Russian Culture Monday: Russian Hospitality

If you're a new visitor to Russia who has yet to make contacts, you might find Russians to be standoffish, especially in large cities like Moscow. The impression will be quite different if you get to know a new Russian friend. Russians are the perfect ambassadors for their country and are not afraid to show the pride they have for Russian traditions of hospitality.

Like Russian food? Doesn't matter - someone's mother or grandmother will serve you up traditional dishes and offer you seconds and thirds. Like to drink? If you don't, better put your foot down early, or you'll be treated to rounds of toasts to accompany your meal. If you show a glimmer of willingness to learn more about Russian history, art, or any other aspect of culture under your friend's purview, questions you ask on this topic will be eagerly answered, complete with examples and demonstrations. The best way to experience Russian hospitality is by staying with a Russian family, but you will enter into the sometimes overwhelming role of honored guest when you visit a Russian at home or are taken under wing by a Russian friend during your travels.

When you experience Russian hospitality, you might feel a bit uncomfortable at first. Your standards of polite behavior may clash with the expectations of your host. You can show respect for your host by tasting the food dishes you are offered and showing interest in whatever it is he or she has to share with you. You may find yourself listening to a recital of Pushkin's poetry. You might be dragged to an art museum. You may even find yourself crammed into a car being driven to the family's dacha in the country without being fully aware of what's going on. What most people find is that this type of enthusiastic welcome opens the door to a lifelong appreciation for Russian culture.

One traditional way of showing hospitality in Russia is to offer a guest bread and salt. This tradition is also a part of other Eastern European countries' cultures. Additional aspects of Russian hospitality are not unique to Russia - you'll find many similarities in Eastern European hospitality in general.