Religion and traditions

Orthodox Christianity is the main religion in Russia. It is the confession of almost all Slavic peoples and nationalities who reside in the territory of the Russian Federation, and even some of the huge non-Slavic ethnic groups such as the Chuvash, Komi, Georgians, Ossetians, Armenians, Mordovians, etc.

There are other religions among the numerous peoples of Russia, such as Protestantism, Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and, of course, some beliefs that are practiced traditionally, they are now very common in insignificant ethnic groups.

Russians go to Christian Orthodox churches, celebrate religious holidays and follow Christian traditions.
The Russian nation is known for its rich culture, numerous customs and colorful folklore. The national culture distinguishes the Russian people from others, allows one to experience a genuine relationship between the ages and generations, gives one the opportunity to receive vital spiritual support.
Basically, the customs and traditions of Russian people are connected with the calendar, the sacraments, holidays and complicated rituals. The calendar was called "mesyatseslov" (monthbook) in Russia, and it covered the whole year of peasant life. It described each day in terms of the corresponding holidays or weekdays, popular superstitions, all kinds of weather events, customs, traditions etc. It was a kind of encyclopedia that included agricultural experience, the norms of public life and ceremonies.

The calendar of the Russian people is a fusion of Christianity and paganism. The ceremonies, which had for ages accompanied major holidays had included a huge number of songs, circle dances, games, masks, dramatic skits, folk costumes and original props.
The genuine Russian traditions are undeniably full of imagination and artwork.

Especially curious seem Russian Maslenitsa traditions. They are related to the theme of matrimonial and family relations, as Maslenitsa honored the couples who got married last year.
As for the customs related to the celebration of Easter, they are characterized by the Scripture - the Bible. Tables are decorated with consecrated cottage cheese cakes, painted eggs and traditional Easter cakes. Christmas is traditionally a holiday of return and rebirth, its customs are full of genuine kindness, humanity, and high moral ideals.  

On Christmas relatives and friends get together to celebrate around the festive Christmas table. The night before Christmas young girls would try to read fortune in tea leaves, mirrors, candle wax, barn noises, and such. 
The Russian people associated the summer solstice with the holiday of Ivan Kupala celebrated with songs and young people jumping over the fire. This action was a mix of pagan and Christian traditions.

Russian national traditions in daily life mark such events as waiting for a baby to be born, christenings, weddings. A new addition to the family has always been good news and is associated with a variety of signs, which many expectant mothers observe until now.
Despite the similarities with other peoples' customs, Russian folk rituals seem especially colorful, musical and eloquent.