What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
You should be particularly wary if you're not hetero. Russia is not the place to show your LGBTQ pride.
Police in Russia can stop anyone and ask for ID. If you're foreign, you're more likely to be targeted so make sure you always carry your passport and any required visas.
Drinking is an important part of Russian culture. Turning down a drink can be offensive.
The only plausible excuse to refuse a drink is for health reasons. For many Russians, not drinking alcohol by choice is an alien concept.
Russians believe this will bring bad luck, particularly in terms of money.
So if you happen to have a couple of drinks, always place empty bottles on the floor.
Russia is definitely a force to be reckoned with. A powerful empire, Russia has always been a major player in the world. Russia is the largest country in the world. The Russian territory is actually larger than the surface area of Pluto, since the country is about 17 million sq km (6.5 million sq miles), while the dwarf planet is only 16.6 million sq km (6.4 million sq miles).
Russia is also geographically in two worlds. Its territory is spread across both the European and Asian continents. Around 75% of the Russian Federation's territory is located east of the Ural Mountains in Asia. However, only 22% of the country's population lives in these Asian regions.
Additionally, the country is home to stunning natural beauty. About 20% of the world's forest areas are actually located in Russia, as well as the world's deepest lake, Lake Baikal.
The country also has some unique rules and laws, and it’s incredibly rich in superstitions and folklore. Russians inherited many pagan superstitions that still resonate to this day.
Russia is a singular country in many aspects. From teachers being paid in vodka, to bears addicted to fuel, the country is home to many peculiarities.
Click through the gallery and be surprised by the things you shouldn't do while in Russia.
Things you should never do in Russia
Russia is a singular country in many aspects
LIFESTYLE Culture
Russia is definitely a force to be reckoned with. A powerful empire, Russia has always been a major player in the world. Russia is the largest country in the world. The Russian territory is actually larger than the surface area of Pluto, since the country is about 17 million sq km (6.5 million sq miles), while the dwarf planet is only 16.6 million sq km (6.4 million sq miles).
Russia is also geographically in two worlds. Its territory is spread across both the European and Asian continents. Around 75% of the Russian Federation's territory is located east of the Ural Mountains in Asia. However, only 22% of the country's population lives in these Asian regions.
Additionally, the country is home to stunning natural beauty. About 20% of the world's forest areas are actually located in Russia, as well as the world's deepest lake, Lake Baikal.
The country also has some unique rules and laws, and it’s incredibly rich in superstitions and folklore. Russians inherited many pagan superstitions that still resonate to this day.
Russia is a singular country in many aspects. From teachers being paid in vodka, to bears addicted to fuel, the country is home to many peculiarities.
Click through the gallery and be surprised by the things you shouldn't do while in Russia.