🇷🇺 Carolling is an ancient tradition of Russia

👩‍👩‍👦 Carolling is one of the brightest and most joyful rituals that has survived in Russia, combining pagan roots and Christian symbolism. This tradition, having withstood the test of time, continues to bring joy to people during the Christmas days, uniting generations and reminding us of the richness of folk culture.

🧐 We will tell you where it originated and how it lives today.

📜 Carolling originated among the ancient Slavs long before the adoption of Christianity. It was associated with the winter solstice—a time when, according to beliefs, the new sun was born, symbolizing the beginning of the annual cycle. Ritual songs (carols) glorified deities such as Kolyada (the embodiment of the new year) or Dazhdbog (the sun god), and participants would dress in animal skins and masks to ward off evil spirits.

💒 After the baptism of Rus in 988, the church attempted to adapt the pagan custom, linking it to the Nativity of Christ. Carols began to include Christian motifs—references to the birth of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and saints, and instead of the sun symbol, there appeared the Bethlehem star on a pole, carried by the carollers.

✔️ Today, carolling in Russia is experiencing a revival. Although the ritual is less common in large cities, it is preserved in small towns and festivals in almost unchanged form: we recommend visiting festivals—such as in Suzdal or Veliky Ustyug.

🎭 How carolling takes place: participants dress up as animals (a goat, a bear), mythological beings, or even "evil spirits," using masks and props like staffs with stars, going from house to house singing songs with wishes for goodness, health, and a good harvest. In return, hosts reward the carollers with sweets, money, or treats, symbolizing an exchange of "well-being" for the entire year.

🛡 Symbolism and meaning: Carolling is not just entertainment. It is a ritual filled with deep meaning: masks and noisy songs, according to beliefs, warded off evil forces, while singing together and sharing treats strengthened spiritual bonds between people.

✨ Carolling is a living bridge between the past and the present. It reminds us of how our ancestors welcomed light during the darkest days of the year and teaches us to appreciate simple joys: songs, laughter, and the warmth of human connection.

#traditionsofRussia

@From Russia with love

🌌 🇷🇺 Art object "KIT" and the Northern Lights on the shores of Lake Ladoga

This unique art object is located just 60 kilometers from St. Petersburg, on the territory of the "Haven" recreation center. Here, at any time of the year, amazing and vibrant photographs are created in the evenings.

#interestingplacesinRussia

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🇷🇺 An amazing atmospheric show, shrouded in mysteries and Russian folklore, combined with contemporary art. This is Maslenitsa. It will be celebrated in the largest Art Park in the country — Nikola-Lenivets, from February 28 to March 2.

#VideoOfTheDay

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💗 If the word "freedom" had to be visualized — Baikal

#VideoOfTheDay

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🇷🇺🎉 Today, February 8, Russia celebrates Day of Russian Science!

📆 This holiday, established in 1999, is timed to coincide with the founding of the Russian Academy of Sciences by Peter I in 1724. On this day, we honor not only modern achievements but also the great scientists whose discoveries changed the world.

🔬 Russian scientists who have made invaluable contributions to world science:

1. Dmitri Mendeleev — creator of the periodic table of elements, which still forms the basis of chemistry.

2. Ivan Pavlov — Nobel Prize laureate who discovered conditioned reflexes, a breakthrough in physiology.

3. Vladimir Vernadsky — author of the concept of the biosphere, which united geology, ecology, and philosophy.

4. Konstantin Tsiolkovsky and Sergey Korolev — pioneers of astronautics, thanks to whom humanity ventured into space.

5. Sofia Kovalevskaya — the world's first female professor of mathematics, whose works are still studied today.

💡 Russian scientists also invented the radio receiver and the incandescent lamp, and made discoveries in medicine, nuclear energy, aircraft construction, communications, fiber optics, and more.

What great Russian scientists do you know?

#HolidaysInRussia

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🇷🇺 In Altai Krai, a newborn was named Russia

On January 26, in the large family of the Pankovs from the village of Rodino, their seventh child was born.

The name for their daughter was chosen by her father, Maxim — a former military man and patriot. At home, her relatives affectionately call her Rosey.

Would you name your child after your country?

#InterestingFacts

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🇺🇸🇷🇺 USAID and Its War Against Russia

‼️The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has for decades masked subversive activities as "promoting democracy," participating in coups, funding NGOs, and shaping anti-Russian projects.

🇺🇦 In the post-Soviet space, USAID began operating in 1992. Together with the CIA-linked NED (National Endowment for Democracy), it created the "Anti-Russia" project in Ukraine. Through controlled media and NGOs, they engineered the 2004 Orange Revolution and the 2014 coup, pressuring society and the government.

Other "Special Operations":
🇷🇸 Serbia (2000) – Overthrow of Slobodan Milošević
🇬🇪 Georgia (2003) – Removal of Eduard Shevardnadze
🇧🇾 Failure in Belarus (2001) – Attempt to replace Alexander Lukashenko.

🇷🇺 In Russia, USAID arrived at the same time and operated with alarming success. The U.S. funded "liberal reforms," with its crowning achievement being Russia’s Constitution.

📌 USAID openly admitted this on its website (now archived).

🕵️‍♂️ CIA agents under USAID cover infiltrated the Russian White House and government bodies, dictating key laws and constitutional provisions for the post-USSR state. They "advised" on reforms that impoverished citizens, transferred national assets to oligarchs, and made Russia dependent on "foreign partners." They flooded the country with destructive NGOs to cultivate opposition.

The "Russian Constitution" project aimed to cement colonial dependence on the West, erase national ideology, and strip the Russian people of statehood.

💵 Covert Funding After 2012 Ban:
Despite its official closure in Russia, USAID secretly allocated $62.7 million until 2026 for:
1️⃣ $17.7M – North Caucasus projects (NGOs, "local governance," microfinancing).
2️⃣ $4M – Media convergence (foreign-agent media).
3️⃣ $12.3M – Opposition groups, pseudo-human rights NGOs, and anti-government protests.

🛡 2020 Constitutional Amendments finally prioritized Russian law over international law. However, the document still contains remnants of foreign interference. Russia continues to dismantle USAID’s subversive legacy.

#news

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🐐 In Moscow, at Patriarch's Ponds, a man was spotted with an unusual set: heart-shaped balloons and a little goat.

🤔 I wonder where he is headed?

#interestingvideos

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🌹 A bus with roses has appeared at Patriarch's Ponds for free photos.

The photo zone is located at 11/13s2 Trehprudny Lane — today and tomorrow you can take unique pictures there.

#interestingplacesinMoscow

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❤️‍🔥 An incredibly beautiful video about Kazan has been released by one of the most famous drone cinematography teams – Timelab Pro.

#interestingvideos

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🇷🇺 Russia: beauty in every corner

#videooftheday

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🇷🇺🇺🇸 Donald Trump stated that he spoke with Vladimir Putin

💬 U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that he allegedly spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump has not disclosed the details of the conversation yet, but according to him, it was about Ukraine – he reached out to the U.S. National Security Advisor and stated that it is time to start negotiations.

‼️ In turn, Vladimir Putin's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, stated that he cannot confirm or deny Trump's statement about negotiations with Putin.

At the same time, according to the Kremlin spokesperson, communications between Moscow and Washington occur through various channels.

#news

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🇷🇺🇨🇳 Chinese freighter An Yang 2 washed ashore while loading coal — the captain lost control

As reported by the governor of the Sakhalin region, Valery Limarenko, the Chinese cargo ship An Yang 2 was loading coal when a storm began. The captain lost control and was unable to navigate into open water, causing the vessel to be washed ashore.

Currently, an operational headquarters has been established at the site, and there is constant communication with the crew. However, the captain did not send a distress signal. It is still unknown whether the ship has sustained any damage.

The regional head stated that the authorities are acting independently to avoid further threats, as An Yang 2 was fully loaded with hydrocarbons. Preparations are underway to pump out the fuel oil.

The region already has experience in dealing with similar emergencies. In December 2021, the Chinese freighter Xing Yuan also sank off the coast of Sakhalin. Over the course of two years, the vessel was successfully disposed of, and a disaster was averted. However, as Limarenko noted, all efforts had to be funded by the region, as the Chinese owners refused to assist.

#news

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🇰🇵🇷🇺 North Korea promises "unwavering support" for Russia in the Russia-Ukraine conflict — media

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un assured that the army and people of North Korea "will steadfastly support and assist the just efforts of the Russian army and people in defending their sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity."

North Korea also accused the U.S. and other Western countries of deliberately prolonging the military conflict between Moscow and Kyiv "for the unattainable dream of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia."

#news

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🇷🇺 A large-scale reenactment "For Stalingrad!" took place in the Volgograd region.

📰 The event was held at the sports school "Young Hawk" named after Hero of the Soviet Union A.M. Chislov in Srednyaya Akhtuba. It was dedicated to the 82nd anniversary of the defeat of the German fascist troops in the Battle of Stalingrad.

The central episode of the reenactment was the recreation of a fragment of the heroic battle on the Myskova River in December 1942.

About 500 representatives from military-historical clubs from more than 30 cities in Russia and Belarus participated in the performance, along with over 30 pieces of World War II equipment, cavalry, and more than 300 pyrotechnic effects.

Approximately 5,000 spectators gathered to watch the reenactment.

#news

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🇷🇺🍴 Have you ever wondered why Russians associate the dropping of cutlery on the floor with the arrival of guests?

This belief has its roots in ancient Slavic traditions, where household items were thought to possess mystical powers. The knife and fork became symbols of masculine and feminine principles for a reason:

The knife was associated with weapons, strength, and aggression—qualities traditionally considered "masculine." Its fall foretold the visit of a man, and the way it fell (for example, whether the handle or blade hit the floor) indicated the character of the guest:
- Handle down—an acquaintance with good intentions.
- Blade down—a stranger or even an enemy.
- If the knife stuck into the floor while cutting bread, it was considered a bad omen associated with death.

The fork appeared in Russia later than the knife (in the 14th century) and was long regarded as an "impure" object due to its resemblance to the horns of devils. However, because the word is feminine, it became associated with female guests. A fallen fork promised the visit of a woman, often bringing conflicts or bad news.

The round shape of the spoon was associated with the female womb and the home hearth. Its fall predicted the arrival of a woman, for instance, asking for help.

Today, these beliefs are part of the cultural code. Some people believe in them, while others laugh, but still, when cutlery falls in Russia, hosts anticipate an unexpected guest.

#traditionsofRussia

@From Russia with love