Paganism is the native Russian religion, the beliefs of the ancient Slavs. Our ancestors identified the manifestation of the forces of nature with the will of unknown gods inhabiting the world. But besides gods in the world of pagans there were other creatures that also had a mystical power - КИКИМОРА (kikimora), ЛЕШИЙ (goblin), ДОМОВОЙ (brownie) and others😱

Most of Russian superstitions take their origion from paganism. Even nowadays people still believe that there is a ДОМОВОЙ in every house🎃and leave some food and milk or vodka🍷 to please him.

We also use names of mystical creatures to describe people. An ugly or evil woman 🐅 can be called kikimora (a female house spirit in Slavic mythology). And vice versa, a beautiful woman with long hair might receive a compliment - РУСАЛКА (mermaid)👸

What about your country? Do you call beautiful women mermaids too? 👂

We were so surprised to know from our foreign students that people all over the world know word BABUSHKA (бабушка) so well, because they mistakenly think that babushka is a traditional Russian wooden doll, which we are sure you all have seen many times. It's a very common souvenir that people bring home from Russia. But the right name for it is MATRYOSHKA (матрёшка) and definitely not babushka!

What is BABUSHKA, after all? Of course it's granny, grandmother, the mother of person's father or mother. And it's a very significant person in people's lives, so let's tell a little bit more about these amazing Russian women.

Babushkas represent a totally independent part of society in Russia - they know everything and are good at giving a piece of advice whether you’ve asked for it or not. There are some interesting stereotypes about Russian babushkas that prove true more often than not:
1. Babushkas are perfect at cooking.
2. They take care of their grandchildren while their parents are at work and they really enjoy it.
3. They have a dacha where they grow vegetables, make kompots and prepare jams to be eaten on long winter evenings.
4. Their biggest concern is to feed everyone who gets to their house to the bursting point.
5. Babushkas always know everything about their neighbours. They like to seat on a bench outside and watch other people.

Are babushkas in Russia different from ones in your country? Have you ever had an interesting meeting with a Russian babushka you want to share? We can't wait to hear your story!

Some of our foreign students say that Russian women are unbelievable. There is literally nothing that they cannot do! A Russian 19th century poet Nekrasov said: “A Russian woman can stop a galloping horse and enter the burning house.” (Русская женщина коня на скаку остановит и в горящую избу войдёт).

So no wonder why the woman that gave birth to the greatest officially recorded number of children was from Russia. She was a wife of Feodor Vassilyev (b. 1707–c.1782), a peasant from Shuya. She gave birth to 16 pairs of twins, 7 sets of triplets and 4 sets of quadruplets. 

What do you know about Russian women? Do you know any other interesting stories or facts about women in Russia?

If you want to know more about Russian people, why don't you take a Russian language course in Petrozavodsk and get to know Russia yourself? http://enjoyrussian.com/3686_programs/3688_choose_your_program/

Great chance to join our full-immersion programs in May! Contact us via e-mail to get the info about discounts.

Beginners level (2 weeks): May 2-13
Price: 450EUR (including tuition fee + homestay with breakfast)
Deadline: April 3

Elementary level (2 weeks): May 2-13
Price: 450EUR (including tuition fee + homestay with breakfast)
Deadline: April 3

1 Certificate level (4 weeks): May 2-27
Price: 900EUR (including tuition fee + homestay with breakfast)
Deadline: April 3

2 Certificate level (4 weeks): May 2-27
Price: 900EUR (including tuition fee + homestay with breakfast)
Deadline: April 3

APPLY: http://www.enjoyrussian.com/3719/

International women day congratulations!

It is time to speak about Russian women! What do you know about them?

Read some facts about Russian women
http://enjoyrussian.com/3661_useful_info/weird_russians/17617/russian_women/