Russian Wedding Rituals

Wedding is just my favorite merrymaking because this event means that two people exchanged swears to live together and love each other no matter what. I think my being a hopeless loving is also a consideration why I like weddings. I want to share some entrancing information that I learned about Russian wedding rituals. I realized about these concepts when I attended my friend's wedlock in Moscow.

I learned that the bride's attire must be white for it is the color of joy and the crest of chastity and purity. The pair of wedding shoes, on the other hand, are the crests of the thriftiness of the bride and her enthusiasm to be a housekeeper. This is because the female must purchase her shoes from her own reserves. The bridal veil is also a very vital symbol because it should cover the bride's face. Any debasement of this theory may lead to bad luck and untimely death. Additionally, Russians suppose that the bridesmaids must surround the bride to trouble evil spirits. There are also beliefs regarding the wedding pie, the groom and bride kiss, and the wedding bouquet.

I find these rituals pretty interesting, but for me, the important thing is that the newlyweds must keep and value their swears.

Eurasian Prettiness of the Russian Group

Also described as the Russian Federation, Russia is a beautiful Eurasian country which means its vast land is spanned over Europe and Asia. Russia is the largest country in the world, and it slices its confines with Finland, Norway, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Belarus, Georgia, Poland, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, North Korea, and China.

Despite having its large arctic and sub-arctic areas, Russia's southern part has a unusually subtropical environment. Generally, the subtropical environment part has a chilly temperature not more than 8 degrees Centigrade all throughout the year, but the rest of the country is relatively colder. However, the part which is parted into Asia has a Tibetan environment where the winds coming from the mountains are cold even in the supposedly-warm summer time.

Siberia, a part of Russia which is mostly formed of vast plains, has a high density of plants and trees, so visitors are instructed to bring waterproof boots because of the sloppy mud. Winter time, although biting cold and somehow dry, is also very alluring in Russia eminently in the cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg. The majestic and unique Russian architecture is best viewed during these times when the leaves are falling, thus exhibiting numerous majestic sceneries.

Tasty Post-war Food

When I was asked to do a food shoot for Russian delicacies that will be featured on a local magazine, I said to myself: "What do these magnificent Russians eat?" I always associate Russia with the soaring Kremlin that is constantly guarded by different Soviet soldiers, but other than that, Russia for me is a complete enigma.

This relentless query in my head was finally answered on that splendid day of the food shoot. My friend who booked me for this project welcomed me to the airport and brought me to the fantastic 1 Red Square which is lying within the State Historical Museum in Moscow. My good-natured friend explained to me that what I am about to shoot is the ordinary Russian meal that most people ate during the post-war era. I first observed that soups are viewed as hot or cold, which I find quite unusual. However, what I found really mouthwatering is the enthralling Katlyeti which literally means "cutlets". This enthralling Katlyeti pretty much resembles a tasty Salisbury steak which pretty much aroused my appetite. Another incomparable aspect of Russian cuisine is its drinks that come in varying forms. One particular drink that almost knocked the lights out of me is the stavlenniy myod, a very concentrated alcoholic beverage that is made up of immense amounts of honey, berry juice, and vodka. Because of this marvelous experience, this certainly is one of the most outstanding food shoots that I've ever done.

The Simple Yet Majestic Style of Old-Fashioned Russia

Unlike the people from other European countries who appeared to be too consumed with the long, complicated, and luxurious pieces of clothing, the feudal Russians were never fond of wearing ground-sweeping styles of dresses. In fact, feudal Russian clothes are mostly above the knee in length while the coats are simply in tunic-style, and it was only later that long-sleeved coats were established.

Along with the revolution of long-sleeved tops came the introduction of fashionable trimmings that were either of fur or lace to underline the coats, which are individualized by the slits that are created on the sleeves to give the arms breathing holes. Later still, the Russians were able to accept the Mongol-inspired long jackets that came with dazzling full skirts as part of their developing fashion style. The gears by this time became more and more decorated, carrying a couple of layers for volume and elaborate lengths for the regal effect while hats are initially creating a popularity of its own. Soon enough, thickly furred hats, which is mainly upholstered with cotton fabric and underlined with either pearls or gold threads, became a unique ornament that was donned along a silk costume created to exude the simplicity that many Russians used to impress other people.

Feast Your Eye in the Breathtaking Grand Hotel Europe

I love the new James Bond movie, "Casino Royale," but I didn't quite like the actor who played the goodlooking Agent 007, Daniel Craig. In my viewpoint, Pierce Brosnan's perfomance of James Bond is the best yet. I especially dug his first Bond movie, "GoldenEye", where the storyline was mostly centered on the charming Russia. Actually, I dig that film not only because Brosnan made an outstanding performance but because it featured some of the most charming places in Russia, particularly in St. Petersburg. The picture even featured one of the most well-known and grandest hotels in Russia, the Grand Hotel Europe.

Formerly known as Hotel Evropeiskaya, Grand Hotel Europe was created in January 28, 1875 on a site where an old bed-and-breakfast previously stood. An huge building with an Art Nouveau theme, Grand Hotel Europe is located at the Nevsky Prospekt and Mikhailovskaya Street intersection. Operating for already more than 130 years, this hotel already welcomed thousands of renowned celebrities and world figures such as Elton John, Bill Clinton, George Bernard Shaw, Queen Elizabeth II, and Richard Gere. One of St. Petersburg's most luxurious hotels, Grand Hotel Europe features over a hundred rooms all furnished with state-of-the-art amenities and designed in handsome furnishings and elegant decorations. A five-star hotel with a long saga of excellent service and hospitality, Grand Hotel Europe is the place you would want to be in Russia.