Greetings
Greetings are an essential part of Russian culture as they create a positive atmosphere and allow people to show respect and courtesy towards each other. However, Russians have a unique set of customs and etiquette that they traditionally follow when it comes to greetings which are different from what one may expect in western cultures. Therefore, this article will explore the process of proper greeting and other cultural customs that one should be aware of when engaging with people in Russia.
Handshake
The handshake is the most common form of greeting in Russia. It is customary to shake hands when introduced to someone for the first time, although, in some regions, a hug may be offered instead – this is especially true for very close family and friends. It is polite to maintain eye contact throughout. Men usually wait for women to show their hands first and bear in mind that “hand kissing” may occur – where the man takes a woman’s hand, brings it up to his lips, and gives it a light kiss. Russian men tend to greet other men with backslapping or arm wrestling.
In formal settings, people bow slightly without shaking hands; however, in less formal settings, you may take the opportunity to exchange casual pleasantries such as:
- Priyatnovo vstrechi (“Nice/pleased to meet you”)
- Kak dela? (“How are you?”)
In many parts of Russia, people still say ‘good day’ (добрый день / dobry den).
Eye Contact
Making eye contact is an integral part of Russian culture and etiquette. It can signal friendliness, open-mindedness, and camaraderie in a conversation. Russians will often be direct in their conversation approach while demonstrating politeness and respect. Maintaining eye contact while speaking or listening tells your conversation partner that you are paying attention, following their ideas, and taking the conversation seriously.
In Russian culture, looking away too much or avoiding eye contact might be considered impolite behavior. Pay attention to verbal and nonverbal cues when conversing with someone from Russia to ensure that you present yourself properly. Try to maintain eye contact as much as possible during each exchange to show respect, interest, and attentiveness.
Body Language
Several body language cues should be considered when meeting someone for the first time in Russia. Shaking hands is expected, with a friendly smile. Men may touch each other when shaking hands, and it is okay for men and women to do the same. Russians tend to have a warm and inviting manner when greeting one another; they generally look relaxed and easygoing.
Eye contact is essential in Russian culture, as it conveys trustworthiness and sincerity. If a person glances away while speaking with you, they may get lost in thought or look elsewhere – not trying to offend! Gentle touching is also particularly common; nodding your head towards people or making slight touches on their arms or shoulders is commonly used in conversation.
It’s important to remember that Russians’ personal space might feel closer than what you are used to – so don’t back away! Accepting such proximity shows openness and comfortability with the culture. If anyone makes you uncomfortable, make your discomfort known by speaking up and indicating that enough is enough!
Dress Code
Regarding fashion, Russian people usually opt for more conservative styles than European countries. It is especially true when it comes to dressing code – formal occasions require more formal attire, while business meetings and daily life require more casual styles — knowing what to wear and when can help you make a good impression and get on better with the locals.
Let’s explore the dress code in Russia in more detail.
Traditional Dress
When attending a formal event in Russia, traditional clothing is expected. Men are expected to wear a suit, collared shirt, and tie. Women should wear a dress or skirt and a blazer with appropriate accessories. Shoes should be well-polished, and clothing must be modest, as excessively sexy or flashy clothes will not be appreciated.
Traditional women’s dress would include an elaborate long skirt known as the Sarafan. It could be either knee-length or full-length, with intricate details and embroidery added. It is usually made from silk or velvet and could have ribbon trims or full sleeves, which often feature decorative motifs. A scarf worn around the neck is also typical of traditional Russian dress for women, known as Kokoshnik, which has origin stories dating back centuries in Russian culture.
Men’s attire would include the kosovorotka shirt – a sleeveless garment that dates back to ancient times with its geometric patterns symbolizing wealth and status along with trousers that were tailored in long rectangles on either side of both legs rather than being cut away with fitted angles like today’s trousers – known as Shokha Breeches – held up by a belt along the waistline usually crafted from leather bearing beautiful metalwork adornments. Furthermore, it was generally considered necessary not to show too much skin during these times, so men might team their attire up with boots that came up high on their shins, so there was no skin visible between socks and pants, thus being dubbed “Oprichnik Style” boots which remain popular today in made-to-order fashion for discerning customers who appreciate simplicity methods from older days when garments were required to last decades rather than years as manufactured goods do today.
Casual Dress
Regarding the dress code in Russia, casual dress is generally appropriate in most everyday situations. It includes jeans, slacks, and skirts that are not overly revealing. T-shirts are also acceptable, but try to avoid wearing too many graphics or logos on the shirt, which could be interpreted as showing off.
It is best to wear semi-formal attire such as a suit or blouse with a skirt or nice trousers for formal events such as weddings or business meetings. Depending on the situation, you may wish to add a touch of color, such as choosing a brightly colored dress shirt for a business meeting.
Women should avoid wearing short skirts and miniskirts; instead, opt for knee-length skirts or longer when possible. In addition, as with all countries, avoid wearing anything that could be considered offensive to Russians’ cultural values, as different groups may interpret what is considered appropriate dress in public areas.
Business Dress
When participating in a business environment in Russia, it is essential to dress appropriately. Formal business attire is expected, with suits and ties generally required for men and dresses or skirts with jackets recommended for women; this is especially true if you’re meeting in a government setting. Bright, flashy colors should be avoided, and natural fabrics like wool or linen are much preferred over synthetic blends. Neatness and clothing appropriateness should always be considered, no matter the context, as appearance plays a vital role in interactions between people in Russia.
Employees of domestic companies tend to dress more casually than their international counterparts. However, visitors from abroad are expected to display stricter standards of formality. Men usually wear tailored grey or dark blue suits with long-sleeved white shirts, black leather shoes, and dark-colored socks; women tend to wear a skirt suit or trousers combined with a blouse or shirt – one that does not reveal too much skin when sitting down – as well as minimal jewelry and classy shoes without high heels.
Eating Habits
Regarding dining in Russia, some specific customs and etiquette exist. It is important to note that Russians do not generally eat with their hands, and it is considered bad manners for people to serve themselves food. All food is passed around the table or served with a typical dish.
If you are invited to a Russian dinner, it is also customary to bring a small gift as a gesture.
Table Manners
In Russian culture, table manners are taken quite seriously, and there are a few unspoken rules that you should be aware of before sitting down at the dinner table. For example, it’s considered polite for all guests to take off their shoes when arriving at the dinner table and for men to remove their hats.
When sitting down, waiting until everyone is seated before eating is essential. Try not to reach across the table or over others to get anything. Also, it’s inappropriate to start talking while eating (except when saying “please pass me”) or commenting on the food served.
It’s common practice in Russia for guests to pass food around the table without serving utensils; when receiving something, only use your right hand and transfer it back with your left hand. However, it’s also considered rude in Russia to leave any food on your plate, so you should also try not to waste any!
When leaving your seat, thank your host before excusing yourself from the dinner table. Be prepared for multiple courses during a meal – this includes appetizer and soup courses as well as entrées – and expect dishes that are often accompanied by an array of garnishes and condiments (condiments like horseradish or garlic may look intimidating but can enhance taste greatly!). Toasting is common practice in a Russian family meal; show respect by proposing a toast with everyone at the table!
Food Etiquette
Eating habits in Russia can seem strange to visitors from other countries, but they are pretty standard within the culture. The most critical food etiquette tips involve emphasizing hospitality, respecting traditional drinking and meal-time etiquette, and showing gratitude.
The first point of food etiquette to master is that hospitality is of the utmost importance in Russia; it will be offered constantly and expected in return. Therefore, when entertaining guests or being hosted for a meal, please submit to bring something back (such as a bottle of wine or pastry).
Table manners in Russia may differ from what you expect. For example, waiting for staff generally doesn’t linger after clearing your plate, so it’s polite to put the napkin on your chair when finished eating. If attending a formal dinner event or private event at someone’s home, expect the host to give a toast with vodka before beginning the meal (but wait for authority figures at formal occasions). Russians also regularly enjoy soup for appetizers; it is polite not to begin eating until everyone’s bowls have been filled. Lastly, it’s customary that after you’re done with lunch or dinner, you should thank the cook/host of the meal by saying, “Spasibo!” (Thank you!)
Typical Dishes
Traditional Russian dishes are hearty and filling and often include pickled vegetables, sour cream, and plenty of potatoes. In addition, Russians have traditionally been regarded as heavy tea drinkers, even though modern Russian society has come to embrace coffee.
Traditional meals usually start with a soup course, such as Ukrainian borscht (red beet soup) or milder sorrel soup. The main course usually consists of boiled beef, roast pork, chicken cutlets, or stewed vegetable, followed by a variety of pickles and salads such as cabbage Olivier or tomato-cucumber salad. For dessert, there is often Napoleon Cake (layers of puff pastry filled with custard cream) or sweet curd dumplings (sushki).
Russians typically enjoy a post-dinner snack or “zakuska” consisting of anything from cold cuts to fish caviar served with rye bread and black bread. Russian tea is served in tall glasses that are either frosted on the outside in extremely cold weather or just chilled; traditionally, it is accompanied by sweets like pastilla (fruit jelly candies) or pancakes soaked in honey syrup.
Social Interaction
In Russia, social interaction is based on a deep respect for the hierarchy of power and formal etiquette. Therefore, when interacting with someone in Russia, it is essential to be aware of the behavior expected in social settings. Knowing the cultural customs and etiquette of the country can help you make a good impression, be respectful of the people you meet, and make your experience more enjoyable.
Let’s take a closer look at how to interact with people in Russia:
Conversation Topics
Russian culture emphasizes politeness and mutual respect between strangers and acquaintances. Therefore, conversations among Russians should come across as formal and polite. Specific topics should be avoided while conversing with a Russian, as they can seem offensive or inappropriate.
When engaging in conversation with a Russian, it is best to avoid topics such as politics, religion, and controversial topics like LGBT rights. Instead, good topics to discuss include art, history, theater, music, literature, and sports. Additionally, topics about family life are generally well-received by Russians. Russians pride themselves on their hospitality and friendliness; thus, if invited for dinner in Russia, it is prudent to show appreciation for the host’s efforts no matter what kind of food or meal is served.
In addition to having appropriate conversations topics when engaging with Russians, other habits differ from western culture that needs to be observed during a conversation, such as:
- Maintaining eye contact during conversations.
- Nodding approval while listening.
- Not crossing your legs when seated.
- Keeping your hands visible at all times.
- Refraining from pointing at people or things when speaking can be considered rude.
- Do not shake hands over boundaries such as an open doorway or threshold unless you know the person well.
Maintaining etiquette while conversing with a Russian can go far in establishing long-lasting friendships or business relationships.
Gift Giving
Gift-giving is an essential social custom in Russian culture. It is a sign of respect, but the gift should be thoughtful and by the situation. When giving a gift, it is important to wrap it nicely and attach a written greeting or congratulatory message – cards are often provided when purchasing gifts for birthday or Christmas occasions.
There are specific gift-giving occasions in Russia that require etiquette should be followed. For example, at family gatherings or when invited to someone’s home, it is customary to bring a small token of appreciation that could include flowers, chocolates, alcohol, fragrances, or food items such as cheese, meat, sausages, and delicacies like a caviar if invited to a special occasion like New Year’s Eve. If invited out to lunch or dinner as your guest, consider bringing pastries as desserts and if you get flowers, make sure they come in odd numbers (1-3-5-7, etc.).
Russians often open gifts upon receiving them – so be prepared! Refrain from giving extravagant gifts unless given by someone extremely wealthy; indeed, it may insult the recipient, who might feel embarrassed because they cannot reciprocate with an equally fine gift. However, particular respect is given when gifting cash; humbly refuse repeated offers of gratitude and do not count out money visibly in front of your host – present bank notes in an envelope –– everyone must remember that modesty should still prevail.
Visiting Customs
When visiting someone in Russia, it is customary to bring flowers. Bringing odd numbers of flowers is thought to bring good luck. Also, bring a small token of appreciation when visiting a family home, such as a box of chocolates or another food item. It is important to remember that you should never show up empty-handed at someone’s doorstep!
Gift-giving is very much part of Russian culture, and visitors should adhere to the same etiquette. Some traditional Russian greeting gifts include fine wines, vodka, and sweet treats such as baked goods or chocolate. It is also appreciated if you bring something that reflects your own culture or heritage – for instance, a local specialty food from where you are from or something related if you are from another country.
When presenting your gift, be sure to hold it in a horseshoe shape with two hands, so the gift comes around to their open palm – this gesture symbolizes good luck when done in Russia.
It is essential that when receiving something from your host, you express deep gratitude – in Russia, it’s common practice and seen as disrespectful if not acknowledged; the more lavishly dressed one takes the compliment first while expressing gratitude carefully using words such as “blessings” or “thanks” depending on who you are speaking with. Also, ensure that you receive it with both hands, like an open book. Lastly, take off any wrapping paper before giving back – showing off the gift by offering it unwrapped shows gratitude for their kind hospitality, even more so than only saying thank you, which can come across as relatively flat for them!
Respect for Elders
In Russia, respecting elders is a vital part of the culture. It is especially true when greeting people. For example, Russian customs dictate that the oldest person in the room should be greeted first and the youngest last. In addition, it is essential to use polite language and address people formally, using their proper titles.
Other aspects of respect for elders include:
- Not arguing with them.
- Listening to their advice.
- Avoiding any disrespectful behavior.
Physical Contact
In Russia, it is rare for any physical contact to occur between friends, relatives, or acquaintances. It applies even more when interacting with elders. In most cases, it is never acceptable to engage in physical contact with someone older than you unless they initiate the contact. Even then, less intimate forms of affection, such as a pat on the arm or shoulder, can still be considered too much by some.
When first meeting someone older than you or an elder in your family, verbal acknowledgment is the most polite way to show respect. For example, you might shake hands with them and say something like “zdravstvyitye,” which means “how do you do.” It’s also customary in Russia to bow slightly whenever introducing yourself to someone older than you.
If you’ve been asked to spend time around an elder relative or family friend, make sure to ask before sitting down and refrain from calling them by their first name until invited to do so by them. Sitting down without asking will not be seen as disrespectful, but good manners dictate that you always check before taking a seat at someone else’s home. To show even further respect, make sure not to put your feet up on furniture or gesture too often and keep your voice at a polite volume level when talking around elders.
Respectful Language
Showing respect to elders is an important part of Russian culture. Therefore, younger people are expected to show courtesy and deference to their elders through respectful language. Furthermore, it means that individuals should address older persons by their appropriate titles – gospodin (mister), gospozha (miss), starshiy (elderly male), or starshaya (elderly female).
When speaking to someone of old age, Russians have specific phrases and expressions that can express deference. For example, “pust’ pozhelaet” (may your wish come true) or “ya vashi sluga” (I am your humble servant).
In public settings, courtesy phrases such as znachitel’neesiye izvineniya (my sincere apologies) should be used when needed. It is always considered courteous for younger individuals to step aside and yield their seats on buses and other public vehicles so that seniors may sit more comfortably. Likewise, younger people should never interrupt the conversations of the elderly; instead, they should wait for an opportunity, such as a lull in the conversation, before joining the discussion.
Showing Appreciation
Showing respect for elders is an integral part of Russian culture and etiquette. It includes many small gestures that show gratitude and deference to older generations. Care for the elderly includes addressing older individuals politely and formally, using special titles such as Grandmother or Grandfather (Russian: babushka or dedushka). In addition, children are expected to look after the elderly, for example, helping them cross the street or carrying their groceries.
Other gestures include rising from one’s seat when an elder enters a room and allowing them to enter ahead of you in line for public services.
In addition to these polite manners in everyday life, it is essential to express special reverence on major holidays such as Christmas and Easter by:
- Attending Mass at a local church with one’s elders.
- Attending traditional dinners hosted by these same individuals.
- Helping with other activities like cooking and cleaning.
When young people go through difficult times in school or work, they must seek advice from their elders who have more life experience. The act of seeking out senior advice demonstrates appreciation for their wisdom, intelligence, and humility on behalf of the younger generation.