Russian Blog - blog about Russia

Russia: Marc Chagall, Painter of Symbols

Marc Chagall was born poor, lost his beloved bride to illness, and was persecuted for being Jewish, but through his paintings, he showed the world the optimism that color could bring.

Russia - Novaya Zemlya

Novaya Zemlya is one of the most northerly points of land on Earth, lying at latitude of approximately 73 degrees north. As this is about 7 degrees north of the Arctic Circle, Novaya Zemlya experiences long stretches of never-ending darkness in winter and weeks on end when the sun never sets in summer. "Summer" is a relative term on Novaya Zemlya, as the islands are heavily glaciated and what ice-free land there is, is treeless tundra. Novaya Zemlya is part of Russia and traders from the Novgorod area first traveled there over 1,000 years ago. Explorers such as Willem Barents and Henry Hudson visited Novaya Zemlya in the 16th and 17th centuries respectively, as they searched fruitlessly for the famed Northwest Passage to the Orient.

Holidays in Russia

There are quite a few official holidays in Russia, all of which are usually moved to the nearest Monday or Friday, so people can enjoy a longer weekend.

The two biggest holidays are New Year (January 1st) and Victory Day (May 9th), both of which are celebrated with fireworks, heavy drinking, and official parties. New Year is the Russian equivalent to western Christmas. A tree is lighted and children receive presents from Father Frost, the Russian equivalent to Santa Claus. Victory Day is a much respected holiday that conmmemorates the Nazi defeat at the hands of the Russian army. Over 20 million Russians died in WWII and the memory is still alive in the new generations.

Russia: The Kremlin, the Palace of Russia

Few structures in the world create thoughts of wonder, fear, and awe the way the Kremlin in Moscow provides. Since its inception in the 14th century, the Kremlin has been the home of the leaders of Russia. Representing the heart of Russian politics, the Kremlin is the driving force of life within this country.

Russia: St. Basil's Cathedral

Built on the eastern edge of the Red Square in the mid 16th century, St. Basils Cathedral raises with colorful exuberance upon the landscape. The cathedral was commissioned to commemorate Ivan the Terrible's winning campaign against the Mongols at Kazan. Finished in just six years St. Basils was opened in 1561. Legend has it that Ivan had the architect, Postnik Yakovlev, blinded so he would not be able to build a structure more beautiful than this cathedral.

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