Souvenirs
1. Samovar
The samovar is traditionally used to boil water for tea. Made of brass or copper, and warmed by coals contained in the central tube, the vessel was designed in the 18th century. The word is a combination of “samo”, meaning “itself”, and “varit”, meaning “to boil”. A permit is required to export a samovar made before 1945.
2. Matryoshka Dolls
Consisting of a series of carved dolls, each one smaller than the next, matryoshka dolls are on sale all over the city and come in a variety of styles. The traditional ones are the prettiest, but those painted as Russian, Soviet and world leaders are also very popular.
3. Soviet Memorabilia
While authentic Soviet memorabilia is difficult to find, with factories turning out modern reproductions to meet the booming tourist demand, there are some fine, original Lenin statues on sale at the Souvenir Market near the Church on Spilled Blood. Notes, coins and badges commemorating achievements of the communist system are usually genuine.
4. Gzhel Porcelain
Gzhel porcelain has been produced in Gzhel, an area not far from Moscow, since the middle of the 18th century. The distinctive blue and white patterned ceramics are extremely popular. The Gzhel style is also used in traditional Russian art.
5. Palekh Box
These bright hand-painted boxes were originated in the 18th century in the village of Palekh. Featuring scenes from Russian fairytales, battle scenes or copies of works of art, these boxes range from expensive masterpieces made of paper-mache to cheaper, assembly-line-produced ones.
6. Caviar
Black or red caviar makes a great gift. Spread thinly on bread, its distinctive taste is not easily forgotten. It is best to buy caviar in large supermarkets, after carefully checking the expiry date.
7. Vodka
The range of vodka on offer here, from cheap rot-gut to grandly packaged brands, is vast. Stolichnaya and Gzelhka are long-established brands and anything over 200 roubles is almost certain to be safe. Always buy from a supermarket.
8. Chess Sets
Russia has long been famed for its chess (shakhmaty) and chess sets are available in a variety of styles. These range from the more modest options costing around 500 roubles to handmade sets that can go for up to 2,500 roubles and higher.
9. Russian Music
From choral church music and the perestroika-era rock of Kino to the modern day sounds of Leningrad, CDs of Russian music make excellent souvenirs. The best shops are on and near Nevskiy prospekt. Prices usually range from 100 to 300 roubles.
10. DVDs
The streets are full of pirate DVDs of Hollywood hits at rock-bottom prices. The government, under pressure from the WTO, has begun battling against the pirates. As a result, official, great-value versions of films have begun to appear, usually priced from 100 roubles upwards.
Top 10 Customs & Superstitions
1. Empty buckets
A woman carrying an empty bucket is said to be a bad omen.
2. Itchy noses
If your nose itches, you will drink a lot that evening – and there’s nothing you can do but accept the fact.
3. Single people at the corners of tables
Single people, at least those who hope one day to wed, should never sit at the corners of tables.
4. Letting cats into new flats first
When moving into a new flat, Russians let cats (preferably black) into the flat first to “chase away the bad luck”.
5. Even numbers of flowers
Even numbers of flowers are associated with funerals. Flowers should always be given in odd numbers.
6. Whistling inside
Whistling inside is frowned upon as it will “chase away the money”!
7. Don’t give knives as presents
Knives, symbolizing death, are presented as gifts only to one’s enemies.
8. Black cat crossing the path
A black cat crossing your path is considered an ill omen.
9. Don’t show “wounds”
Using your body to depict wounds or deformities is to tempt fate.
10. Knocking on tables
The Russians knock on wood (usually tables), rather than simply touch it, to avoid bad luck.
