditions hovering around the nation, Russia has lots to offer. Whether it is the theater, history, architecture, art forms, the famous Russian nesting dolls, the local customs and traditions, the dressing style, or the folk dance, the list is endless. A true Russian culture enthusiast celebrates elements of this rich culture in more ways than one. Let us have a brief look on the valuable elements of the rich Russian culture:

The Theatrical culture:

During the Soviet times, the theatrical culture emerged and evolved rapidly. Russian artists were spread around with immense talent in different forms of theater such as the Muppet Theater, Youth Drama, Musical and Opera and so on. Live performances were a supreme favorite of the Russians. Movie theaters also developed interest amongst the Russian admirers of visual art; however, while they termed movie theaters as 'cinema' it is the live performances that were termed 'theater'.

The Culture of Education:

Trust the Russians and their high regard for education that it is a culture in itself. In fact book reading is a favorite past time among most Russians. The books too are very cheap and commonly available. With master writer s like Nikolai Gogol, Leo Tolstoy, and Maxim Gorky you can't really blame the Russians for their love for books.

The Culture of Community Work:

Community work forms a major part of the Russian culture. People from different social strata are encouraged to contribute their two bits to the society. The community work is often rewarded with lifestyle incentives based on the community service they people delve in. Incentives could include free or cheap travel allowances, availing goods that are deficit and gaining better accommodation facilities from the government.

Handicrafts:

There's nothing quintessentially Russian than a series of Russian Dolls neatly stacked one inside the other. The handmade dolls feature multiple figurines of decreasing sizes perfectly fitted within each other and can only be crafted by skilled Russian artisans with years of training and experience. The dolls have become an integral part of every tourist visiting Russia.

These are just some of the things that have collectively managed to shape the average Russian intellect. And if you're looking for proof, speak to an average Russian on the street; you'd be surprised with his knowledge.

Russian culture interests many around the world, especially because of the ancient significance it hones even in the modern times. The perfect example of the same is the undying fame of Russian dolls. The author has written many articles on Russian nesting dolls and Russian culture.

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The Myriad of Art Forms in Russia

Reminded of Russia by snowy environments, fur coats, hats and chapkas, ancient history, uniquely structured places of worship, long-legged women and a toast of vodka are you? But it is different for me, who has had the pleasure to travel around the world, including Russia and Belarus. I would say that there are certain things that inspire and remind me of the vast country and its people. Whilst in Russia, I was mighty impressed by the Russian hospitality and Russian culture. Not to forget the local customs and traditions that I progressively fell in love with. Oh and the activity I loved to do the most was shopping. Russia is known for its handicrafts, viz.; lacquer boxes, Russian dolls, icon painting, the list is endless.

These lacquer boxes are indeed deeply dipped in Russian flavor and are a major influence to the culture and gained prominence during the communist era. However, skilled artisans who used to handcraft these had to face tough times during the communist regime as they were not allowed to depict religious symbols.

Today among other influences, the lacquer miniature paintings are inspired by popular towns and villages north of Moscow like Fedoskino, Palekh, Kholui, and Mstera. Every image on these boxes and miniatures are thematic representations of Russian lifestyle, people, history, fairy tales and folk tales. In fact the handmade ones are so unique that that each one is different from the other.

Basically, these boxes are nothing but objects made up of paper-mache and are popularly used as bead boxes, treasure boxes, caskets and powder boxes. Fine lines of gold and silver; ornament the immaculate paintings on these boxes. I have personally purchased a dozen of lacquer boxes myself and currently use them as my jewelry boxes and pen boxes. Some are so beautiful that I have preserved them away in showcases as a souvenir of my visit to this culturally blessed nation.

Another art form that is an immediate eye-catcher and is no news to most of us is the Russian nesting doll. Traditionally known as the Matryoshka, these dolls symbolize eternal motherhood. Figurines representing the Russian peasant woman are made in perfect symmetry and fit one inside the other.

It is interesting these days the way artisans try and bring innovation in the designs. In fact today these dolls are representative of everything from politicians and pop artists to even cartoon characters. A collection of these heavenly looking Russian dolls jewels my home decor and never seems to cease to be the center of attraction during in-house parties and events.

Russian culture interests many around the world, especially because of the ancient significance it hones even in the modern times. The perfect example of the same is the undying fame of Russian dolls. The author has written many articles on Russian nesting dolls and Russian culture.

View the original article here