Russian Culture
Russian culture has a long history. “In fact early Russia was not exactly ‘Russia,’ but a collection of cities that gradually coalesced into an empire. In the early part of the ninth century, a Scandanavian people known as the Varangians and their leader Rurik invested in one of these first cities, Novgorod. Rurik’s successor, Oleg extended the power of the city southward and established Kievan Rus, which is now Ukraine” (Ancient). Russians are known to be very proud of their country and traditions. Russia is a large and extremely culturally diverse country, with dozens of ethnic groups, each with their own forms of folk music, languages and religions. This contributes to a country of great cultural diversity, a country where there is always something to be learned or discovered. “Moscow with the Tretyakov Gallery that features some of the most famous Russian icons, Saint Petersburg on the river of Neva with it’s famous ‘white nights’, art collections of the Heritage Museum and the Russian Museum, and the countryside with it’s many little towns, each with its own old cloisters and castles-all rich in culture” (Discover). Russians consider themselves a well educated nation with an appreciation for the finer things in life. They read often (more than any other country,) they are fond of live operas, musicals, ballets and drama performances at theatres. “Many an amazing relic of bygone generations will be found in the North Russian domain of Kareilia, its wooden architecture represents an entire epoch in the cultural history of Russia. Where, with so many stretching forests, wood served as the natural medium not only to put up churches but also to erect large, capacious dwellings, build boats, make furniture, household utensils and children’s toys, and finally heat houses. (Gippenreiter).
During Soviet times there was a well developed system of community and work in Russian society and people who did community work were rewarded and given benefits.
During Soviet times there was a well developed system of community and work in Russian society and people who did community work were rewarded and given benefits.
Cited: “Ancient Russia.” Retrieved 25 October 2007 <http://www.geographia.com/russia/rushis02.htm>. “Discover the Rich Russian Culture.” Retrieved 25 October 2007 <http://www.russia.com/culture/>. Gippenreiter, V. “Kizhi.” Retrieved 25 October 2007 <http://www.russia-in-us.com/Kizhi/>. Lourie, Richard. Sakharov. New England, Hanover, NH: University Press, 2002. Visson, Lynn. Wedded Strangers. New York, NY: Hippocrene Books, 1998.