Russian holidays eyes of a foreigner

 To dispel myths about Russia, it is necessary to see for yourself. And these frosty winter days are the ideal background to understand and feel the spirit and power of this country. Winter understand why vodka in Russia's national drink. Walk through the Red Square or windy Neva River, going to the pancake, no tea, no warm up. And pancakes with caviar or salmon completely different taste play under a pile of ice. And what if all the festivals and celebrations are held in the street? Imagine: New Year's Eve, the central square filled with people even a few hours before midnight. By the way, foreign tourists in this crowd can always be distinguished by their clothing: hats with earflaps (trend beyond fashion and time), down jackets or coats made of sheepskin, knitted mittens. A Russian: unbuttoned jackets, girls in short skirts and boots. And why? Yes, just hot Russian people, regardless of degree.

A feast for a few days? Interestingly, when women have time to cook so much. But the most delicious in the morning - the remainder of the evening salad, sausage and dried up piece of chicken legs. Take all the cold and drink champagne weathered. And now to the rink can. In the evening all over again - the food, toast, television comedy programs and incomprehensible jokes, Christmas tree with blinking garlands and friendly visits to neighbors and relatives. And so a week. And after such a marathon know what the strength of the Russian people - in endurance and willpower.

There are winter holidays, which accelerated into a stupor. Baptism, for example. Holiday itself clear. But that's just why in the dead of winter plunge into the hole? And these days in Russia is always cold - the expression is - Epiphany frosts. And crowds of people in the 20 degree cold standing in line to plunge into the hole, kind of like sins washed away. And even there is a belief that after this round did not get sick. True, they say that on this day any water healing, so that access to healing can and home plumbing.

Happy holiday - Mardi Gras. Farewell to winter fun on ice slides and pancakes, as a symbol of the sun, which is about to start and will bake spring. Is a holiday week and all the days have to fry and eat pancakes. Today, with herring, with an estimated tomorrow, Wednesday necessarily to his mother on pancakes with homemade jam. On Sunday festivities - stuffed burn for a cock on a long stick to climb, well, pancakes, as without them! And then once on Monday a new life with no frills - the stern post. Where is the logic, tell me? Russian holidays than all similar to each other - hospitality. And if in real life you feel that it is not very friendly people, come to Russia in the winter. After all, to survive these gloomy and cold days, you need a warm heart, something that anyone who calls himself a Russian.