Encyclopedia of Culture and Life in Modern Russia |
What is Russia famous for?
First, the country is famous for its enormous territory and natural wealth. Russia stretches from the East to the West some 11,000 kilometers, and occupies near one-sixth of the earth's surface. Flying over so great a land takes longer than a flight from America to Europe.
Second, the country is known for its rigorous climate. Like Canada, it is cold in winter. A temperature that falls below 10-20 degrees Celsius in mid-winter is considered normal in many regions. In the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, the temperature falls sometimes to minus 50 degrees Celsius as in winter of 2001. In all the regions of Russia, the population needs warm cloths and very warm houses. Much energy and money must be spent heating buildings in winter. In summer, rainfall is light in many central and southern regions, and that is why crops are often poor. However, poor crops are explained not only by bad
weather but also by the lack of legislation on the private ownership of land. The history of "well-developed socialism" shows that nobody's land benefits nobody.
Third, about 200 European and Asian nations reside mainly on own lands in the Russian Federation. The Russian nation comprises only half the population of the country. In general, the density of population is very low, especially in Siberia, the Far East, and the Northern regions. Many nations speak have their own native languages and speak it as well as Russian. They have preserved their culture, religions, customs, and traditions. That is why Russians are tolerant when it comes to religion and culture. Christianity coexists with Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism. Russian culture comprises
elements from all the philosophical and religious systems known to mankind. It has even influenced the cultures of other nations.
Fourth, Russian history is simplicity itself: Christenizing - Mongolian yoke - colonization of neighbouring territories and nations - transformation into a great power. The uniqueness of Russia is that Russia is that state that belongs equally to Europe and to Asia. It acts as the bridge between Asia with Europe. The geopolitical position of Russia is favorable in this respect. It is not far from the Western Europe and the United States; China and Japan are her neighbours.
Fifth, Russia has made an immense contribution to world culture. Many nations admire the books written by such writers as Leo Tolstoy and Feodor Dostoyevsky, as well as the music composed by such great composers as Peter Tchaikovsky, Ivan Glinka, Mikhail Mussorgsky, and Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov. And who is not marvelled at the country's classical ballet and opera?
Here are Russia's classical culture, literature and art, which render an all-round influence on the development of modern education and on the social, political, economic processes that are underway in this country. To understand something of the events that are taking place in Russia today it is necessary to have a knowledge of the Russian classical heritage.
Content
1. Great Events, Which had Changed the Fate of Russia
Short essays on history open the collection. In them I narrate the events that greatly influenced the destiny of Russia during the last millennium. These are the events that spark hot disputes among historians and politicians. They have attracted the attention of many Russian artists, poets, writers, composers, ballet masters, and producers of operas and films. The culture of a nation is inseparable from its history.
These essays tell you about Russia's great books. Although these books were written in the 11th and 12th centuries, or in the 19th century, all of them have exerted a tremendous influence on the development of literature, culture, and the arts of the Russian nation right up to the present day. They reveal some secrets of Russian national psychology, and they explain why Russians love their culture, folklore, literature, art, and music so deeply.
3. National Holidays And Special Occasions
In these essays I describe few modern Russian customs and feasts and the ways in which they have been honored at different times. Many changes in customs and traditions were made in the 20th century. Atheism and godlessness and the absence of any genuine spirituality exerted a major influence upon traditions.
4. Great Russian Poets and Their Poems
Here you find a collection of the best poems by the greatest Russian poets translated to English. Also included are short biographies of the poets. These poems are memorized by Russian schoolchildren and students.
In these essays I will tell you about some well-known Russian novels, classics that have become parts of world literature. In Russia all of them are studied in secondary school. Many of them have been filmed in Russia and in other countries as well.
Here English versions of several lovely folk tales and fairy tales are offered . Every child born in Russia knows them by heart. I hope that you will love them as Russians do.
7. Russian Artists and their Paintings
Here you find black-and-white reproductions of remarkable pictures by Russian artists. Along with the reproductions are the stories and the appreciation of these works of art. Every Russian child knows them well. I have chosen to reproduce and describe only those that are connected with well known events in Russian history.
8. Famous Russian Classical Ballets
You will find here librettos of the most popular and well-loved Russian ballets.
9. Great Russian Classical Operas
You will find here very brief stories about the most popular and well-loved Russian operas .
10. Russian Jokes and Anecdotes
You will read a serious article about Russian jokes and Web addresses of collections of jokes (in Russian)
