All countries of the world have their own special traditions, habits and customs that surprise, shock, and, at times, cause bewilderment among representatives of other nationalities. Russians are no exception. At least once in your life, each of you came to the store 5 minutes before closing for something very necessary or looked for a gas station when the light was already on. And how many important things were planned to start on Monday - it's hard to even count! Let's remember together Russian habits and customs that can lead foreigners to a slight bewilderment.
Shoe traditions bordering on habit
In many Russian regions, it is customary to take off your shoes near the front door when you come into a house. It is not customary to walk around the apartment in street shoes. However, there are exceptions. So, having put on your shoes, you accidentally remember that some important thing has been forgotten. Why waste precious time on shoes, if you can quickly (on toes) rush after her. In most parts of the world (especially the United States), people wear street shoes around the house. This is clearly demonstrated in foreign films.
Another Russian tradition is the collection of slippers. All family members have them. Spare pairs of home shoes are also provided. Suddenly guests will come. Not to walk barefoot on the floor. By the way, many Russians have at least two pairs of slippers - a summer and a winter version. Not all foreigners understand the necessity of buying house shoes. There are countries where there are no slippers at all.
Threshold, farewell and whistle
Surely everyone remembers one strange custom. It is popularly called "sit down on the path." Not in the literal sense of this expression on the road or path. So they say when they go on a trip. Before leaving, everyone usually sits down for a few seconds on any object suitable for this: a chair, sofa, bedside table, or just on a travel suitcase. If you believe the beliefs, then this is necessary so that something bad does not happen on the road. Alternatively, remember if you suddenly forgot some important thing or documents.
There are two more equally mysterious traditions. One of them is related to the threshold. Through it, you can not only kiss each other, but also transmit something. Especially money. Popular belief in this regard says that all actions through the threshold are a bad omen. So, if it is necessary to convey something to a person standing on the other side of the sill, it is necessary to step on the "dividing barrier" with one foot. Then trouble or misfortune will not happen.
By the way, do you know why you can't whistle in the house? Again, according to popular belief, the whistle in the room scares off material wealth. "Svistunov" will face financial difficulties and debts. Interestingly, someone personally tested the effect of this belief? For example, in the United States, there are no restrictions on whistling in the home. If a person is in a good mood, then he can whistle anywhere. He will not hear any complaints from the people around him.
Strange expressions that are incomprehensible to foreigners
In Russian (as well as in any other), there are expressions that are difficult to translate. One of them sounds - "yes no, probably." Those who heard him understand what the speaker meant. But such an expression can lead a foreigner to a stupor. And not only that.
Everyone is well aware of the tradition of celebrating the Old New Year. And as one well-known comedian said, residents of other countries hardly understand how the new year can be old. Although the solution has historical roots. Previously, the New Year was celebrated according to the Julian calendar. Then it was replaced by the Gregorian one (we now live by it). As a result - a shift in the dates of many holidays.
Another expression that all Russians have heard is "enjoy yourselves." So they say to those who have just left the bath, sauna or just a bathroom. It is not very clear to many foreigners - why congratulate a person on the fact that he was bought. After all, this is just a necessary hygienic procedure.
Doctor, grandmothers and pets
The costs of modern times - going to doctors is expensive, ineffective, and besides, there is no time for this. Therefore, self-medication has been flourishing in Russian regions for many decades. At the slightest hint of a runny nose, slight malaise or indigestion, according to folk tradition, they go to the pharmacy for medicines (why do I need a doctor, I already know what to buy). By the way, along with modern medicines, various "grass-ants" are also popular. Decoctions, lotions and other medicinal things are made from them. Many foreigners are surprised at this.
Another feature of the Russian flavor is associated with the grandmother and grandchildren. In foreign countries, when people retire, they prefer traveling, but not sitting with their children's children. Things are quite different with us. One of the main responsibilities of a grandmother (and sometimes a grandfather) is looking after grandchildren. After all, their parents are busy at work or with the arrangement of their personal lives.
It is difficult to name a country where pets are not popular. People give birth to animals, ranging from traditional - dogs, cats, hamsters, to exotic - lizards, spiders, piranhas. But foreigners, at times, wonder why in Russian regions dogs of large breeds are kept in apartments (especially small ones). If you think logically, then they need an aviary. So it is better to keep them in a country house. But the Russian mentality sets its own “rules of the game”.
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But what about the packages
Collections of various packages have become the talk of the town for a long time. They are stored in specially designated boxes, boxes, shelves. But the most popular is the method of folding bags into a bag. What for? What if it comes in handy! After all, a package is a unique item. In it, you can convey not only the purchases of their store, but also throw out the trash or put items that "may be needed later." For fashionistas, bags with brand store logos are of particular importance. After all, they very harmoniously complement the "bow" (appearance) and set off the handbag.
Usually the traditions and habits that are found among the population of a particular country are based on some historical moments, the way of life of their ancestors. The mentality of people is also reflected in them. Therefore, it is rare to find a country, the customs of the population of which are identical to the inhabitants of another state.
Share what do you think - what other habits and traditions are typical for Russians?