(9/11) What would you
tell your foreign friends about Russian traditions?
It is a
well-known fact that most Russians are patriots of their
country: they are usually homesick when they leave Russia for a
long period of time, and are usually keen supporters of
traditions. Russian people keep up a lot of folk traditions.
Many of them are of religious origin and were, actually, banned
after the Russian Revolution of 1917 but survived and are now
restored. These are all kinds of traditions based on
Christianity and the Russian Orthodox Church, like those of
Christmas, Lent and Easter. A well-known Easter tradition is,
for example, painting eggs bright colours to symbolize
springtime and life, and playing an Easter egg game in which
each person takes a hard-boiled, coloured egg. Players make
pairs and then tap the ends of their eggs together. First the
wide ends of the two eggs are tapped together, then the narrow
ends, and finally one wide and one narrow end. When a player’s
egg breaks, he or she leaves the game, which continues until one
player is left with an unbroken egg. The one who wins is
considered to be likely to have good luck in everything.
The second group
is formed by folk traditions which date back to the times before
Christianity, like fortune-telling, some wedding or funeral
rituals. The third group is formed by traditions pertaining to
official celebrations, like those of the Victory Day when World
War II veterans meet in Moscow in front of the Bolshoi Theatre
building, and people of all ages come to congratulate them and
give them flowers.
My favourite
Russian folk tradition is Maslenitsa, or Pancake Week, which is
a combination of Christian and pagan traditions and is the last
week before the Lent. There are several reasons why I like it so
much. Firstly, I am really fond of Russian folk traditions, and
Maslenitsa week is full of traditional Russian festival
activities: masquerades, snowball fights, sledding and sleigh
rides. Secondly, it is a chance to taste traditional Russian
food which we don’t very often cook nowadays, as we got used to
buy ready-made food in supermarkets. The essential element of
Maslenitsa celebration is Russian pancakes, made of rich foods
like butter, eggs and milk. They are usually eaten with sour
cream or caviar. For many Christians, Maslenitsa is the last
chance to meet with the worldly delights before the fasting of
Lent. (For Russian official holidays, see ‘Public Holidays in
Russia’.) Translate the
following sentences into English.
1. Русские обычно скучают по дому, когда уезжают из
страны надолго, и с энтузиазмом поддерживают традиции.
2. Многие традиции, которые соблюдают русские, имеют религиозное
происхождение, были запрещены после революции 1917 года, но
сохранились и сейчас восстановлены. Это такие традиции, как
Рождество, Великий пост или Пасха.
3. Широко известная пасхальная традиция — раскрашивать яйца в
яркие цвета, ударять концом своего яйца о концы других яиц, до
тех пор пока не останется одно целое яйцо.
4. Некоторые традиции, такие как гадание, свадебные или
похоронные ритуалы, восходят к временам, предшествующим принятию
христианства.
5. Некоторые традиции связаны с официальными праздниками, такими
как День Победы.
6. Масленица, или Блинная неделя— это комбинация христианских и
языческих традиций, она полна традиционных русских праздничных
традиций: маскарады, игра в снежки, катания на санях и санках.
7. Одна из традиций Масленицы —есть блины, что является
последним шансом вкусить мирских радостей перед Великим постом.
1. Russians
normally feel homesick when they leave their country for a long
time and are keen supporters of traditions.
2. Many traditions kept up by Russians are of religious origin
and were banned after the Revolution of 1917, but survived and
are now restored, such as Christmas. Lent and Easter traditions.
3. A well-known Easter tradition is painting hard-boiled eggs
bright colours, tapping the ends of the eggs together until one
egg is left.
4. Some traditions, like fortune-telling, wedding or funeral
rituals date back to the times before Christianity.
5. Some traditions are connected with official celebrations,
like those of the Victory Day.
6. Maslenitsa, or Pancake Week, is a combination of Christian
and pagan traditions and is full of traditional Russian festival
activities: masquerades, snowball fights, sledding and sleigh
rides.
7. One of Maslenitsa traditions is eating pancakes, which is the
last chance to meet with the worldly delights before the fasting
of Lent.
Из пособия “ЕГЭ. Английский язык.
Устные темы” Занина Е.Л. (2010, 272с.) – Part
one. English examination topics. Forms 9/11.
Рассказ на тему традиций на английском Перевод текста с английского The Interesting English Traditions
Интересные английские традиции Great Britain, like every other country in the world, has very interesting, strange and amazing traditions.
Великобритания, как и любая другая страна в мире, имеет очень интересные, странные и удивительные традиции. Thanks to ancient customs people keep in touch with their ancestors and get a lot of impressions and pleasure.
Благодаря древним обычаям люди поддерживают связь со своими предками и получают много впечатлений и удовольствия. If you are a connoisseur of unique traditions or a lover of English culture, you just have to know about the following English customs.
Если вы ценитель уникальных традиций или любитель английской культуры, вы просто должны знать о следующих английских обычаях. Night of Guy Fawkes/ Bonfire
Ночь Гая Фокса/ костра Annually on November 5th, the well-liked celebration takes places all over Great Britain, also known as the Bonfire Night or the Guy Fawkes Night.
Ежегодно 5 ноября популярное празднование проходит по всей Великобритании, также известное как ночь костра или ночь Гая Фокса. It offers sparklers, huge fireworks displays, and, of course, bonfires.
Оно включает бенгальские огни, огромные фейерверки, и, конечно же, костры. The story behind this celebration is not so jolly though, it goes back to 1605 when a person called Guy Fawkes wanted to burn down the British House of Parliament but was caught.
История этого празднования не такая веселая, хотя она восходит к 1605 году, когда человек, которого звали Гай Фокс, хотел сжечь британскую палату парламента, но был пойман. So, the tradition has lived on and every night on November 5th everybody lights this bonfire to symbolize that moment.
Итак, английская традиция продолжалась, и каждый вечер пятого ноября каждый зажигает этот костер, чтобы символизировать этот момент. Festival of Cheese Rolling
Фестиваль «Сырная гонка» The Cheese Rolling festival is one of the most unique events observed in the world up to date.
Фестиваль «Сырная гонка» – одно из самых уникальных событий, наблюдаемых в мире до настоящего времени. Gloucester cheese is rolled from the top of the hill. Participants of the race down the hill after it and the first person over the finish line at the bottom of the hill wins the cheese.
Глостерский сыр катится с вершины холма. Участники гонки спускаются по склону за ним, а первый человек за финишной чертой у подножия холма выигрывает сыр. This traditional festival was started primarily for the people of Brockworth – the local village, but has now evolved into a popular world event.
Этот традиционный фестиваль был начат главным образом для жителей Брокворта – местной деревни, но теперь превратился в популярное мировое событие. Charming of Worms in Willaston
Очарование червей в Вилластоне Without doubt one of the strongest traditions in Great Britain, worm charming, goes as far as almost being considered a sport.
Без сомнения, одна из самых странных традиций в Великобритании, очарование червей доходит почти до того, чтобы считаться спортом. In order to charm worms you can do anything: sing, dance, tap dance until you have received a sufficient number of worms.
Чтобы очаровать червей, вы можете делать все что угодно: петь, танцевать, бить чечётку, пока не получите достаточное количество червей. This is a very funny competition gathers a lot of participants and fans.
Это очень веселое соревнование, которое собирает множество участников и поклонников. You must already think this is a joke, however, just try and tell that to the people from Willaston and see what happens.
Вы уже должны думать, что это шутка, но попробуйте рассказать об этом людям из Вилластона и посмотреть, что произойдет. Willaston this is the place where the World Worm Charming Championships take place and you can be certain there are quite a lot, serious competitors, here.
Вилластон, это место, где проходит чемпионат мира по очарованию червей, и вы можете быть уверены, что здесь достаточно много серьезных конкурентов. The competition takes place starting 1980 and each competitor gets a 3 by 3 piece of land to try and charm as many worms as possible.
Конкурс проходит с 1980 года, и каждый участник получает участок земли 3 на 3, чтобы попытаться очаровать как можно больше червей. Many English customs may seem meaningless, bizarre or strange to people from other countries.
Многие английские обычаи могут показаться людям из других стран бессмысленными, причудливыми или странными. But we must remember that traditions are a way of preserving the heritage of ancestors and culture of every nation.
Но мы должны помнить, что традиции — это способ сохранения наследия предков и культуры каждого народа. The British are an unusual and interesting nation, unlike anybody else, their traditions are worthy of respect.
Британцы – необычная и интересная нация, непохожая ни на кого другого, их традиции достойны уважения.
Русские традиции на английском языке
Иностранцы всегда восхищаются русскими традициями. Многие обычаи сопровождаются веселыми застольями и гуляньями в кругу родных и друзей. Тем, кто изучает английский язык необходимо научиться рассказывать о традициях своей страны на английском, чтобы в разговоре с англоязычным собеседником представить обычаи русского народа во всех красках.
Российский Новый год (Russian New Year)
Как рассказать о Новом годе на английском: Описание традиции на английском Перевод с английского Day of New Year is by far the most loved holiday in Russia, it even trumps Christmas.
День Нового года – самый любимый праздник в России, он даже превосходит Рождество. Father Frost, snowman, Snow Maiden, Christmas tree, gifts – the happiest moments of all for children.
Дед Мороз, снеговик, Снегурочка, рождественская елка, подарки – самые счастливые моменты из всех для детей. One hour before midnight, we all sit down at the table and start to celebrate to say «goodbye» and «thank you» to the passing year.
За час до полуночи мы все садимся за стол и начинаем праздновать, чтобы сказать «до свидания» и «спасибо» уходящему году. At midnight, we raise our glasses with sparkling wine during the chiming of the Kremlin clock.
В полночь мы поднимаем бокалы с игристым вином под бой кремлевских часов. We congratulate each another and make a wish for the new year.
Мы поздравляем друг друга и загадываем желание на Новый год.
Пасха (Easter)
Как рассказать о Пасхе на английском: Пасхальная традиция на английском Как переводится с английского Easter in Russia is a very important occasion to the Russian Orthodox Church and its followers.
Пасха в России очень важное событие для Русской православной церкви и ее последователей. The ceremony begins on Easter Saturday, and at midnight all hear bells ringing and the sound of voices singing.
Церемония начинается в пасхальную субботу, и в полночь все слышат звон колоколов и пение голосов. On the morning of Easter Sunday, a massive breakfast of sausage, eggs, and bacon (as well as the sweet stuff) fills the table.
Утром в Пасхальное воскресенье на стол накрывается обильный завтрак с колбасой, яйцами и беконом (а также сладостями). Bellies are full, people visit family and friends to share eggs, as well as popping into the cemetery to visit the graves of the deceased.
Животы полные, люди навещают родных и друзей, делятся яйцами, а также забегают на кладбище, чтобы посетить могилы умерших.
Рождество (Christmas)
Как рассказать о семейном празднике Рождестве на английском:
На английском языке Перевод на русский язык Russian Holidays and Traditions Русские праздники и традиции
There are lots of holidays and celebrations Russia both national and foreign. Even though many Russians celebrate world holidays, such as St.Valentine’s Day, April Fools, Halloween and others, there are a number of purely Russian national holidays, which are celebrated only in Russia. These holidays emphasize the spirit of nation and support folk traditions. One of the most interesting holidays in Russia takes place at the end of February to celebrate the end of winter. The holiday lasts for a week which is known as a Shrovetide. In Russia this holiday is called “Maslennitsa”. People traditionally eat lots of pancakes on this holiday and burn the scarecrow saying farewell to winter snow. Another traditionally Russian celebration takes place on January 7th, which is an Orthodox Christmas. People visit their relatives on this day carrying rice pudding with raisins, which is called “kutya”. Many young and single girls try to read their fortune on the night of 6th and 7th January. Russian weddings are also very joyous events and they differ a lot from other countries. There is a special person on Russian weddings called “tamada” who entertains the guests by various toasts and games. Every June many Russians celebrate the holiday called “The night of Ivan Kupala”. People traditionally weave the wreaths from wildflowers, make the bonfires and swim in lakes on the night of this day.
В России есть много праздников и торжеств как национальных, так и зарубежных. Хотя многие россияне отмечают мировые праздники, такие как День Святого Валентина, 1 Апреля, Хэллоуин и другие, существует ряд чисто русских национальных праздников, которые празднуются только в России. Эти праздники подчеркивают дух нации и поддерживают народные традиции. Один из самых интересных праздников в России происходит в конце февраля, чтобы отметить окончание зимы. Праздник длится в течение недели, которая известна как Масленая неделя. В России этот праздник называется «Масленица». Люди традиционно едят много блинов в этот праздник, и сжигают чучело, прощаясь с зимним снегом. Другой традиционный русский праздник проходит 7 января, это православное Рождество. Люди посещают своих родственников в этот день, принося рисовый пудинг с изюмом, который называется «кутья». Многие молодые и одинокие девушки пытаются прочитать свою судьбу в ночь с 6-го на 7-ое января. Русские свадьбы тоже очень радостные события, и они сильно отличаются от других стран. На русских свадьбах присутствует специальный человек под названием «тамада», который развлекает гостей различными тостами и играми. Каждый год в июне многие россияне отмечают праздник под названием «Ночь Ивана Купала». Люди традиционно плетут венки из полевых цветов, разводят костры и купаются в озерах, в ночь этого дня.
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There are many national holidays in Russia, when people all over the country do not work and have special celebrations. The major holidays are: New Year’s Day, Women’s Day, May Day, Victory Day, and Independence Day.
The first holiday of the year is New Year’s Day. People see the new year in at midnight on the 31st of December. They greet the new year with champagne and listen to the Kremlin chimes beating 12 o’clock.
There are lots of New Year traditions in Russia. In every home there is a New Year tree glittering with coloured lights and decorations. Children always wait for Father Frost to come and give them a present. Many people consider New Year’s Day to be a family holiday. But the young prefer to have New Year parties of their own.
A renewed holiday in our country is Christmas. It is celebrated on the 7th of January. It’s a religious holiday and a lot of people go to church services on that day.
Non-official “Men’s Day” is the 23d of February, it is a public holiday called “The Homeland Defenders Day”. All men in Russia are liable for call-up (including reservists), so they all are celebrities. On this day women usually give men small gifts.
On the 8th of March we celebrate Women’s Day when men are supposed to do everything about the house and cook all the meals. This is pretty nice — at least once a year women can take a break and forget about all those dishes, cooking, kids, take a magazine and relax on a coach.
The 1st of May is the Day of Labour. During Soviet time there were huge demonstrations on this day, as everybody was obliged to show his loyalty to the state; now only communists organize meetings on this date.
The greatest national holiday in our country is Victory Day. On the 9th of May, 1945, the Soviet Army and its allies completely defeated the German fascists and the Second World War and the Great Patriotic War ended. A magnificent memorial on Poklonnaya Gora has been built to commemorate the Victory. Many veterans take part in the military parade and lay wreaths on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Radio and television broadcast popular war songs. A lot of guests from different countries of the . world come to Moscow to participate in the celebrations.
Independence Day is anew holiday in our country. On the 12th of June, 1992, the first President of Russia was elected.
The 1st of September is the Day of Knowledge — it’s the beginning of a school year. Children go to schools with flowers for teachers, there are meetings before the classes start.
The 12th of December — the Constitution Day. This day the first Constitution of the Russian Federation was adopted in 1993 (previous Constitutions were all Soviet Unions).
Russians love to celebrate. We adopted the Western holidays such as St. Valentine, and Halloween. We also appreciate Chinese New Year, Muslim and Jewish holidays, as Russians are very tolerant to other religions.
We also celebrate Easter and lots of professional holidays which are not public holidays and banks, offices and schools do not close.
Russian Holidays and Traditions
Each single
country has its unique customs and traditions. I am going to
tell you about some celebrations and traditions in Russia.
Russians really love holidays due to the wide Russian soul. We
usually spend them with a lot of delicious food, gifts and in a
friendly atmosphere of relatives and mates.
There are three different kinds of holidays in our country. They
are family holidays, religious holidays and state holidays. I
will tell you about family holidays first. They include
birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and others. In each family
there are their own traditions of celebrating. For instance, my
family celebrates my birthday within two days. On the first day
I celebrate it with my parents and grandparents. The second day
I celebrate it only in a company of my close friends. They
usually congratulate me and arrange a lot of surprises.
State or public holidays in Russia consist of Constitution Day,
New Year’s Day, the International Women’s Day, May Day, Victory
Day, Russia Day. During these holidays, people have vacation
days. They spend time with their lovable families and friends or
go downtown to celebrate there. Banks, companies and some stores
do not work on these days either.
The New Year’s Day is the foundational event among Russians. We
put up a New Year fir-tree and decorate it with rainbow lights
and balls.
The biggest fir-tree of the country is put up in the Red Square
in Moscow. Tiny fir-trees are put up in shop windows, in streets
and squares, even on roofs of buildings. Both children and
adults enjoy this celebration very much. Children are allowed to
stay awake until the morning and get their presents.
When it is only five minutes to midnight on December, 31, all
relatives usually sit altogether in front of the TV and watch
the president’s conventional speech. As soon as the minute hand
of the maih clock on the Kremlin tower shows midnight, people
congratulate each other with the New Year and drink special
beverage — champagne. After that there is the time for gifts.
After the whole amount of gifts are presented, Russians have
fun, eat, drink, and play games during the night till the
sunrise.
Victory Day is the most significant and sacred holiday through
all Russian history. This is the day for remembering those who
defended our country from the German occupiers during World War
II. A grand parade is going to be on this day in Red Square
every year. Numerous patriotic war movies are shown on
television. This is a special day for veterans and every child
and adult congratulates them with a lot of flowers and presents.
Religious holidays include Christmas, Easter and others. There
is also a pagan holiday — Shrovetide (Pancake Day). As a rule,
these holidays are not official, so people usually ought to be
at work or school. At Shrovetide, people see spring coming, eat
pancakes and burn scarecrows, which symbolizes evil force of
winter.
Nowadays foreign celebrations, like Halloween and St.
Valentine’s Day, are becoming familiar to Russians. On Halloween
almost all clubs organize fancy dress parties. St. Valentine’s
Day is mostly popular among young people. They usually prepare
some presents for their girlfriends and boyfriends such as bars
of chocolate and boxes of sweets and make postcards in the shape
of a heart. Российские праздники и традиции
У каждой отдельной страны есть свои
уникальные обычаи и традиции. Я собираюсь рассказать вам о
некоторых праздниках и традициях в России.
Россияне действительно любят праздники в качестве одного из
аспектов широкой русской души. Мы обычно проводим их с большим
количеством вкусной еды, подарков и в непринужденной атмосфере
среди родственников и друзей.
В нашей стране три вида праздников. Это семейные праздники,
религиозные праздники и государственные праздники. Сначала я
расскажу вам о семейных праздниках. Они включают в себя дни
рождения, свадьбы, юбилеи и другие. В каждой семье есть свои
традиции празднования. Например, моя семья празднует мой день
рождения в течение двух дней. В первый день я праздную его с
родителями, бабушками и дедушками. Второй день я праздную его
только в компании моих близких друзей. Они обычно поздравляют
меня большой компанией и устраивают множество сюрпризов.
Государственные, или общественные праздники в России состоят из
Дня Конституции, Нового года, Международного женского дня, 1
Мая, Дня Победы, Дня России. Во время этих праздников у людей
много выходных дней. Они проводят время с любимыми членами семьи
и друзьями или идут в центр города, чтобы праздновать там.
Банки, компании и некоторые магазины в эти дни тоже не работают.
Новый год является фундаментальным событием для россиян. Мы
выставляем новогоднюю елку и украшаем ее радужными огоньками и
шарами. Самая большая елка страны устанавливается на Красной
площади в Москве. Крошечные ели выставлены в витринах, на улицах
и площадях, даже на крышах зданий. Как дети, так и взрослые
очень радуются этому празднику. Детям разрешают бодрствовать до
утра и получать подарки. Когда до полуночи 31 декабря остается 5
минут, все родственники, как правило, сидят вместе перед
телевизором и смотрят традиционную речь президента. Как только
минутная стрелка главных часов на башне Кремля показывает
полночь, люди поздравляют друг друга с Новым годом и пьют особый
напиток — шампанское. После этого настает время для подарков.
После того как все подарки преподнесены, россияне веселятся,
едят, пьют и играют в игры до восхода солнца.
День Победы — это наиболее значимый и священный праздник из всех
на протяжении русской истории. Это день для почитания тех, кто
защищал нашу страну от германских оккупантов во время Второй
мировой войны. Грандиозный парад обычно бывает в этот день на
Красной площади каждый год. Многочисленные патриотические
военные кинофильмы показывают по телевидению. Это особый день
для ветеранов, и каждый ребенок и взрослый поздравляют их с
прекрасными цветами и подарками.
Религиозные праздники включают Рождество, Пасху и другие.
Существует также языческий праздник — Масленица. Как правило,
эти праздники не государственные, поэтому людям обычно надо быть
на работе или в школе. В Масленицу люди встречают приход весны,
едят блины и сжигают чучело, которое символизирует злую силу
зимы. В настоящее время такие иностранные праздники, как
Хэллоуин и День святого Валентина, стали знакомы россиянам. На
Хеллоуин почти все клубы организуют маскарады. День святого
Валентина в основном популярен среди молодых людей. Они обычно
подготавливают некоторые подарки для своих подруг и бойфрендов,
такие как плитки шоколада и коробки конфет, и делают открытки в
форме сердца. Questions:
1. What kinds of
holidays are there in Russia?
2. What do family holidays consist of?
3. Does each family have their own traditions of celebration?
What are they?
4. What does public holiday mean?
5. What kinds of state holidays do you know?
6. How do Russian people celebrate New Year?
7. What is the most significant and sacred holiday for Russians?
8. What kinds of holidays are not official? Vocabulary:
unique уникальная
wide широкая
delicious вкусная
gift подарок, дар
mate товарищ (друг)
to include включать (в себя), содержать (в себе)
anniversary юбилей
to congratulate поздравлять
to arrange устраивать, организовывать
to consist состоять (из)
downtown центр города (деловой)
either также
foundational фундаментальный, основательный
rainbow радужный
fir-tree елка
to put up устанавливать, выставлять
to allow позволять, разрешать
roof крыша
altogether все вместе
in front of впереди
conventional традиционная (обычная)
as soon as как только
hand стрелка часов
to show показывать
beverage напиток
sunrise восход
significant значительный, важный
to defend защищать
occupier оккупант
numerous многочисленный
pagan языческий
Shrovetide Масленица
ought to следует, должен
scarecrow чучело
to symbolize символизировать
evil злой
force сила
nowadays в наши дни, в настоящее время, теперь
familiar знакомый, привычный, близкий
to prepare подготавливать
bar плитка, кусок
postcard открытка
Russian
Holidays and Traditions
Russians enjoy their holidays and celebrate them with a lot of
food, presents and in big companies of relatives and friends.
There are three types of holidays in Russia: family holidays,
state or public holidays and religious holidays.
Family holidays include birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and
other family celebrations. Different families have different
traditions of celebrations.
State or public holidays in Russia include Constitution Day, New
Year’s Day, the International Women’s Day, May Day, Victory Day
and Independence Day. State organisations, banks and companies
do not work on these days. People spend holi¬day time with their
families and friends; they go to theatres or exhibitions, or go
to city centre where there are usually folk festivals and
concerts in the open air and celebrate with other people.
Russian religious holidays include Christmas, Easter and some
others. There is also a pagan holiday – Shrovetide or Pancake
Day.
New Year’s Day is the major family holiday for many Russians. It
is a national holiday in Russia, on which most businesses and
public offices are closed. Schools and universities are closed
as part of their winter holidays at this time of the year.
New Year’s dinner usually starts late on December 31 and
includes Russian salad, dressed herring, sparkling wine and
other national food. Five minutes before the clock strikes
midnight people watch the president’s speech on TV and raise a
toast to the chiming of the Kremlin clock. After that Russians
congratulate each other and exchange presents. Some people go
outside to play snowballs, make a snowman or light fire
crackers.
Some Russians celebrate this day at their friends’ houses or
attend the fireworks displays in their city. Celebrations for
children include a decorated fir tree and Grandfather Frost, the
Russian equivalent of Santa Claus who is believed to bring
presents. Grandfather ‘Frost often comes with his granddaughter,
Snegurochka (Snow Girl).
Victory Day celebrated on May 9 is a very important historic
holiday which marks Germany’s surrender to the Soviet Union in
1945, ending one of the bloodiest wars in Russia’s history.
Public offices, schools and most businesses are closed for the
celebrations. There may be changes in public transport routes
due to parades and street performances.
A lot of people attend a local military parade and watch the
fireworks display at night on this day. The biggest parade is in
Moscow’s Red Square, showcasing Russia’s military forces.
Veterans wear their medals as they head to the parade or an
event organised by local veteran organisations. Another
tradition is to give red carnations to veterans and to lay
wreaths at the war memorial sites. Schools usually have concerts
and performances, sing wartime songs and read poetry. At home,
families gather around a festive table to honor surviving
witnesses of World War II and remember those who passed away.
Orthodox Christmas is both a national and religious holiday in
Russia so banks and public offices are closed on January 7th.
Russians celebrate it by having a family dinner, attending a
Christmas liturgy and visiting relatives and friends.
For many Russians, Christmas Day is a family holiday but it is
not as important for many families as New Year’s Day. Many
people visit friends and relatives, as well as give and receive
presents. Prior to Christmas Day, there is Christmas Eve, which
marks the start of an old Slavonic holiday, Svyatki, during
which young women used a mirror and candles to see the image of
their future husbands.
Maslenitsa, also known as Pancake Week or Shrovetide, is a
Russian pagan holiday celebrated during the last week before
Great Lent (the seventh week before Easter). Maslenitsa is an
ancient Slavonic holiday, dating back to the pagan culture. This
is a festival, celebrating the approach of the spring, warmth
and renovation of the nature. During the week Russians eat
pancakes, have celebrations and every day of the Pancake Week
has its own name and traditions.
For example, Sunday is called the Forgiveness Day when everybody
should ask for forgiveness. Young married couples usually visit
their relatives, give presents to parents and friends, pay
visits to their godparents to give presents to them, too.
When asking for forgiveness people usually bow and normally hear
the reply, God will forgive you. All the food that is left needs
to be eaten up, followed by a piece of rye bread and salt, as a
reminder of the upcoming Lent. This is also the last day of the
week when pancakes are eaten.
Sunday evening is the_time when Maslenitsa straw doll has to be
burnt; after it has turned to ashes, young people walk over the
fire, marking the end of the Maslenitsa festivities.
Nowadays foreign celebrations are becoming more and more popular
in Russia. The most popular ones are Halloween and St.
Valentine’s Day.
At Halloween some clubs organise parties and masquerades, people
dress up in costumes and may get access to some clubs for free
if they come dressed-up. However, this celebration is banned in
public schools.
St. Valentine’s Day is mostly popular with teenagers and young
people. They usually buy small presents for their girlfriends
and boyfriends such as chocolate or sweets and make greetings
cards in the shape of a heart.
As for me, I don’t mind foreign celebrations, but I think that
people of different countries should not borrow traditions and
celebrations from other nations, even if they are interesting
and fun.
My favourite family holiday is New Year’s Day. A week before the
celebration my mother and I decorate a New Year tree with
colourful glass balls and toys. My family usually has the New
Year dinner in the evening, long before midnight and just before
the New Year comes, we have snacks, caviar and sparkling wine.
When the clock strikes midnight, we give each other presents.
Later, we watch TV and relax and go outside to watch fireworks
displays.
Another celebration which I like is my birthday. It is in spring
and usually my friends and I get together, have a party either
at my flat or in a cafe and then go’ for a walk. I like getting
presents and having fun. Once we went to the central park and
rode on a big wheel. It was great! I also remember my birthday
when my family and I went to a water park and spent a lot of
time there swimming and sliding on waterslides of various shapes
and sizes!
I think that holidays are important because they connect people
and give them an opportunity to have fun and enjoy themselves. ПЛАН-ОТВЕТ. RUSSIAN HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS
1. Вступление (Russians enjoy their holidays and celebrate them
with a lot of food, presents and in big companies of relatives
and friends.).
2. Предоставить общую информацию о праздниках России (three
types of holidays; family holidays; state/public holidays:
Constitution Day, New Year’s Day, the International Women’s Day,
May Day, Victory Day, Independence Day; religious holidays:
Christmas, Easter; Shrovetide).
3. Рассказать о самых популярных праздниках России и традициях
(New Year’s Day: December 31, national holiday,
businesses/public offices/schools are closed; dinner: Russian
salad/dressed herring/ sparkling wine, etc., watch the
president’s speech, congratulate each other, exchange presents,
play snowballs, make a snowman, light fire crackers, etc.,
Grandfather Frost, Snegurochka; Victory Day: important historic
holiday, May 9, Germany’s surrender, public offices, schools and
most businesses are closed, local military parade, watch the
fireworks display, the biggest parade, veterans wear their
medals, give red carnations, lay wreaths at the war memorial
sites, school concerts and performances, honour surviving
witnesses of World War II; Christmas: Orthodox Christmas,
national and religious holiday, January 7th, family dinner,
Christmas liturgy, a family holiday, Christmas Eve, Svyatki;
Maslenitsa (Pancake Week or Shrovetide): pagan holiday,
festival, approach of the spring, renovation of the nature, eat
pancakes, the Pancake Week, the Forgiveness Day, visit relatives
and friends, a straw doll is burned).
4. Рассказать о зарубежных праздниках, которые отмечаются в
России, и выразить своё мнение (foreign celebrations: Halloween,
St. Valentine’s Day, parties and masquerades, banned in public
schools, St. Valentine’s Day, teenagers and young people, buy
small presents, make greetings cards; I don’t mind/like/don’t
like foreign celebrations; I think that people in every country
should/should not borrow traditions and celebrations from other
nations).
5. Рассказать о своём любимом празднике по следующей схеме: name
of the holiday, usual activities on this day, family traditions
on this day, why you like it.
6. Заключение (I think that holidays are important because they
connect people and give them an opportunity to have fun and
enjoy themselves.). QUESTIONS
1. What holidays do the Russians have?
2. What are the three types of Russian holidays?
3. What days are included in family holidays?
4. What celebrations are state or public?
5. What do religion holidays include?
6. When is New Year’s Day celebrated?
7. What are the most popular traditions on this day?
8. How do you usually celebrate New Year’s Day?
9. What is Victory Day and why is it important for the Russians?
10. When is it celebrated?
11. What are the traditions and activities on Victory Day?
12. When is Christmas celebrated in Russia?
13. What are the Christmas traditions?
14. How do you usually celebrate this holiday?
15. What is Maslenitsa? What other names does it have?
16. What are the traditions of this pagan holiday?
17. What foreign celebrations appeared in Russia?
18. What’s your opinion about them?
19. Do you celebrate any of them?
20. What are your favourite Russian holidays?
21. Why do you like them?
22. What do you and your family usually do on these days?
23. Do you think holidays are important? Why (not)?
Russian Traditions – Русские традиции
It is a well-known fact that most Russians are patriots of their country: they are usually homesick when they leave Russia for a long period of time, and are usually keen supporters of traditions. Russian people keep up a lot of folk traditions. Many of them are of religious origin and were, actually, banned after the Russian Revolution of 1917 but survived and are now restored. These are all kinds of traditions based on Christianity and the Russian Orthodox Church, like those of Christmas, Lent and Easter. A well-known Easter tradition is, for example, painting eggs bright colours to symbolize springtime and life, and playing an Easter egg game in which each person takes a hard-boiled, coloured egg. Players make pairs and then tap the ends of their eggs together. First the wide ends of the two eggs are tapped together, then the narrow ends, and finally one wide and one narrow end. When a player’s egg breaks, he or she leaves the game, which continues until one player is left with an unbroken egg. The one who wins is considered to be likely to have good luck in everything.
The second group is formed by folk traditions which date back to the times before Christianity, like fortune-telling, some wedding or funeral rituals. The third group is formed by traditions pertaining to official celebrations, like those of the Victory Day when World War II veterans meet in Moscow in front of the Bolshoi Theatre building, and people of all ages come to congratulate them and give them flowers.
My favourite Russian folk tradition is Maslenitsa, or Pancake Week, which is a combination of Christian and pagan traditions and is the last week before the Lent. There are several reasons why I like it so much. Firstly, I am really fond of Russian folk traditions, and Maslenitsa week is full of traditional Russian festival activities: masquerades, snowball fights, sledding and sleigh rides. Secondly, it is a chance to taste traditional Russian food which we don’t very often cook nowadays, as we got used to buy ready-made food in supermarkets. The essential element of Maslenitsa celebration is Russian pancakes, made of rich foods like butter, eggs and milk. They are usually eaten with sour cream or caviar. For many Christians, Maslenitsa is the last chance to meet with the worldly delights before the fasting of Lent. (For Russian official holidays, see Public Holidays in Russia.)
Almost every nation and country has a reputation of some kind. The Englishmen are reputed to be cold, reserved, easy-going and fond of sport. They are the nation of stay-at-homes. “There is no place like home”, they say. The English man’s home is his castle is a saying known all over the world. They prefer a small house built for one family, with a small garden are a fire in the centre of the house. They like animals very much and follow the traditions concerning food and meals. We know much about English traditions and customs but now I’d like to say a few words about the traditions of my native land – Russia.
To my mind, the main traits of their characters which differ them from other people are hospitality, their “open heart”, “golden hands”, wise Russian fairytales reflect this wisdom. Our people are hardworking, patient, never loosing hope for better life. The Russians are the talented nation. Russia gave the world beautiful names of Pushkin and Lermontov, Chaikovsky and Repin, thousands of names of world famous poets, writers, composers, scientists. All of them are the pride of the nation because they sand the beauty of our nature and people.
Besides these great names in literature and music, our country is famous for Russian traditional specific crafts its skilled craftsmen. Painted boxes of Palekh, coloured shawls of Pavlov Posad, clay toys of Dymkovo, laces of Vologda are known all over the world. The names of Gzhel and Khokhloma are considered to be the symbols of Russia as well as matryoshkas and samovars. The history of khokhloma goes back into the 17th century Producing of tableware-dishes, spoons, mugs was begun at that time in the villages of Suomino and Khokhloma in the Nizhniy Novgorod Province. On the banks of the great Russian river Volga. Many carpenters, painters have been working since then reviving traditions of old masters. The Khokhloma style is characterized by using plant elements in painting the tableware. The prevailing colours are black, yellow, golden, green and red. And nowadays this craft is sure to be saved, it will be developed and brought into the future by the new generation of painters. The reviving of old crafts is connected with the reviving of the traditional arts of all peoples inhabiting our big country. There are 100 of them. They revive their culture, costumes, dances and language. It is the revival of our souls. Now we celebrate the forgotten holidays – Troisa, Maslenitsa, Easter. We again sing Russian folk songs and chastushki, dance Barinya and perform khorovods, ride in troikas.
Traditional Russian cooking is world-famous for such dishes as okroshka, shi, pelmeny, kurnik, kvas.
We begin to build and reconstruct churches as well. The example of it is the building of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. It is the symbol of reviving human feelings, national pride and patriotism.
Traditions of My Family
Традиции моей семьи
The family is an important part of everyone`s life. Of course, in every family, there are some unique traditions. From my point of view, it is really important to have special traditions in a family because it makes family members closer and helps to make better relationships between children and parents.
Семья-это важная часть жизни каждого. Конечно, в каждой семье есть уникальные традиции. С моей точки зрения, это действительно важно иметь особые традиции в семье, потому что это делает членов семьи ближе и помогает улучшить отношения между детьми и родителями.
In my family, there are some traditions. The greatest one is to spend the whole Saturday together. My parents work really hard and very often they have to work overtime that`s why we do not have enough time to spend with each other during the working week. Every Saturday we go somewhere together. When the weather is good we go for a walk in a park. Sometimes we go to the cinema or theater. In the evening we have dinner together. My mom normally cooks something delicious. Every Sunday we do a big cleaning. For my family, it is important to keep the house clean. It creates a cozy atmosphere in it that`s why I always try to help my parents with cleaning. After that, we tend to visit my grandparents.
What I like most of all is spending winter holidays abroad with my parents. It is an ideal way to relax and have fun together.
В моей семье есть несколько традиций. Важнейшая из них — проводить всю субботу вместе. Мои родители работают очень усердно, и очень часто им приходится работать сверхурочно, поэтому нам не хватает времени, чтобы провести друг с другом в течение рабочей недели. Каждую субботу мы ходим куда-нибудь вместе. Когда погода хорошая, мы идем на прогулку в парк. Иногда мы идем в кино или театр. Вечером мы ужинаем вместе. Моя мама обычно готовит что-то вкусное. Каждое воскресенье мы делаем большую уборку. Для моей семьи важно держать дом в чистоте. Это создает уютную атмосферу в нем, поэтому я всегда стараюсь помочь моим родителям с уборкой. После этого, мы обычно навещаем бабушку и дедушку.
Больше всего мне нравится проводить зимние каникулы с семьей за границей. Это идеальный способ отдохнуть и весело провести время вместе.
I appreciate the fact that my family is so friendly. I believe that for every family it is very important to spend time together. I am sure that family traditions make family members closer.
Я ценю, что моя семья очень дружная. Я считаю, что для каждой семьи очень важно проводить время вместе. Я уверен, что семейные традиции делают членов семьи ближе.
Family traditions
In every family
there are different traditions. Family traditions help people to
feel themselves part of the whole, strengthen the family unity
and simply to enjoy happy memories. I think that the moments
spent in the circle of your family are the most precious.
We have a great tradition in our family. On May Day we usually
go to the country where my grandparents live and spend there our
days off. I often help my grandma with gardening or go fishing
with my granddad. We love to make up picnics. My father usually
cooks Russian fish soup and grilled vegetables. We often sit up
late at night and look through our family albums. I can sit for
hours studying each image and recalling life events. It is so
touching. If it is summer, on weekends we go to the river to
sunbathe and swim. We play beach volleyball or badminton. To
tell the truth, I like to “unite” with the nature. As for me, I
can spend hours staring at the water. At night we often build a
fire and sing to a guitar. At these moments I feel the happiest
person in the world.
Another family tradition is decorating our New Year tree with
ornaments, tinsel and candles. As I am fond of handicrafts, I
usually make scrapbooks of our celebrations. My mother usually
makes New Year’s tree decorations and it definitely adds a
special festive touch to the New Year decor. Besides, we usually
celebrate New Year at home, in the circle of our family. I get
up early in the morning and help my mom to cook a festive
supper. It is a tradition in our country to have a certain menu
for this holiday. Usually it is a baked goose, a famous Russian
salad called Olivier, jellied minced meat and, of course,
champagne. Then I go into my room to put my gala dress on.
Sometimes my mom asks me to help her lay the table. When all
preparations are behind, we watch TV and wait for our guests to
come. When the Kremlin chimes strike twelve times, all of us
make wishes, hold glasses of champagne and wish each other Happy
New Year. Children usually receive long-awaited presents from
Grandfather Frost and Snow Maiden. Besides, New Year fireworks
are must-have for this holiday.
Frankly speaking, I love all holidays but my birthday is my
favorite one. My parents usually wake me up early in the morning
with a nice song “Happy birthday, dear Sophia” and give me their
presents and flowers. We always invite guests to our place and
make fun. We sing songs, dance and play games. Then, suddenly,
all the light goes out and my parents bring a very nice cake
with burning candles. I make my wish and blow out all candles.
In the end of the party all of us come outside and set off
fireworks. Семейные традиции
В каждой семье есть различные
традиции, которые помогают укрепить единство семьи,
почувствовать себя частью целого, и попросту насладиться
счастливыми воспоминаниями. Я считаю, что моменты, проведенные в
кругу семьи, самые ценные.
В нашей семье есть отличная традиция: на майские праздники мы
обычно уезжаем в деревню, где живут мои бабушка и дедушка, и
проводим там все выходные. Я часто помогаю своей бабушке
ухаживать за огородом или хожу на рыбалку с дедушкой. Мы любим
устраивать пикники. Мой папа обычно готовит уху и овощи на
гриле. Мы обычно засиживаемся допоздна, просматривая семейные
фотоальбомы. Я лично могу часами изучать каждую фотографию и
вспоминать былые времена. Это так трогательно.
Если это лето, то по выходным мы ездим на реку, чтобы позагорать
и искупаться. Мы играем в пляжный волейбол или бадминтон. По
правде говоря, мне нравится сливаться с природой. Лично я могу
часами смотреть на воду. Ночью мы часто разводим костер и поем
песни под гитару. В такие моменты я чувствую себя самым
счастливым человеком в мире.
Еще одна наша семейная традиция связана с украшением новогодней
елки игрушками, мишурой и свечами. Поскольку я люблю делать
поделки своими руками, я обычно делаю памятные декоративные
альбомы, в которые вклеиваю фотографии празднования Нового года.
А моя мама обычно изготавливает праздничные елочные игрушки, что
вносит особый штрих в новогодний декор. Кроме того, у нас есть
традиция отмечать этот праздник дома, в кругу семьи. Я обычно
просыпаюсь рано утром и помогаю маме готовить праздничный ужин.
В нашей стране есть даже особое традиционное меню для этого
праздника, включающее запеченного гуся, известный салат оливье,
холодец и, конечно же, шампанское. Затем я иду в свою комнату,
чтобы переодеться в праздничный наряд. Иногда моя мама просит
меня помочь ей накрыть стол. Когда все приготовления остаются
позади, мы смотрим телевизор и ждем прихода гостей. Когда
куранты бьют двенадцать часов, мы все поднимаем бокалы с
шампанским и желаем друг другу счастливого Нового года. Дети
обычно получают долгожданные подарки от Деда Мороза и
Снегурочки. Кроме того, в Новый год есть излюбленная традиция
фейерверков.
Честно говоря, я люблю все праздники, но мой день рождения — это
самый любимый. Мои родители обычно будят меня рано утром песней
«С днем рождения, София» и дарят подарки и цветы. Мы обычно
приглашаем гостей и веселимся: поем песни, танцуем и играем в
игры. Затем неожиданно гаснет везде свет, и мои родители выносят
очень красивый праздничный торт с горящими свечами. Я загадываю
желание и задуваю все свечи. В конце вечеринки все мы выходим на
улицу и запускаем фейерверки. Topical
Vocabulary: 1) to unite —
объединяться
2) to strengthen [fstrerj0(9)n] — усиливать, укреплять
3) family unity — единство семьи
4) precious [‘prejbs] — дорогой, ценный
5) to go to the country — ехать за город, в деревню
6) day off— выходной
7) to make up picnics — устраивать пикники
8) Russian fish soup — уха
9) to sit up late at night — засиживаться допоздна
10) to look through — просматривать, разглядывать
11) family album — семейный альбом
12) to sunbathe [‘sAnbeiG] — загорать
13) to stare [stea] — пристально смотреть
14) to build a fire — разжигать костер
15) to sing to a guitar — петь песни под гитару
16) tinsel [4in(t)s(3)l] — мишура
17) handicraft [‘haendikra:ft] — ручная работа
18) scrapbook [‘skraepbuk] — альбом для вырезок, фотографий,
картинок
19) celebration [, seb’breif(9)n] — празднование
20) festive [Testiv] — праздничный
21) in the circle of a family — в кругу семьи
22) jellied minced meat — холодец
23) to lay the table — накрывать на стол
24) preparations — приготовления
25) long-awaited — долгожданный
26) Grandfather Frost — Дед Мороз
27) Snow Maiden — Снегурочка
28) to set off fireworks — запускать фейерверки
29) to invite guests — приглашать друзей
30) to make fun — веселиться
31) to blow out candles — задувать свечи
Every country has customs and traditions. I want to tell you about some holidays and traditions of my country.
Russians really love holidays. We usually celebrate them with a lot of food, presents and in big companies of relatives and friends.
There are three types of holidays in Russia. They are family holidays, state holidays and religious holidays. Let me tell you about family holidays first. They include birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and others. Each family has its own traditions of celebrating this or that holiday. For example, my family celebrates my birthday for two days. On the first day I celebrate it with my parents, grandparents, my uncle and aunt. The second day of celebration is only for my close friends. They usually come in a big group with a lot of presents. I like my birthday very much.
State or public holidays in Russia include Constitution Day, New Year’s Day, the International Women’s Day, May Day, Victory Day and Russia Day. During these holidays, people do not work. They spend time with their families and friends or go to the centre of big cities to celebrate there. Banks, companies and some shops do not work on these days either.
New Year’s Day is the major holiday in Russia. We put up a New Year tree and decorate it with colourful toys and glass balls. The main fir-tree of the country is put up in the State Kremlin Palace. Small fir trees are put up in shop windows, in streets and squares, even on roofs of buildings. A lot of people like buying natural fir trees, others prefer plastic ones. Children like the holiday a lot. They can stay up late and then get their presents. At ten minutes to midnight on the 31-st of December families gather in front of the TV-set and watch the president making his traditional speech. After the clock on the main tower of the Kremlin strikes midnight, everybody says Happy New Year and drinks champagne. After that the time for presents comes. Russian children believe that Father Frost brings presents. After all the presents are given out, Russians have fun, drink, eat, and play games all night long.
Victory Day is a very important holiday for Russian history. On this day we remember those who protected our country from the German invaders during World War II. A great parade is held on this day in Red Square. Numerous war and patriotic films are shown on television. On this day people congratulate veterans and give them flowers.
The so-called religious holidays include Christmas, Easter and others. There is also a pagan holiday — Shrovetide or Pancake Day. These holidays are not state, so people usually work and study on these days. At Shrovetide, people see spring in, eat pancakes and burn a scarecrow, which symbolizes winter. Russian Christmas is celebrated on the 7-th of January, but there is no exact date for Easter, it is different every year.
Nowadays foreign celebrations are becoming more and more popular in Russia. They are Halloween and St. Valentine’s Day. On Halloween Day some clubs organize parties and masquerades. St. “Valentine’s Day is mostly popular with young people. They usually buy presents for their girlfriends and boyfriends such as chocolate and sweets and make greeting cards in the shape of a heart.
I like Russian holidays
Like the whole world, Russian people love celebrating their holidays. Celebrations in Russia reflect many aspects of its history, culture and traditions. Some Russian festivities are official public holidays and government offices, schools and banks have their days off. These are New Year (January, 1st – 5th), Orthodox Christmas (January, 7th), Defender of the Motherland Day (February, 23rd), International Women’s Day (March, 8th), Spring and Labour Day (May, 1st), Victory Day (May, 9th), Russia Day (June, 12th), National Unity Day (November, 4th) and Constitution Day (December, 12th).
The Russians usually celebrate holidays with plenty of food and presents. The most popular holiday is New Year’s Day. Russian people decorate fir-trees, cook delicious meals, make fireworks. All children wait for Father Frost and his granddaughter Snegurochka to get presents from them. On Christmas people visit their relatives and friends and tell fortunes.
Defender of the Motherland Day is also known as Men’s Day because all Russian men and boys, active servicemen and war veterans get warm greetings and special presents from their families, friends and colleagues. International Women’s Day has been celebrated in Russia since 1913 and it is the day for all mothers, sisters, wives, daughters and girlfriends. Spring and Labour Day appeared in Russia on the 1st of May in 1890 after the strike of Chicago workers who demanded an 8-hour working day.
Victory Day is a sacred and dramatic holiday for Russia. The whole country commemorates millions of victims of the Great Patriotic war. Russia Day became a national holiday after the Declaration of Sovereignty was adopted in 1991. And National Unity Day commemorates the liberation of Moscow from Polish occupation in 1612 and it is celebrated with parades. Constitution Day is a celebration of the adoption of the Russian Federation Constitution in 1993.
Unofficial Russian holidays are also observed. There are religious and foreign celebrations among them: Old New Year (January, 14th), St. Valentine’s Day (February, 14th), Orthodox Easter Sunday, Maslenitsa, Cosmonaut’s Day (April, 12th), Halloween (October, 30th) and Mothering Sunday (in November).
Some Russians celebrate the New Year according to the Julian calendar that was used in Russia before 1918 and they call this holiday Old New Year. Easter is always celebrated with painted eggs and church services. Maslenitsa is a holiday of meeting the Russian spring with such rituals as eating pancakes and burning a dummy of winter.
Перевод
Как и весь мир, русский народ любит отмечать праздники. Торжества в России отражают многие аспекты ее истории, культуры и традиции. Некоторые русские праздники являются официальными общественными праздниками, и у правительственных учреждений, школ и банков в эти дни выходной. Это Новый год (1-5 января), православное Рождество (7 января), День защитников Отечества (23 февраля), Международный женский день (8 марта), День Весны и Труда (1 мая), День Победы (9 мая), День России (12 июня), День Национального единства (4 ноября) и День Конституции (12 декабря).
Русские обычно отмечают праздники обилием еды и подарков. Самым популярным праздником является Новый год. Русский народ украшает елки, готовит вкусные блюда, устраивают фейерверки. Все дети ждут Деда Мороза и его внучку Снегурочку для того, чтобы получить от них подарки. На Рождество люди навещают своих родственников и друзей и гадают.
День Защитников Отечества также известен как День мужчин, так как все русские мужчины и мальчики, все состоящие на военной службе и ветераны войны получают теплые поздравления и особые подарки от своих семей, друзей и коллег. Международный Женский день празднуется в России с 1913 г., и это день для всех матерей, сестер, жен, дочерей и любимых девушек. День Весны и Труда появился в России 1 мая 1890 г. после забастовки рабочих Чикаго, которые требовали 8-часовой рабочий день.
День Победы – священный и драматичный праздник для России. Вся страна чтит память миллионов жертв Великой Отечественной войны. День России стал национальным праздником после принятия Декларации о Суверенитете в 1991 г. А День Национального единства напоминает об освобождении Москвы от польской оккупации в 1612 г, и отмечается проведением парадов. День Конституции является празднованием принятия Конституции РФ в 1993 г.
Существуют также и неофициальные русские праздники. Среди них есть религиозные и иностранные торжества: Старый Новый год (14 января), День св. Валентина (14 февраля), православная Пасха, Масленица, День Космонавтики (12 апреля), Хэллоуин (30 октября) и День Матери (в ноябре).
Некоторые русские отмечают Новый год согласно Юлианскому календарю, который использовался в России до 1918 г., и называют его Старым Новым годом. Пасху всегда отмечают крашеными яйцами и торжественными богослужениями. Масленица – это праздник встречи русской весны с такими ритуалами, как угощение блинами и поджигание чучела зимы.
Almost every nation and country has a reputation of some kind. I’d like to say a few words about the traditions of my native land – Russia. First, about Russian people. To my mind, the main traits of their characters which differ them from other people are hospitality, their “open heart” and “golden hands”. Our people are hardworking, patient, never loosing hope for better life.
The Russians are the talented nation. Russia gave the world beautiful names of Pushkin and Lermontov, Chaikovsky and Repin, thousands of names of world famous poets, writers, composers, scientists. All of them are the pride of the nation because they send the beauty of our nature and people.
Our country is famous for Russian traditional specific crafts. Painted boxes of Palekh, coloured shawls of Pavlov Posad, clay toys of Dymkovo, laces of Vologda are known all over the world. The names of Gzhel and Khokhloma are considered to be the symbols of Russia as well as matryoshkas and samovars.
The Khokhloma style is characterized by using plant elements in painting the tableware. The prevailing colours are black, yellow, golden, green and red. And nowadays this craft is sure to be saved, it will be developed and brought into the future by the new generation of painters.
The reviving of old crafts is connected with the reviving of the traditional arts of all people inhabiting our big country. They revive their culture, costumes, dances and language. It is the revival of our souls. Now we celebrate the forgotten holidays – Troitsa, Maslenitsa, Easter. We again sing Russian folk songs and chastushki, perform khorovods, ride in troikas.
(9/11)
What would you
tell your foreign friends about Russian traditions?
It is a
well-known fact that most Russians are patriots of their
country: they are usually homesick when they leave Russia for a
long period of time, and are usually keen supporters of
traditions. Russian people keep up a lot of folk traditions.
Many of them are of religious origin and were, actually, banned
after the Russian Revolution of 1917 but survived and are now
restored. These are all kinds of traditions based on
Christianity and the Russian Orthodox Church, like those of
Christmas, Lent and Easter. A well-known Easter tradition is,
for example, painting eggs bright colours to symbolize
springtime and life, and playing an Easter egg game in which
each person takes a hard-boiled, coloured egg. Players make
pairs and then tap the ends of their eggs together. First the
wide ends of the two eggs are tapped together, then the narrow
ends, and finally one wide and one narrow end. When a player’s
egg breaks, he or she leaves the game, which continues until one
player is left with an unbroken egg. The one who wins is
considered to be likely to have good luck in everything.
The second group
is formed by folk traditions which date back to the times before
Christianity, like fortune-telling, some wedding or funeral
rituals. The third group is formed by traditions pertaining to
official celebrations, like those of the Victory Day when World
War II veterans meet in Moscow in front of the Bolshoi Theatre
building, and people of all ages come to congratulate them and
give them flowers.
My favourite
Russian folk tradition is Maslenitsa, or Pancake Week, which is
a combination of Christian and pagan traditions and is the last
week before the Lent. There are several reasons why I like it so
much. Firstly, I am really fond of Russian folk traditions, and
Maslenitsa week is full of traditional Russian festival
activities: masquerades, snowball fights, sledding and sleigh
rides. Secondly, it is a chance to taste traditional Russian
food which we don’t very often cook nowadays, as we got used to
buy ready-made food in supermarkets. The essential element of
Maslenitsa celebration is Russian pancakes, made of rich foods
like butter, eggs and milk. They are usually eaten with sour
cream or caviar. For many Christians, Maslenitsa is the last
chance to meet with the worldly delights before the fasting of
Lent. (For Russian official holidays, see ‘Public Holidays in
Russia’.)
Translate the
following sentences into English.
1. Русские обычно скучают по дому, когда уезжают из
страны надолго, и с энтузиазмом поддерживают традиции.
2. Многие традиции, которые соблюдают русские, имеют религиозное
происхождение, были запрещены после революции 1917 года, но
сохранились и сейчас восстановлены. Это такие традиции, как
Рождество, Великий пост или Пасха.
3. Широко известная пасхальная традиция — раскрашивать яйца в
яркие цвета, ударять концом своего яйца о концы других яиц, до
тех пор пока не останется одно целое яйцо.
4. Некоторые традиции, такие как гадание, свадебные или
похоронные ритуалы, восходят к временам, предшествующим принятию
христианства.
5. Некоторые традиции связаны с официальными праздниками, такими
как День Победы.
6. Масленица, или Блинная неделя— это комбинация христианских и
языческих традиций, она полна традиционных русских праздничных
традиций: маскарады, игра в снежки, катания на санях и санках.
7. Одна из традиций Масленицы —есть блины, что является
последним шансом вкусить мирских радостей перед Великим постом.
1. Russians
normally feel homesick when they leave their country for a long
time and are keen supporters of traditions.
2. Many traditions kept up by Russians are of religious origin
and were banned after the Revolution of 1917, but survived and
are now restored, such as Christmas. Lent and Easter traditions.
3. A well-known Easter tradition is painting hard-boiled eggs
bright colours, tapping the ends of the eggs together until one
egg is left.
4. Some traditions, like fortune-telling, wedding or funeral
rituals date back to the times before Christianity.
5. Some traditions are connected with official celebrations,
like those of the Victory Day.
6. Maslenitsa, or Pancake Week, is a combination of Christian
and pagan traditions and is full of traditional Russian festival
activities: masquerades, snowball fights, sledding and sleigh
rides.
7. One of Maslenitsa traditions is eating pancakes, which is the
last chance to meet with the worldly delights before the fasting
of Lent.
Из пособия “ЕГЭ. Английский язык.
Устные темы” Занина Е.Л. (2010, 272с.) – Part
one. English examination topics. Forms 9/11.
Рассказ на тему традиций на английском
Перевод текста с английского
The Interesting English Traditions
Интересные английские традиции
Great Britain, like every other country in the world, has very interesting, strange and amazing traditions.
Великобритания, как и любая другая страна в мире, имеет очень интересные, странные и удивительные традиции.
Thanks to ancient customs people keep in touch with their ancestors and get a lot of impressions and pleasure.
Благодаря древним обычаям люди поддерживают связь со своими предками и получают много впечатлений и удовольствия.
If you are a connoisseur of unique traditions or a lover of English culture, you just have to know about the following English customs.
Если вы ценитель уникальных традиций или любитель английской культуры, вы просто должны знать о следующих английских обычаях.
Night of Guy Fawkes/ Bonfire
Ночь Гая Фокса/ костра
Annually on November 5th, the well-liked celebration takes places all over Great Britain, also known as the Bonfire Night or the Guy Fawkes Night.
Ежегодно 5 ноября популярное празднование проходит по всей Великобритании, также известное как ночь костра или ночь Гая Фокса.
It offers sparklers, huge fireworks displays, and, of course, bonfires.
Оно включает бенгальские огни, огромные фейерверки, и, конечно же, костры.
The story behind this celebration is not so jolly though, it goes back to 1605 when a person called Guy Fawkes wanted to burn down the British House of Parliament but was caught.
История этого празднования не такая веселая, хотя она восходит к 1605 году, когда человек, которого звали Гай Фокс, хотел сжечь британскую палату парламента, но был пойман.
So, the tradition has lived on and every night on November 5th everybody lights this bonfire to symbolize that moment.
Итак, английская традиция продолжалась, и каждый вечер пятого ноября каждый зажигает этот костер, чтобы символизировать этот момент.
Festival of Cheese Rolling
Фестиваль «Сырная гонка»
The Cheese Rolling festival is one of the most unique events observed in the world up to date.
Фестиваль «Сырная гонка» – одно из самых уникальных событий, наблюдаемых в мире до настоящего времени.
Gloucester cheese is rolled from the top of the hill. Participants of the race down the hill after it and the first person over the finish line at the bottom of the hill wins the cheese.
Глостерский сыр катится с вершины холма. Участники гонки спускаются по склону за ним, а первый человек за финишной чертой у подножия холма выигрывает сыр.
This traditional festival was started primarily for the people of Brockworth – the local village, but has now evolved into a popular world event.
Этот традиционный фестиваль был начат главным образом для жителей Брокворта – местной деревни, но теперь превратился в популярное мировое событие.
Charming of Worms in Willaston
Очарование червей в Вилластоне
Without doubt one of the strongest traditions in Great Britain, worm charming, goes as far as almost being considered a sport.
Без сомнения, одна из самых странных традиций в Великобритании, очарование червей доходит почти до того, чтобы считаться спортом.
In order to charm worms you can do anything: sing, dance, tap dance until you have received a sufficient number of worms.
Чтобы очаровать червей, вы можете делать все что угодно: петь, танцевать, бить чечётку, пока не получите достаточное количество червей.
This is a very funny competition gathers a lot of participants and fans.
Это очень веселое соревнование, которое собирает множество участников и поклонников.
You must already think this is a joke, however, just try and tell that to the people from Willaston and see what happens.
Вы уже должны думать, что это шутка, но попробуйте рассказать об этом людям из Вилластона и посмотреть, что произойдет.
Willaston this is the place where the World Worm Charming Championships take place and you can be certain there are quite a lot, serious competitors, here.
Вилластон, это место, где проходит чемпионат мира по очарованию червей, и вы можете быть уверены, что здесь достаточно много серьезных конкурентов.
The competition takes place starting 1980 and each competitor gets a 3 by 3 piece of land to try and charm as many worms as possible.
Конкурс проходит с 1980 года, и каждый участник получает участок земли 3 на 3, чтобы попытаться очаровать как можно больше червей.
Many English customs may seem meaningless, bizarre or strange to people from other countries.
Многие английские обычаи могут показаться людям из других стран бессмысленными, причудливыми или странными.
But we must remember that traditions are a way of preserving the heritage of ancestors and culture of every nation.
Но мы должны помнить, что традиции — это способ сохранения наследия предков и культуры каждого народа.
The British are an unusual and interesting nation, unlike anybody else, their traditions are worthy of respect.
Британцы – необычная и интересная нация, непохожая ни на кого другого, их традиции достойны уважения.
Русские традиции на английском языке
Иностранцы всегда восхищаются русскими традициями. Многие обычаи сопровождаются веселыми застольями и гуляньями в кругу родных и друзей. Тем, кто изучает английский язык необходимо научиться рассказывать о традициях своей страны на английском, чтобы в разговоре с англоязычным собеседником представить обычаи русского народа во всех красках.
Российский Новый год (Russian New Year)
Как рассказать о Новом годе на английском:
Описание традиции на английском
Перевод с английского
Day of New Year is by far the most loved holiday in Russia, it even trumps Christmas.
День Нового года – самый любимый праздник в России, он даже превосходит Рождество.
Father Frost, snowman, Snow Maiden, Christmas tree, gifts – the happiest moments of all for children.
Дед Мороз, снеговик, Снегурочка, рождественская елка, подарки – самые счастливые моменты из всех для детей.
One hour before midnight, we all sit down at the table and start to celebrate to say «goodbye» and «thank you» to the passing year.
За час до полуночи мы все садимся за стол и начинаем праздновать, чтобы сказать «до свидания» и «спасибо» уходящему году.
At midnight, we raise our glasses with sparkling wine during the chiming of the Kremlin clock.
В полночь мы поднимаем бокалы с игристым вином под бой кремлевских часов.
We congratulate each another and make a wish for the new year.
Мы поздравляем друг друга и загадываем желание на Новый год.
Пасха (Easter)
Как рассказать о Пасхе на английском:
Пасхальная традиция на английском
Как переводится с английского
Easter in Russia is a very important occasion to the Russian Orthodox Church and its followers.
Пасха в России очень важное событие для Русской православной церкви и ее последователей.
The ceremony begins on Easter Saturday, and at midnight all hear bells ringing and the sound of voices singing.
Церемония начинается в пасхальную субботу, и в полночь все слышат звон колоколов и пение голосов.
On the morning of Easter Sunday, a massive breakfast of sausage, eggs, and bacon (as well as the sweet stuff) fills the table.
Утром в Пасхальное воскресенье на стол накрывается обильный завтрак с колбасой, яйцами и беконом (а также сладостями).
Bellies are full, people visit family and friends to share eggs, as well as popping into the cemetery to visit the graves of the deceased.
Животы полные, люди навещают родных и друзей, делятся яйцами, а также забегают на кладбище, чтобы посетить могилы умерших.
Рождество (Christmas)
Как рассказать о семейном празднике Рождестве на английском:
На английском языке
Перевод на русский язык
Russian Holidays and Traditions
Русские праздники и традиции
There are lots of holidays and celebrations Russia both national and foreign. Even though many Russians celebrate world holidays, such as St.Valentine’s Day, April Fools, Halloween and others, there are a number of purely Russian national holidays, which are celebrated only in Russia. These holidays emphasize the spirit of nation and support folk traditions. One of the most interesting holidays in Russia takes place at the end of February to celebrate the end of winter. The holiday lasts for a week which is known as a Shrovetide. In Russia this holiday is called “Maslennitsa”. People traditionally eat lots of pancakes on this holiday and burn the scarecrow saying farewell to winter snow. Another traditionally Russian celebration takes place on January 7th, which is an Orthodox Christmas. People visit their relatives on this day carrying rice pudding with raisins, which is called “kutya”. Many young and single girls try to read their fortune on the night of 6th and 7th January. Russian weddings are also very joyous events and they differ a lot from other countries. There is a special person on Russian weddings called “tamada” who entertains the guests by various toasts and games. Every June many Russians celebrate the holiday called “The night of Ivan Kupala”. People traditionally weave the wreaths from wildflowers, make the bonfires and swim in lakes on the night of this day.
В России есть много праздников и торжеств как национальных, так и зарубежных. Хотя многие россияне отмечают мировые праздники, такие как День Святого Валентина, 1 Апреля, Хэллоуин и другие, существует ряд чисто русских национальных праздников, которые празднуются только в России. Эти праздники подчеркивают дух нации и поддерживают народные традиции. Один из самых интересных праздников в России происходит в конце февраля, чтобы отметить окончание зимы. Праздник длится в течение недели, которая известна как Масленая неделя. В России этот праздник называется «Масленица». Люди традиционно едят много блинов в этот праздник, и сжигают чучело, прощаясь с зимним снегом. Другой традиционный русский праздник проходит 7 января, это православное Рождество. Люди посещают своих родственников в этот день, принося рисовый пудинг с изюмом, который называется «кутья». Многие молодые и одинокие девушки пытаются прочитать свою судьбу в ночь с 6-го на 7-ое января. Русские свадьбы тоже очень радостные события, и они сильно отличаются от других стран. На русских свадьбах присутствует специальный человек под названием «тамада», который развлекает гостей различными тостами и играми. Каждый год в июне многие россияне отмечают праздник под названием «Ночь Ивана Купала». Люди традиционно плетут венки из полевых цветов, разводят костры и купаются в озерах, в ночь этого дня.
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There are many national holidays in Russia, when people all over the country do not work and have special celebrations. The major holidays are: New Year’s Day, Women’s Day, May Day, Victory Day, and Independence Day.
The first holiday of the year is New Year’s Day. People see the new year in at midnight on the 31st of December. They greet the new year with champagne and listen to the Kremlin chimes beating 12 o’clock.
There are lots of New Year traditions in Russia. In every home there is a New Year tree glittering with coloured lights and decorations. Children always wait for Father Frost to come and give them a present. Many people consider New Year’s Day to be a family holiday. But the young prefer to have New Year parties of their own.
A renewed holiday in our country is Christmas. It is celebrated on the 7th of January. It’s a religious holiday and a lot of people go to church services on that day.
Non-official “Men’s Day” is the 23d of February, it is a public holiday called “The Homeland Defenders Day”. All men in Russia are liable for call-up (including reservists), so they all are celebrities. On this day women usually give men small gifts.
On the 8th of March we celebrate Women’s Day when men are supposed to do everything about the house and cook all the meals. This is pretty nice — at least once a year women can take a break and forget about all those dishes, cooking, kids, take a magazine and relax on a coach.
The 1st of May is the Day of Labour. During Soviet time there were huge demonstrations on this day, as everybody was obliged to show his loyalty to the state; now only communists organize meetings on this date.
The greatest national holiday in our country is Victory Day. On the 9th of May, 1945, the Soviet Army and its allies completely defeated the German fascists and the Second World War and the Great Patriotic War ended. A magnificent memorial on Poklonnaya Gora has been built to commemorate the Victory. Many veterans take part in the military parade and lay wreaths on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Radio and television broadcast popular war songs. A lot of guests from different countries of the . world come to Moscow to participate in the celebrations.
Independence Day is anew holiday in our country. On the 12th of June, 1992, the first President of Russia was elected.
The 1st of September is the Day of Knowledge — it’s the beginning of a school year. Children go to schools with flowers for teachers, there are meetings before the classes start.
The 12th of December — the Constitution Day. This day the first Constitution of the Russian Federation was adopted in 1993 (previous Constitutions were all Soviet Unions).
Russians love to celebrate. We adopted the Western holidays such as St. Valentine, and Halloween. We also appreciate Chinese New Year, Muslim and Jewish holidays, as Russians are very tolerant to other religions.
We also celebrate Easter and lots of professional holidays which are not public holidays and banks, offices and schools do not close.
Russian Holidays and Traditions
Each single
country has its unique customs and traditions. I am going to
tell you about some celebrations and traditions in Russia.
Russians really love holidays due to the wide Russian soul. We
usually spend them with a lot of delicious food, gifts and in a
friendly atmosphere of relatives and mates.
There are three different kinds of holidays in our country. They
are family holidays, religious holidays and state holidays. I
will tell you about family holidays first. They include
birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and others. In each family
there are their own traditions of celebrating. For instance, my
family celebrates my birthday within two days. On the first day
I celebrate it with my parents and grandparents. The second day
I celebrate it only in a company of my close friends. They
usually congratulate me and arrange a lot of surprises.
State or public holidays in Russia consist of Constitution Day,
New Year’s Day, the International Women’s Day, May Day, Victory
Day, Russia Day. During these holidays, people have vacation
days. They spend time with their lovable families and friends or
go downtown to celebrate there. Banks, companies and some stores
do not work on these days either.
The New Year’s Day is the foundational event among Russians. We
put up a New Year fir-tree and decorate it with rainbow lights
and balls.
The biggest fir-tree of the country is put up in the Red Square
in Moscow. Tiny fir-trees are put up in shop windows, in streets
and squares, even on roofs of buildings. Both children and
adults enjoy this celebration very much. Children are allowed to
stay awake until the morning and get their presents.
When it is only five minutes to midnight on December, 31, all
relatives usually sit altogether in front of the TV and watch
the president’s conventional speech. As soon as the minute hand
of the maih clock on the Kremlin tower shows midnight, people
congratulate each other with the New Year and drink special
beverage — champagne. After that there is the time for gifts.
After the whole amount of gifts are presented, Russians have
fun, eat, drink, and play games during the night till the
sunrise.
Victory Day is the most significant and sacred holiday through
all Russian history. This is the day for remembering those who
defended our country from the German occupiers during World War
II. A grand parade is going to be on this day in Red Square
every year. Numerous patriotic war movies are shown on
television. This is a special day for veterans and every child
and adult congratulates them with a lot of flowers and presents.
Religious holidays include Christmas, Easter and others. There
is also a pagan holiday — Shrovetide (Pancake Day). As a rule,
these holidays are not official, so people usually ought to be
at work or school. At Shrovetide, people see spring coming, eat
pancakes and burn scarecrows, which symbolizes evil force of
winter.
Nowadays foreign celebrations, like Halloween and St.
Valentine’s Day, are becoming familiar to Russians. On Halloween
almost all clubs organize fancy dress parties. St. Valentine’s
Day is mostly popular among young people. They usually prepare
some presents for their girlfriends and boyfriends such as bars
of chocolate and boxes of sweets and make postcards in the shape
of a heart.
Российские праздники и традиции
У каждой отдельной страны есть свои
уникальные обычаи и традиции. Я собираюсь рассказать вам о
некоторых праздниках и традициях в России.
Россияне действительно любят праздники в качестве одного из
аспектов широкой русской души. Мы обычно проводим их с большим
количеством вкусной еды, подарков и в непринужденной атмосфере
среди родственников и друзей.
В нашей стране три вида праздников. Это семейные праздники,
религиозные праздники и государственные праздники. Сначала я
расскажу вам о семейных праздниках. Они включают в себя дни
рождения, свадьбы, юбилеи и другие. В каждой семье есть свои
традиции празднования. Например, моя семья празднует мой день
рождения в течение двух дней. В первый день я праздную его с
родителями, бабушками и дедушками. Второй день я праздную его
только в компании моих близких друзей. Они обычно поздравляют
меня большой компанией и устраивают множество сюрпризов.
Государственные, или общественные праздники в России состоят из
Дня Конституции, Нового года, Международного женского дня, 1
Мая, Дня Победы, Дня России. Во время этих праздников у людей
много выходных дней. Они проводят время с любимыми членами семьи
и друзьями или идут в центр города, чтобы праздновать там.
Банки, компании и некоторые магазины в эти дни тоже не работают.
Новый год является фундаментальным событием для россиян. Мы
выставляем новогоднюю елку и украшаем ее радужными огоньками и
шарами. Самая большая елка страны устанавливается на Красной
площади в Москве. Крошечные ели выставлены в витринах, на улицах
и площадях, даже на крышах зданий. Как дети, так и взрослые
очень радуются этому празднику. Детям разрешают бодрствовать до
утра и получать подарки. Когда до полуночи 31 декабря остается 5
минут, все родственники, как правило, сидят вместе перед
телевизором и смотрят традиционную речь президента. Как только
минутная стрелка главных часов на башне Кремля показывает
полночь, люди поздравляют друг друга с Новым годом и пьют особый
напиток — шампанское. После этого настает время для подарков.
После того как все подарки преподнесены, россияне веселятся,
едят, пьют и играют в игры до восхода солнца.
День Победы — это наиболее значимый и священный праздник из всех
на протяжении русской истории. Это день для почитания тех, кто
защищал нашу страну от германских оккупантов во время Второй
мировой войны. Грандиозный парад обычно бывает в этот день на
Красной площади каждый год. Многочисленные патриотические
военные кинофильмы показывают по телевидению. Это особый день
для ветеранов, и каждый ребенок и взрослый поздравляют их с
прекрасными цветами и подарками.
Религиозные праздники включают Рождество, Пасху и другие.
Существует также языческий праздник — Масленица. Как правило,
эти праздники не государственные, поэтому людям обычно надо быть
на работе или в школе. В Масленицу люди встречают приход весны,
едят блины и сжигают чучело, которое символизирует злую силу
зимы. В настоящее время такие иностранные праздники, как
Хэллоуин и День святого Валентина, стали знакомы россиянам. На
Хеллоуин почти все клубы организуют маскарады. День святого
Валентина в основном популярен среди молодых людей. Они обычно
подготавливают некоторые подарки для своих подруг и бойфрендов,
такие как плитки шоколада и коробки конфет, и делают открытки в
форме сердца.
Questions:
1. What kinds of
holidays are there in Russia?
2. What do family holidays consist of?
3. Does each family have their own traditions of celebration?
What are they?
4. What does public holiday mean?
5. What kinds of state holidays do you know?
6. How do Russian people celebrate New Year?
7. What is the most significant and sacred holiday for Russians?
8. What kinds of holidays are not official?
Vocabulary:
unique уникальная
wide широкая
delicious вкусная
gift подарок, дар
mate товарищ (друг)
to include включать (в себя), содержать (в себе)
anniversary юбилей
to congratulate поздравлять
to arrange устраивать, организовывать
to consist состоять (из)
downtown центр города (деловой)
either также
foundational фундаментальный, основательный
rainbow радужный
fir-tree елка
to put up устанавливать, выставлять
to allow позволять, разрешать
roof крыша
altogether все вместе
in front of впереди
conventional традиционная (обычная)
as soon as как только
hand стрелка часов
to show показывать
beverage напиток
sunrise восход
significant значительный, важный
to defend защищать
occupier оккупант
numerous многочисленный
pagan языческий
Shrovetide Масленица
ought to следует, должен
scarecrow чучело
to symbolize символизировать
evil злой
force сила
nowadays в наши дни, в настоящее время, теперь
familiar знакомый, привычный, близкий
to prepare подготавливать
bar плитка, кусок
postcard открытка
Russian
Holidays and Traditions
Russians enjoy their holidays and celebrate them with a lot of
food, presents and in big companies of relatives and friends.
There are three types of holidays in Russia: family holidays,
state or public holidays and religious holidays.
Family holidays include birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and
other family celebrations. Different families have different
traditions of celebrations.
State or public holidays in Russia include Constitution Day, New
Year’s Day, the International Women’s Day, May Day, Victory Day
and Independence Day. State organisations, banks and companies
do not work on these days. People spend holi¬day time with their
families and friends; they go to theatres or exhibitions, or go
to city centre where there are usually folk festivals and
concerts in the open air and celebrate with other people.
Russian religious holidays include Christmas, Easter and some
others. There is also a pagan holiday – Shrovetide or Pancake
Day.
New Year’s Day is the major family holiday for many Russians. It
is a national holiday in Russia, on which most businesses and
public offices are closed. Schools and universities are closed
as part of their winter holidays at this time of the year.
New Year’s dinner usually starts late on December 31 and
includes Russian salad, dressed herring, sparkling wine and
other national food. Five minutes before the clock strikes
midnight people watch the president’s speech on TV and raise a
toast to the chiming of the Kremlin clock. After that Russians
congratulate each other and exchange presents. Some people go
outside to play snowballs, make a snowman or light fire
crackers.
Some Russians celebrate this day at their friends’ houses or
attend the fireworks displays in their city. Celebrations for
children include a decorated fir tree and Grandfather Frost, the
Russian equivalent of Santa Claus who is believed to bring
presents. Grandfather ‘Frost often comes with his granddaughter,
Snegurochka (Snow Girl).
Victory Day celebrated on May 9 is a very important historic
holiday which marks Germany’s surrender to the Soviet Union in
1945, ending one of the bloodiest wars in Russia’s history.
Public offices, schools and most businesses are closed for the
celebrations. There may be changes in public transport routes
due to parades and street performances.
A lot of people attend a local military parade and watch the
fireworks display at night on this day. The biggest parade is in
Moscow’s Red Square, showcasing Russia’s military forces.
Veterans wear their medals as they head to the parade or an
event organised by local veteran organisations. Another
tradition is to give red carnations to veterans and to lay
wreaths at the war memorial sites. Schools usually have concerts
and performances, sing wartime songs and read poetry. At home,
families gather around a festive table to honor surviving
witnesses of World War II and remember those who passed away.
Orthodox Christmas is both a national and religious holiday in
Russia so banks and public offices are closed on January 7th.
Russians celebrate it by having a family dinner, attending a
Christmas liturgy and visiting relatives and friends.
For many Russians, Christmas Day is a family holiday but it is
not as important for many families as New Year’s Day. Many
people visit friends and relatives, as well as give and receive
presents. Prior to Christmas Day, there is Christmas Eve, which
marks the start of an old Slavonic holiday, Svyatki, during
which young women used a mirror and candles to see the image of
their future husbands.
Maslenitsa, also known as Pancake Week or Shrovetide, is a
Russian pagan holiday celebrated during the last week before
Great Lent (the seventh week before Easter). Maslenitsa is an
ancient Slavonic holiday, dating back to the pagan culture. This
is a festival, celebrating the approach of the spring, warmth
and renovation of the nature. During the week Russians eat
pancakes, have celebrations and every day of the Pancake Week
has its own name and traditions.
For example, Sunday is called the Forgiveness Day when everybody
should ask for forgiveness. Young married couples usually visit
their relatives, give presents to parents and friends, pay
visits to their godparents to give presents to them, too.
When asking for forgiveness people usually bow and normally hear
the reply, God will forgive you. All the food that is left needs
to be eaten up, followed by a piece of rye bread and salt, as a
reminder of the upcoming Lent. This is also the last day of the
week when pancakes are eaten.
Sunday evening is the_time when Maslenitsa straw doll has to be
burnt; after it has turned to ashes, young people walk over the
fire, marking the end of the Maslenitsa festivities.
Nowadays foreign celebrations are becoming more and more popular
in Russia. The most popular ones are Halloween and St.
Valentine’s Day.
At Halloween some clubs organise parties and masquerades, people
dress up in costumes and may get access to some clubs for free
if they come dressed-up. However, this celebration is banned in
public schools.
St. Valentine’s Day is mostly popular with teenagers and young
people. They usually buy small presents for their girlfriends
and boyfriends such as chocolate or sweets and make greetings
cards in the shape of a heart.
As for me, I don’t mind foreign celebrations, but I think that
people of different countries should not borrow traditions and
celebrations from other nations, even if they are interesting
and fun.
My favourite family holiday is New Year’s Day. A week before the
celebration my mother and I decorate a New Year tree with
colourful glass balls and toys. My family usually has the New
Year dinner in the evening, long before midnight and just before
the New Year comes, we have snacks, caviar and sparkling wine.
When the clock strikes midnight, we give each other presents.
Later, we watch TV and relax and go outside to watch fireworks
displays.
Another celebration which I like is my birthday. It is in spring
and usually my friends and I get together, have a party either
at my flat or in a cafe and then go’ for a walk. I like getting
presents and having fun. Once we went to the central park and
rode on a big wheel. It was great! I also remember my birthday
when my family and I went to a water park and spent a lot of
time there swimming and sliding on waterslides of various shapes
and sizes!
I think that holidays are important because they connect people
and give them an opportunity to have fun and enjoy themselves.
ПЛАН-ОТВЕТ. RUSSIAN HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS
1. Вступление (Russians enjoy their holidays and celebrate them
with a lot of food, presents and in big companies of relatives
and friends.).
2. Предоставить общую информацию о праздниках России (three
types of holidays; family holidays; state/public holidays:
Constitution Day, New Year’s Day, the International Women’s Day,
May Day, Victory Day, Independence Day; religious holidays:
Christmas, Easter; Shrovetide).
3. Рассказать о самых популярных праздниках России и традициях
(New Year’s Day: December 31, national holiday,
businesses/public offices/schools are closed; dinner: Russian
salad/dressed herring/ sparkling wine, etc., watch the
president’s speech, congratulate each other, exchange presents,
play snowballs, make a snowman, light fire crackers, etc.,
Grandfather Frost, Snegurochka; Victory Day: important historic
holiday, May 9, Germany’s surrender, public offices, schools and
most businesses are closed, local military parade, watch the
fireworks display, the biggest parade, veterans wear their
medals, give red carnations, lay wreaths at the war memorial
sites, school concerts and performances, honour surviving
witnesses of World War II; Christmas: Orthodox Christmas,
national and religious holiday, January 7th, family dinner,
Christmas liturgy, a family holiday, Christmas Eve, Svyatki;
Maslenitsa (Pancake Week or Shrovetide): pagan holiday,
festival, approach of the spring, renovation of the nature, eat
pancakes, the Pancake Week, the Forgiveness Day, visit relatives
and friends, a straw doll is burned).
4. Рассказать о зарубежных праздниках, которые отмечаются в
России, и выразить своё мнение (foreign celebrations: Halloween,
St. Valentine’s Day, parties and masquerades, banned in public
schools, St. Valentine’s Day, teenagers and young people, buy
small presents, make greetings cards; I don’t mind/like/don’t
like foreign celebrations; I think that people in every country
should/should not borrow traditions and celebrations from other
nations).
5. Рассказать о своём любимом празднике по следующей схеме: name
of the holiday, usual activities on this day, family traditions
on this day, why you like it.
6. Заключение (I think that holidays are important because they
connect people and give them an opportunity to have fun and
enjoy themselves.).
QUESTIONS
1. What holidays do the Russians have?
2. What are the three types of Russian holidays?
3. What days are included in family holidays?
4. What celebrations are state or public?
5. What do religion holidays include?
6. When is New Year’s Day celebrated?
7. What are the most popular traditions on this day?
8. How do you usually celebrate New Year’s Day?
9. What is Victory Day and why is it important for the Russians?
10. When is it celebrated?
11. What are the traditions and activities on Victory Day?
12. When is Christmas celebrated in Russia?
13. What are the Christmas traditions?
14. How do you usually celebrate this holiday?
15. What is Maslenitsa? What other names does it have?
16. What are the traditions of this pagan holiday?
17. What foreign celebrations appeared in Russia?
18. What’s your opinion about them?
19. Do you celebrate any of them?
20. What are your favourite Russian holidays?
21. Why do you like them?
22. What do you and your family usually do on these days?
23. Do you think holidays are important? Why (not)?
Russian Traditions – Русские традиции
It is a well-known fact that most Russians are patriots of their country: they are usually homesick when they leave Russia for a long period of time, and are usually keen supporters of traditions. Russian people keep up a lot of folk traditions. Many of them are of religious origin and were, actually, banned after the Russian Revolution of 1917 but survived and are now restored. These are all kinds of traditions based on Christianity and the Russian Orthodox Church, like those of Christmas, Lent and Easter. A well-known Easter tradition is, for example, painting eggs bright colours to symbolize springtime and life, and playing an Easter egg game in which each person takes a hard-boiled, coloured egg. Players make pairs and then tap the ends of their eggs together. First the wide ends of the two eggs are tapped together, then the narrow ends, and finally one wide and one narrow end. When a player’s egg breaks, he or she leaves the game, which continues until one player is left with an unbroken egg. The one who wins is considered to be likely to have good luck in everything.
The second group is formed by folk traditions which date back to the times before Christianity, like fortune-telling, some wedding or funeral rituals. The third group is formed by traditions pertaining to official celebrations, like those of the Victory Day when World War II veterans meet in Moscow in front of the Bolshoi Theatre building, and people of all ages come to congratulate them and give them flowers.
My favourite Russian folk tradition is Maslenitsa, or Pancake Week, which is a combination of Christian and pagan traditions and is the last week before the Lent. There are several reasons why I like it so much. Firstly, I am really fond of Russian folk traditions, and Maslenitsa week is full of traditional Russian festival activities: masquerades, snowball fights, sledding and sleigh rides. Secondly, it is a chance to taste traditional Russian food which we don’t very often cook nowadays, as we got used to buy ready-made food in supermarkets. The essential element of Maslenitsa celebration is Russian pancakes, made of rich foods like butter, eggs and milk. They are usually eaten with sour cream or caviar. For many Christians, Maslenitsa is the last chance to meet with the worldly delights before the fasting of Lent. (For Russian official holidays, see Public Holidays in Russia.)
Almost every nation and country has a reputation of some kind. The Englishmen are reputed to be cold, reserved, easy-going and fond of sport. They are the nation of stay-at-homes. “There is no place like home”, they say. The English man’s home is his castle is a saying known all over the world. They prefer a small house built for one family, with a small garden are a fire in the centre of the house. They like animals very much and follow the traditions concerning food and meals. We know much about English traditions and customs but now I’d like to say a few words about the traditions of my native land – Russia.
To my mind, the main traits of their characters which differ them from other people are hospitality, their “open heart”, “golden hands”, wise Russian fairytales reflect this wisdom. Our people are hardworking, patient, never loosing hope for better life. The Russians are the talented nation. Russia gave the world beautiful names of Pushkin and Lermontov, Chaikovsky and Repin, thousands of names of world famous poets, writers, composers, scientists. All of them are the pride of the nation because they sand the beauty of our nature and people.
Besides these great names in literature and music, our country is famous for Russian traditional specific crafts its skilled craftsmen. Painted boxes of Palekh, coloured shawls of Pavlov Posad, clay toys of Dymkovo, laces of Vologda are known all over the world. The names of Gzhel and Khokhloma are considered to be the symbols of Russia as well as matryoshkas and samovars. The history of khokhloma goes back into the 17th century Producing of tableware-dishes, spoons, mugs was begun at that time in the villages of Suomino and Khokhloma in the Nizhniy Novgorod Province. On the banks of the great Russian river Volga. Many carpenters, painters have been working since then reviving traditions of old masters. The Khokhloma style is characterized by using plant elements in painting the tableware. The prevailing colours are black, yellow, golden, green and red. And nowadays this craft is sure to be saved, it will be developed and brought into the future by the new generation of painters. The reviving of old crafts is connected with the reviving of the traditional arts of all peoples inhabiting our big country. There are 100 of them. They revive their culture, costumes, dances and language. It is the revival of our souls. Now we celebrate the forgotten holidays – Troisa, Maslenitsa, Easter. We again sing Russian folk songs and chastushki, dance Barinya and perform khorovods, ride in troikas.
Traditional Russian cooking is world-famous for such dishes as okroshka, shi, pelmeny, kurnik, kvas.
We begin to build and reconstruct churches as well. The example of it is the building of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. It is the symbol of reviving human feelings, national pride and patriotism.
Traditions of My Family
Традиции моей семьи
The family is an important part of everyone`s life. Of course, in every family, there are some unique traditions. From my point of view, it is really important to have special traditions in a family because it makes family members closer and helps to make better relationships between children and parents.
Семья-это важная часть жизни каждого. Конечно, в каждой семье есть уникальные традиции. С моей точки зрения, это действительно важно иметь особые традиции в семье, потому что это делает членов семьи ближе и помогает улучшить отношения между детьми и родителями.
In my family, there are some traditions. The greatest one is to spend the whole Saturday together. My parents work really hard and very often they have to work overtime that`s why we do not have enough time to spend with each other during the working week. Every Saturday we go somewhere together. When the weather is good we go for a walk in a park. Sometimes we go to the cinema or theater. In the evening we have dinner together. My mom normally cooks something delicious. Every Sunday we do a big cleaning. For my family, it is important to keep the house clean. It creates a cozy atmosphere in it that`s why I always try to help my parents with cleaning. After that, we tend to visit my grandparents.
What I like most of all is spending winter holidays abroad with my parents. It is an ideal way to relax and have fun together.
В моей семье есть несколько традиций. Важнейшая из них — проводить всю субботу вместе. Мои родители работают очень усердно, и очень часто им приходится работать сверхурочно, поэтому нам не хватает времени, чтобы провести друг с другом в течение рабочей недели. Каждую субботу мы ходим куда-нибудь вместе. Когда погода хорошая, мы идем на прогулку в парк. Иногда мы идем в кино или театр. Вечером мы ужинаем вместе. Моя мама обычно готовит что-то вкусное. Каждое воскресенье мы делаем большую уборку. Для моей семьи важно держать дом в чистоте. Это создает уютную атмосферу в нем, поэтому я всегда стараюсь помочь моим родителям с уборкой. После этого, мы обычно навещаем бабушку и дедушку.
Больше всего мне нравится проводить зимние каникулы с семьей за границей. Это идеальный способ отдохнуть и весело провести время вместе.
I appreciate the fact that my family is so friendly. I believe that for every family it is very important to spend time together. I am sure that family traditions make family members closer.
Я ценю, что моя семья очень дружная. Я считаю, что для каждой семьи очень важно проводить время вместе. Я уверен, что семейные традиции делают членов семьи ближе.
Family traditions
In every family
there are different traditions. Family traditions help people to
feel themselves part of the whole, strengthen the family unity
and simply to enjoy happy memories. I think that the moments
spent in the circle of your family are the most precious.
We have a great tradition in our family. On May Day we usually
go to the country where my grandparents live and spend there our
days off. I often help my grandma with gardening or go fishing
with my granddad. We love to make up picnics. My father usually
cooks Russian fish soup and grilled vegetables. We often sit up
late at night and look through our family albums. I can sit for
hours studying each image and recalling life events. It is so
touching. If it is summer, on weekends we go to the river to
sunbathe and swim. We play beach volleyball or badminton. To
tell the truth, I like to “unite” with the nature. As for me, I
can spend hours staring at the water. At night we often build a
fire and sing to a guitar. At these moments I feel the happiest
person in the world.
Another family tradition is decorating our New Year tree with
ornaments, tinsel and candles. As I am fond of handicrafts, I
usually make scrapbooks of our celebrations. My mother usually
makes New Year’s tree decorations and it definitely adds a
special festive touch to the New Year decor. Besides, we usually
celebrate New Year at home, in the circle of our family. I get
up early in the morning and help my mom to cook a festive
supper. It is a tradition in our country to have a certain menu
for this holiday. Usually it is a baked goose, a famous Russian
salad called Olivier, jellied minced meat and, of course,
champagne. Then I go into my room to put my gala dress on.
Sometimes my mom asks me to help her lay the table. When all
preparations are behind, we watch TV and wait for our guests to
come. When the Kremlin chimes strike twelve times, all of us
make wishes, hold glasses of champagne and wish each other Happy
New Year. Children usually receive long-awaited presents from
Grandfather Frost and Snow Maiden. Besides, New Year fireworks
are must-have for this holiday.
Frankly speaking, I love all holidays but my birthday is my
favorite one. My parents usually wake me up early in the morning
with a nice song “Happy birthday, dear Sophia” and give me their
presents and flowers. We always invite guests to our place and
make fun. We sing songs, dance and play games. Then, suddenly,
all the light goes out and my parents bring a very nice cake
with burning candles. I make my wish and blow out all candles.
In the end of the party all of us come outside and set off
fireworks.
Семейные традиции
В каждой семье есть различные
традиции, которые помогают укрепить единство семьи,
почувствовать себя частью целого, и попросту насладиться
счастливыми воспоминаниями. Я считаю, что моменты, проведенные в
кругу семьи, самые ценные.
В нашей семье есть отличная традиция: на майские праздники мы
обычно уезжаем в деревню, где живут мои бабушка и дедушка, и
проводим там все выходные. Я часто помогаю своей бабушке
ухаживать за огородом или хожу на рыбалку с дедушкой. Мы любим
устраивать пикники. Мой папа обычно готовит уху и овощи на
гриле. Мы обычно засиживаемся допоздна, просматривая семейные
фотоальбомы. Я лично могу часами изучать каждую фотографию и
вспоминать былые времена. Это так трогательно.
Если это лето, то по выходным мы ездим на реку, чтобы позагорать
и искупаться. Мы играем в пляжный волейбол или бадминтон. По
правде говоря, мне нравится сливаться с природой. Лично я могу
часами смотреть на воду. Ночью мы часто разводим костер и поем
песни под гитару. В такие моменты я чувствую себя самым
счастливым человеком в мире.
Еще одна наша семейная традиция связана с украшением новогодней
елки игрушками, мишурой и свечами. Поскольку я люблю делать
поделки своими руками, я обычно делаю памятные декоративные
альбомы, в которые вклеиваю фотографии празднования Нового года.
А моя мама обычно изготавливает праздничные елочные игрушки, что
вносит особый штрих в новогодний декор. Кроме того, у нас есть
традиция отмечать этот праздник дома, в кругу семьи. Я обычно
просыпаюсь рано утром и помогаю маме готовить праздничный ужин.
В нашей стране есть даже особое традиционное меню для этого
праздника, включающее запеченного гуся, известный салат оливье,
холодец и, конечно же, шампанское. Затем я иду в свою комнату,
чтобы переодеться в праздничный наряд. Иногда моя мама просит
меня помочь ей накрыть стол. Когда все приготовления остаются
позади, мы смотрим телевизор и ждем прихода гостей. Когда
куранты бьют двенадцать часов, мы все поднимаем бокалы с
шампанским и желаем друг другу счастливого Нового года. Дети
обычно получают долгожданные подарки от Деда Мороза и
Снегурочки. Кроме того, в Новый год есть излюбленная традиция
фейерверков.
Честно говоря, я люблю все праздники, но мой день рождения — это
самый любимый. Мои родители обычно будят меня рано утром песней
«С днем рождения, София» и дарят подарки и цветы. Мы обычно
приглашаем гостей и веселимся: поем песни, танцуем и играем в
игры. Затем неожиданно гаснет везде свет, и мои родители выносят
очень красивый праздничный торт с горящими свечами. Я загадываю
желание и задуваю все свечи. В конце вечеринки все мы выходим на
улицу и запускаем фейерверки.
Topical
Vocabulary:
1) to unite —
объединяться
2) to strengthen [fstrerj0(9)n] — усиливать, укреплять
3) family unity — единство семьи
4) precious [‘prejbs] — дорогой, ценный
5) to go to the country — ехать за город, в деревню
6) day off— выходной
7) to make up picnics — устраивать пикники
8) Russian fish soup — уха
9) to sit up late at night — засиживаться допоздна
10) to look through — просматривать, разглядывать
11) family album — семейный альбом
12) to sunbathe [‘sAnbeiG] — загорать
13) to stare [stea] — пристально смотреть
14) to build a fire — разжигать костер
15) to sing to a guitar — петь песни под гитару
16) tinsel [4in(t)s(3)l] — мишура
17) handicraft [‘haendikra:ft] — ручная работа
18) scrapbook [‘skraepbuk] — альбом для вырезок, фотографий,
картинок
19) celebration [, seb’breif(9)n] — празднование
20) festive [Testiv] — праздничный
21) in the circle of a family — в кругу семьи
22) jellied minced meat — холодец
23) to lay the table — накрывать на стол
24) preparations — приготовления
25) long-awaited — долгожданный
26) Grandfather Frost — Дед Мороз
27) Snow Maiden — Снегурочка
28) to set off fireworks — запускать фейерверки
29) to invite guests — приглашать друзей
30) to make fun — веселиться
31) to blow out candles — задувать свечи
Every country has customs and traditions. I want to tell you about some holidays and traditions of my country.
Russians really love holidays. We usually celebrate them with a lot of food, presents and in big companies of relatives and friends.
There are three types of holidays in Russia. They are family holidays, state holidays and religious holidays. Let me tell you about family holidays first. They include birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and others. Each family has its own traditions of celebrating this or that holiday. For example, my family celebrates my birthday for two days. On the first day I celebrate it with my parents, grandparents, my uncle and aunt. The second day of celebration is only for my close friends. They usually come in a big group with a lot of presents. I like my birthday very much.
State or public holidays in Russia include Constitution Day, New Year’s Day, the International Women’s Day, May Day, Victory Day and Russia Day. During these holidays, people do not work. They spend time with their families and friends or go to the centre of big cities to celebrate there. Banks, companies and some shops do not work on these days either.
New Year’s Day is the major holiday in Russia. We put up a New Year tree and decorate it with colourful toys and glass balls. The main fir-tree of the country is put up in the State Kremlin Palace. Small fir trees are put up in shop windows, in streets and squares, even on roofs of buildings. A lot of people like buying natural fir trees, others prefer plastic ones. Children like the holiday a lot. They can stay up late and then get their presents. At ten minutes to midnight on the 31-st of December families gather in front of the TV-set and watch the president making his traditional speech. After the clock on the main tower of the Kremlin strikes midnight, everybody says Happy New Year and drinks champagne. After that the time for presents comes. Russian children believe that Father Frost brings presents. After all the presents are given out, Russians have fun, drink, eat, and play games all night long.
Victory Day is a very important holiday for Russian history. On this day we remember those who protected our country from the German invaders during World War II. A great parade is held on this day in Red Square. Numerous war and patriotic films are shown on television. On this day people congratulate veterans and give them flowers.
The so-called religious holidays include Christmas, Easter and others. There is also a pagan holiday — Shrovetide or Pancake Day. These holidays are not state, so people usually work and study on these days. At Shrovetide, people see spring in, eat pancakes and burn a scarecrow, which symbolizes winter. Russian Christmas is celebrated on the 7-th of January, but there is no exact date for Easter, it is different every year.
Nowadays foreign celebrations are becoming more and more popular in Russia. They are Halloween and St. Valentine’s Day. On Halloween Day some clubs organize parties and masquerades. St. “Valentine’s Day is mostly popular with young people. They usually buy presents for their girlfriends and boyfriends such as chocolate and sweets and make greeting cards in the shape of a heart.
I like Russian holidays
Like the whole world, Russian people love celebrating their holidays. Celebrations in Russia reflect many aspects of its history, culture and traditions. Some Russian festivities are official public holidays and government offices, schools and banks have their days off. These are New Year (January, 1st – 5th), Orthodox Christmas (January, 7th), Defender of the Motherland Day (February, 23rd), International Women’s Day (March, 8th), Spring and Labour Day (May, 1st), Victory Day (May, 9th), Russia Day (June, 12th), National Unity Day (November, 4th) and Constitution Day (December, 12th).
The Russians usually celebrate holidays with plenty of food and presents. The most popular holiday is New Year’s Day. Russian people decorate fir-trees, cook delicious meals, make fireworks. All children wait for Father Frost and his granddaughter Snegurochka to get presents from them. On Christmas people visit their relatives and friends and tell fortunes.
Defender of the Motherland Day is also known as Men’s Day because all Russian men and boys, active servicemen and war veterans get warm greetings and special presents from their families, friends and colleagues. International Women’s Day has been celebrated in Russia since 1913 and it is the day for all mothers, sisters, wives, daughters and girlfriends. Spring and Labour Day appeared in Russia on the 1st of May in 1890 after the strike of Chicago workers who demanded an 8-hour working day.
Victory Day is a sacred and dramatic holiday for Russia. The whole country commemorates millions of victims of the Great Patriotic war. Russia Day became a national holiday after the Declaration of Sovereignty was adopted in 1991. And National Unity Day commemorates the liberation of Moscow from Polish occupation in 1612 and it is celebrated with parades. Constitution Day is a celebration of the adoption of the Russian Federation Constitution in 1993.
Unofficial Russian holidays are also observed. There are religious and foreign celebrations among them: Old New Year (January, 14th), St. Valentine’s Day (February, 14th), Orthodox Easter Sunday, Maslenitsa, Cosmonaut’s Day (April, 12th), Halloween (October, 30th) and Mothering Sunday (in November).
Some Russians celebrate the New Year according to the Julian calendar that was used in Russia before 1918 and they call this holiday Old New Year. Easter is always celebrated with painted eggs and church services. Maslenitsa is a holiday of meeting the Russian spring with such rituals as eating pancakes and burning a dummy of winter.
Перевод
Как и весь мир, русский народ любит отмечать праздники. Торжества в России отражают многие аспекты ее истории, культуры и традиции. Некоторые русские праздники являются официальными общественными праздниками, и у правительственных учреждений, школ и банков в эти дни выходной. Это Новый год (1-5 января), православное Рождество (7 января), День защитников Отечества (23 февраля), Международный женский день (8 марта), День Весны и Труда (1 мая), День Победы (9 мая), День России (12 июня), День Национального единства (4 ноября) и День Конституции (12 декабря).
Русские обычно отмечают праздники обилием еды и подарков. Самым популярным праздником является Новый год. Русский народ украшает елки, готовит вкусные блюда, устраивают фейерверки. Все дети ждут Деда Мороза и его внучку Снегурочку для того, чтобы получить от них подарки. На Рождество люди навещают своих родственников и друзей и гадают.
День Защитников Отечества также известен как День мужчин, так как все русские мужчины и мальчики, все состоящие на военной службе и ветераны войны получают теплые поздравления и особые подарки от своих семей, друзей и коллег. Международный Женский день празднуется в России с 1913 г., и это день для всех матерей, сестер, жен, дочерей и любимых девушек. День Весны и Труда появился в России 1 мая 1890 г. после забастовки рабочих Чикаго, которые требовали 8-часовой рабочий день.
День Победы – священный и драматичный праздник для России. Вся страна чтит память миллионов жертв Великой Отечественной войны. День России стал национальным праздником после принятия Декларации о Суверенитете в 1991 г. А День Национального единства напоминает об освобождении Москвы от польской оккупации в 1612 г, и отмечается проведением парадов. День Конституции является празднованием принятия Конституции РФ в 1993 г.
Существуют также и неофициальные русские праздники. Среди них есть религиозные и иностранные торжества: Старый Новый год (14 января), День св. Валентина (14 февраля), православная Пасха, Масленица, День Космонавтики (12 апреля), Хэллоуин (30 октября) и День Матери (в ноябре).
Некоторые русские отмечают Новый год согласно Юлианскому календарю, который использовался в России до 1918 г., и называют его Старым Новым годом. Пасху всегда отмечают крашеными яйцами и торжественными богослужениями. Масленица – это праздник встречи русской весны с такими ритуалами, как угощение блинами и поджигание чучела зимы.
Almost every nation and country has a reputation of some kind. I’d like to say a few words about the traditions of my native land – Russia. First, about Russian people. To my mind, the main traits of their characters which differ them from other people are hospitality, their “open heart” and “golden hands”. Our people are hardworking, patient, never loosing hope for better life.
The Russians are the talented nation. Russia gave the world beautiful names of Pushkin and Lermontov, Chaikovsky and Repin, thousands of names of world famous poets, writers, composers, scientists. All of them are the pride of the nation because they send the beauty of our nature and people.
Our country is famous for Russian traditional specific crafts. Painted boxes of Palekh, coloured shawls of Pavlov Posad, clay toys of Dymkovo, laces of Vologda are known all over the world. The names of Gzhel and Khokhloma are considered to be the symbols of Russia as well as matryoshkas and samovars.
The Khokhloma style is characterized by using plant elements in painting the tableware. The prevailing colours are black, yellow, golden, green and red. And nowadays this craft is sure to be saved, it will be developed and brought into the future by the new generation of painters.
The reviving of old crafts is connected with the reviving of the traditional arts of all people inhabiting our big country. They revive their culture, costumes, dances and language. It is the revival of our souls. Now we celebrate the forgotten holidays – Troitsa, Maslenitsa, Easter. We again sing Russian folk songs and chastushki, perform khorovods, ride in troikas.