DISCLAIMER: If you proceed to this section, please exercise caution, as Russian curse words are given WITH English equivalents!!!

The word “хуй” (pronounced "huj") is one of the most popular and most used words in Russian cursing. The word can have several different meanings, but the direct translation is "dick". "Хуй" is definitely one of the most productive formative roots of the whole Russian cursing family. =) There are dozens of different ways that it can be used. Different expressions, responses, and just cursing in different songs are very common in everyday Russian speech. Typically, Russian cursing is used by teens, but can be heard by Russian men also.

Perhaps the most well known drink in the world, VODKA is the most popular alcoholic drink in Russia. Although vodka originated in Poland around the early 1400’s, Russia has perfected the drink over the years. The world enjoys fine Russian vodka exported from Russia itself. Over the centuries, many different types and tastes of vodka have been created. Polish merchants first brought vodka to Russia during the Kievan Rus era in history. Originally thought to be a cure for disease and sickness, vodka had quickly turned into a favorite drink of the countries of Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. The “vodka belt” consists of mainly Slavic countries of Eastern Europe, and the three Scandinavian countries of Finland, Sweden, and Norway.

The traditional Russian nesting doll called the MATRYOSHKA (Russian: матрешка) is another export and sign of Russian culture. Vasily Zvyozdochkin, making the doll a symbol of Russian culture, carved the first Matryoshka in 1890. The word Matryoshka comes from the Russian name Matryona, meaning little matron. The Matryoshka is carved from wood, and a set of Matryoshkas consists of a wooden figure that separates, top from bottom, in which holds a smaller figure similar inside. A set of Russian Matryoshkas can come in three, five, seven, nine, or however many one wants to make. Traditionally, the Matryoshka comes in a set of five.

Its tasty, its fast, its amazing, it’s SHAVERMA! Also known around the world as SHAWARMA and Gyro, Shaverma is originally from the Middle East, though it has spread around the whole world over its history. In Russia and especially St. Petersburg, it is called Shaverma or Shaurma in Moscow. It is a personal favorite of mine, and I recommend everyone to try it when in St. Petersburg or anywhere in the world. 

Typically in St. Petersburg, Shaverma is a quick meal that usually consists of a type of meat, (usually lamb, goat, chicken, or beef) are the main meats used. The other ingredients consist of tomato, cucumbers, onion, and a tasty white sauce usually made from kefir and mayonnaise. One can get a shaverma in a few different ways, wrapped with pita bread, lavash bread, or on a plate with a sort of make it yourself approach. In all these variations, one can experience the great taste of shaverma.

The pride and love of St. Petersburg, FC ZENIT is the only main club of the city. The passion of its fans can be seen at the infamous Petrovskiy Stadium on match days, and around the whole city when the team isn’t even playing. Blue, white, and sky blue are the colors of the club, and the fans walk around the city with these scarves and hats on to support their club. In the past few years, Zenit has experienced great success in the Russian league and the European leagues. The influx of money can be found by its’ main sponsor, Gazprom. The oil and gas giant recently became the club’s sponsor shortly after the turn of the millennium.

The little bear like character, which is loved by many all around the world, is one of Russia’s international symbols of recognition. CHEBURASHKA (Russian: Чебурашка) was originally a cartoon character in the Soviet Union entertaining children and even adults. Cheburashka since the fall of the Soviet Union has grown to worldwide popularity status as that little bear like animal with big ears. Eduard Uspensky first made up the cute little animal in 1966, in his children’s literature books. Soon after this in 1969, the first Cheburashka film was made. Soon after this, Cheburashka became an instant favorite of children all over the Soviet Union. Even to this date, adults and children alike can relate or remember songs that were featured in the cartoon series.

The USHANKA can be translated to a furry winter hat with earflaps. Men and women in Russia often wear the ushanka. The Ushanka got its name because of the hat having its ear-flaps being able to be tied on top of the hat or let down to the sides. 

When wearing the ushanka, one has several different options on how to wear it. The freedom to let the earflaps cover your ears from the harsh Russian winter proves to be helpful in the long run. The classical style of having the earflaps tied on top the hat can be seen in the old Soviet Union movies, thus, making the ushanka famous worldwide.

Just like any other country, Russian names have full names and their short equivalents. So one may hear sometimes something like “Hey Dima, come over here”, and wonder, “Who is Dima”? But in fact, this is just a short name for Dmitry or Dimitry (pronounced with the letter “i” as it is difficult for an English speaking person to pronouce Russian consonant clusters) . 

So it is very common to call your friends or acquaintances by their short names in Russia. This makes you sound less formal and means that you are on familiar terms with the person you are addressing by his/her short name. In fact, this is not just common but is almost an unwritten rule to address your friends by either their nicknames or their short names.

The reds are coming! The reds are coming! This is just another RUSSIAN STEREOTYPE that is popular around the globe. Russia is a country that is still a mystery for many who have never visited it, or have been educated about Russia.

RUSSIAN NEW YEAR'S is not your ordinary New Year holiday. It is a holiday that lasts for two to three days. It is filled with partying, drinking, family, friends, loved ones, and a lot of food. Since Christmas is not widely celebrated in Russia, New Year's takes up two holidays. Russians are usually given seven to ten days off to rest and celebrate. If one is fortunate enough to celebrate New Year's in Russia, then one will have a hard time remembering what happened in the two or three days one spent during this celebration. =)