Russian Distribution
Although this is a map of Ukraine, I selected it because it demonstrates the amount of gas that enters this country from Russia. The amount of gas produced in Russia seems to be the main supplier for Ukraine. This image relates to the Economic part of culture of Russia and demonstrates the production and distribution of gas in this country.
Tora, A. (2009, November). GeoExPro [Map]. Retrieved September 23, 2016, from http://www.geoexpro.com/articles/2014/07/ukraine-s-gas-fuelled-crisis
Tora, A. (2009, November). GeoExPro [Map]. Retrieved September 23, 2016, from http://www.geoexpro.com/articles/2014/07/ukraine-s-gas-fuelled-crisis
Additional Information on Culture
http://countrystudies.us/russia/51.htm : This website explains the social aspects of roles between men and women in Russian society.
http://www.geographia.com/russia/rusart01.htm : This website goes deeper into the artistic aesthetics of Russian culture.
http://www.geographia.com/russia/rusart01.htm : This website goes deeper into the artistic aesthetics of Russian culture.
Country Demographic Data
All information received from: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rs.html
Changes in the Country
Figure 1: Comparison of the changes in babies per woman between 1936 and 1986, as portrayed by gapminder.org
Figure 2: Comparison of the changes in income per person between 1915 and 2015, as portrayed by gapminder.org
In figure one a comparison is made between the years 1936 and 1996. This figure shows the differences in babies per woman in the world in this time frame. There is a very large difference in babies per woman in many countries. Russia is shown to have a decrease in the amount of births, as well as North and South America, and Europe. I believe this change could have occurred due to the creation of new birth control for women. This allowed for women to have more of a choice on the amount of children they wanted to produce. In Africa the amount of babies per woman has not changed which could be due to the fact that the birth control pill was not widely spread in this country. In figure two a comparison is made between the years 1915 and 2015. This figure demonstrates the differences in income per person within this time frame. In the one hundred years pictured there was there seems to be a large increase in income in North and South America, as well as Europe and Asia. Africa does not demonstrate a great change in the amount of income per person. This information can be directly correlated to the information found in figure one. One can make the connection between income and the birth control pill. Africa is the only country that had not increased in income, and Africa is the only country that remained the same in the births per woman.
Religion
Russia is a complex country consisting of many different forms of culture, race, and most importantly religion. The country of Russia consist of over four main religions, each taking over a certain portion of those who live in Russia. There are two religions that contain the most amount of religious followers and those are Orthodox Christianity as well as Islam. Orthodox Christianity is the largest religious denomination in Russia taking up over seventy-five percent of the population. Islam is very low in comparison but is still high compared to the other religions. Islam takes up about five percent of the population. Other religious denominations in Russia include Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism, and Buddhism. Each of this religions takes up one percent of the population of Russia (Master Russian, n.d.). The origins of the Russian Orthodox Church comes from the time of Kievan Rus. This was the first forerunner of the Russian state. Christianity because the state religion of Russia in A.D. 988 by Prince Vladimir. After the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453 the church became a semi-independent branch of Christianity in Russia (Curtis, 1996). Since the major religion of Russia is Orthodox Christianity this is the main religion that will be covered in this religious study of Russia.
Due to the large population of those worshipping Orthodox Christianity, brought together those in times of hardship. One such example is during the overrule of Communist regime. Due to the church more Russians gained more trust through the Orthodox Church than any social and political institution. The 1990’s also was a time where the church created many social and philanthropic groups which help bring together the Russian Orthodoxy (Curtis, 1996). In looking at this information one can see that the strong ties between the church and its people has done a lot of good for the society of Russia. These ties also cause those of this faith to worship very directly and hold the beliefs of this church very highly. This church places an enormous emphasis on monasticism, and because of this there are many monasteries throughout Russia. Matters of the church related to faith are discussed by councils. These councils and their decisions are followed by the followers of the church. These followers hold the councils decisions as important and infallible (Curtis, 1996).
With religion there are certain sacred places that followers of the Russian Orthodox Church worship. In this faith the vernacular form of the liturgy is used to teach those of this faith the importance of it. In the liturgy there are many symbols discussed that Russian people worship. These symbols are located in the churches as well as the homes of those of this faith. Many of the churches in this country are also sacred places. Many were destroyed in the past and are now being rebuilt and restored (Curtis, 1996). Orthodox Russians also take pilgrimage to many various sacred places located in their country. Those on the pilgrimage may visit Petchersk catacombs or the lavra of the St. Serge Trinity. Many people take these pilgrimages as a way to reconnect with their god and find their faith once again (Young, 2014). Religion is very sacred in this country as well as worshipping. Russian religion also has many other connections to society such as that of government.
There is a very large connection between the Russian Orthodox Church and the government of Russia and the decisions this government makes. The government of Russia regularly seeks out the approval of the Orthodox Church. This is done to ensure that they are not doing anything that is immoral and will not upset the country. The Orthodox Church even has a part in who gets elected for the presidential elections. Some believe that because one of the candidates made an appearance at an Easter service, he was then elected a few months later (Curtis, 1996). The Russian Orthodox Church is also providing a lot of support for the leader Vladimir Putin. Everything in Russia is connected by Church and state. It is believed that these things support each other and create a country that works in harmony. In the past Communism was the thing that held the country of Russia together, but in today’s time the church and its beliefs are what hold the country together (Woods, 2016). In Russia there is no separation of church and state and this connection is very important to those who live in the country.
It is very obvious that the role of the Orthodox Church is very involved and encompasses many aspects of society in Russia. We have seen the role that the church plays on social development, as well as the role it plays in government. This church has a very strong hold over its citizens and those who worship under it. This role is very overpowering, but seems to have its benefits for those of the country. This strong of a connection seems to keep everything in place and keep all those who follow it under rule. Religion is very important to the people of Russia and it is very important to know that religion is a part of their everyday lives in many aspects of life.
Sources
Curtis, G. E. (1996). Russia. Retrieved October 15, 2016, from http://countrystudies.us/russia/
Fast Facts about Russia. (n.d.). Retrieved October 15, 2016, from http://masterrussian.com/russia/facts.htm
Woods, M. (2016, March 3). World. Retrieved October 16, 2016, from http://www.christiantoday.com/article/how.the.russian.orthodox.church.is.backing.vladimir.putins.new.world.order/81108.htm
Young, H. (2014, December 18). What is a Holy Pilgrimage. Retrieved October 16, 2016, from http://www.pravmir.com/holy-pilgrimage/
Curtis, G. E. (1996). Russia. Retrieved October 15, 2016, from http://countrystudies.us/russia/
Fast Facts about Russia. (n.d.). Retrieved October 15, 2016, from http://masterrussian.com/russia/facts.htm
Woods, M. (2016, March 3). World. Retrieved October 16, 2016, from http://www.christiantoday.com/article/how.the.russian.orthodox.church.is.backing.vladimir.putins.new.world.order/81108.htm
Young, H. (2014, December 18). What is a Holy Pilgrimage. Retrieved October 16, 2016, from http://www.pravmir.com/holy-pilgrimage/
This map demonstrates the main locations of all religions in Russia. This image also discusses religions connection to other aspects of Russian life. It also demonstrates the influence that religion in Russia has had on the development and history of this country.
Image from: https://www.reddit.com/r/russia/comments/2uikxr/religion_in_russia/?st=iu7kcue0&sh=09ff87c8
Image from: https://www.reddit.com/r/russia/comments/2uikxr/religion_in_russia/?st=iu7kcue0&sh=09ff87c8
Food
This Russian specialty is made during the coldest days of the year. The recipe is never the same, and it is said that each Russian family has their own special way of making this dish. The soup comes in many different varieties and is a Russian favorite amongst the young and old!
|
Borscht
1 Put 4 cups of the beef broth, shank, and quartered onion in a large pot and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover and cook until the meat is falling-off-the-bone tender, about 1 hour 30 minutes. 2 Remove the meat from the pot. Remove any bone, connective tissue, and excess fat. Chop up the meat, place in a bowl, and chill in the refrigerator. Let the broth cool at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator and let chill until cold—4 hours to up to a day. 3 When the broth is chilled, any fat will have risen to the top and solidified. Remove and discard this fat. Return the pot to the stove and add the remaining broth, the carrots, beets, and the diced potato. Bring to a boil, lower the heat to a low simmer, cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. 4 Add the chopped meat to the pot, the sliced cabbage, and a half cup of the fresh dill. Cook for another 15 minutes or so, until the cabbage is cooked through. Add the vinegar and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve ladled into bowls with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of fresh dill. Read more: http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/borscht/#ixzz4RM9KWiW0 |
"A traditional meal in Russia is composed of three dishes. The first – a meat soup with vegetables and grains (borsch, solyanka, or shchi), second - fish or meat with garnish (rice, buckwheat, potatoes, pasta, stewed cabbage), and the third – a beverage: compote, mors, kissel or juice.
The starters might be pancakes with caviar, herring “under fir coat”, pickles, sauerkraut, pickled vegetables, salad of tomatoes and cucumbers with sour cream. There are also pies with cabbage, minced meat or potatoes. Bread at all times occupies the main space during the meal.
In the old days every meal took place at a certain time of day. The most strictly observed were lunch and dinner. The whole family gathered around the table, where everyone had his or her designated place. At the head of table sat the master of the house, he was the first to sit at the table followed by all other family members. In front of each family member there were a diner spoon and a piece of bread. Liquid hot dishes were usually served in a large bowl to be shared by the whole family. The owner of the house made that everyone ate a fair share of the meal.
Baked, boiled, roasted, fried food and main courses (meat, fish, etc.) were presented cut in pieces on a big platter. Pieces were taken by hands (before forks were introduced).
Plates were replaced with big pieces of bread. Guests put thick food, pieces of meat, fish, etc. on them and when meal was over such “bread plates” were normally eaten up.
The rules of conduct during meals were quite strict: it was a taboo to knock or scrape a spoon on the dishes, throw the remains of food on the floor, talk loudly, and laugh. Before sitting down everyone had to cross. All this once again confirms the respect and even awe that Russian people had in relation to their daily bread.
Russians have always been known for their exceptional hospitality. Even in ancient times a table was covered with a white tablecloth and put bread and salt on top. This meant that the hosts were happy to welcome guests."
Source: Russian cuisine. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2016, from http://www.advantour.com/russia/cuisine.htm
Religion:
As stated above Russian people have a lot of respect for their daily bread. This may be a reference to their Christian faith. Religion is shown in the daily lives of Russians even through their food, and the things they serve during these meal times.
The starters might be pancakes with caviar, herring “under fir coat”, pickles, sauerkraut, pickled vegetables, salad of tomatoes and cucumbers with sour cream. There are also pies with cabbage, minced meat or potatoes. Bread at all times occupies the main space during the meal.
In the old days every meal took place at a certain time of day. The most strictly observed were lunch and dinner. The whole family gathered around the table, where everyone had his or her designated place. At the head of table sat the master of the house, he was the first to sit at the table followed by all other family members. In front of each family member there were a diner spoon and a piece of bread. Liquid hot dishes were usually served in a large bowl to be shared by the whole family. The owner of the house made that everyone ate a fair share of the meal.
Baked, boiled, roasted, fried food and main courses (meat, fish, etc.) were presented cut in pieces on a big platter. Pieces were taken by hands (before forks were introduced).
Plates were replaced with big pieces of bread. Guests put thick food, pieces of meat, fish, etc. on them and when meal was over such “bread plates” were normally eaten up.
The rules of conduct during meals were quite strict: it was a taboo to knock or scrape a spoon on the dishes, throw the remains of food on the floor, talk loudly, and laugh. Before sitting down everyone had to cross. All this once again confirms the respect and even awe that Russian people had in relation to their daily bread.
Russians have always been known for their exceptional hospitality. Even in ancient times a table was covered with a white tablecloth and put bread and salt on top. This meant that the hosts were happy to welcome guests."
Source: Russian cuisine. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2016, from http://www.advantour.com/russia/cuisine.htm
Religion:
As stated above Russian people have a lot of respect for their daily bread. This may be a reference to their Christian faith. Religion is shown in the daily lives of Russians even through their food, and the things they serve during these meal times.
Russian Food Production
Source: Top 25 Most Produced Foods In Russia. (2016, November 21). Retrieved November 28, 2016, from http://beef2live.com/story-top-25-produced-foods-russia-0-118022