Some people say that traditions in Russia are more important than their laws. Learning the traditional roles of men and women in Russia is an essential process if you are about to enter a relationship with a Russian lady. Here is some helpful information (source: eHow Discover).
History
In traditional Russia, men provided for the women. The women tended to the family, such as raising the children, cooking and cleaning. As Russia has become more liberal, the traditional family culture has changed (much like in other countries). Women are now able to live on their own, are more educated and independent. In a modern Russian marriage, generally both men and women work, yet the wife still cooks, cleans and tends to the children.
Traditional males
Russian men conventionally have seen themselves as superior to women. Historically in Russian families, women were expected to serve their men, take care of the children, and perform all household chores. In turn, men tend to be quite chivalrous with the women in their lives – being particularly crafty at eloquent compliments, bringing flowers, and showering with affections.
Traditional females
Customarily, Russian women put up with this attitude and pride themselves on their hard work and the ability to care for their men and children. They are strong, caring, and hardworking women who also like to be feminine and attractive. Traditional women in Russia want to marry quickly, as single women are often looked down on and pitied.
Chivalry
The Russian culture still thrives on male chivalry. Men should hold doors, help the women in and out of cars and offer to carry heavy things. Russian women love this exhibit of manners and will appreciate any charm shown to them. This chivalry extends to men asking women out on dates and paying for any entertainment on a date.
Being a guest
If you are invited to someone’s house for dinner, take a small token such as wine, candy or dessert with you. You can also take flowers, but if the function is for a date, be sure to not take yellow flowers. Yellow flowers in the Russian culture signify the end of a relationship. Also, take an odd number of flowers, because an even number of flowers are used for funerals.
Shoes
In the Russian culture, if you go to a man or woman’s house, take your shoes off when entering. Russian hosts usually offer slippers for their guests when they come to visit.
Conversations
As a people, Russians tend to stand close together and speak softly during conversation. They touch often while talking and see this casual contact as a sign of friendship. Kissing is particularly common and occurs frequently between friends, including the same gender. Russians are known to be opinionated and emotional, especially in their interactions with friends, business partners and lovers.
Pride
As life in Russia is known to be difficult, the Soviet people are used to suffering. Through this they have developed a strong sense of pride in their culture and nationality.
Russian Orthodoxy religion
For many Russians, religion provides a powerful influence. The Russian Orthodoxy is the most common sect, but other religions are prevalent in their culture. The Orthodoxy worships the Trinity, Isus Christos (Jesus Christ), Bogorodista (the Virgin Mary), and numerous saints. Each saint has different powers and depending on the worshipers needs, they pray to different ones each time.
Visiting a Russian Orthodoxy service is a true window into their culture. If you do decide to attend one and are not a current member of the church, keep the following tips in mind:
- Women must cover their head with a headscarf
- Men should not wear a hat
- Don’t wear shorts or sleeveless shirts
- Women must wear modest skirts or dresses, never pants
Dates
Just like in many other countries, when a Russian girl is comfortable with the guy she is dating she will take him to meet her family and friends, and then vice versa. Dating in the Russian culture is all about making the female comfortable and made to feel special. Affection is often liked, if the female is comfortable with it.
Tips for Russian interactions
Even if you are Russian, it might be good to keep the following traditions in mind – as you may come across a variety of backgrounds in a Russian dating experience.
- Russians are known to be some of the most serious social drinkers in the world – vodka anyone?
- It is considered rude to sit on the floor and it’s a bad luck to whistle indoors.
- Russians hide all body noises and avoid talk of bodily functions.
- Culturally a very superstitious group – so never give your date an even number of flowers as it will bring her misfortune.
- In a social setting, wait for a toast before you begin to drink.