Culture
How many times do Russians celebrate New Year?
Twice, on January 1st (Western calendar) and Jan 14th (Old Julian Calendar, "Old New Year" with carols from door to door).
What countries border on Ukraine?
9 countries: Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, and Turkey through the Black Sea.
What BC mean?
Before Christ
How many ingredients in Ukrainian borscht (beets soup)?
22: meat broth, beets, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, parsley roots, garlic, tomatoes or tomato paste, salt, pepper, bell pepper, dill, beans, mushrooms.
What does the word "sputnik" mean?
Companion or Satellite. The first artificial satellite was launched in 1954 in the Soviet Union. It was designed in Kharkov, Ukraine.
When do Slavic people celebrate the fact that Christ was born with Holy Supper?
According to Orthodox Christian traditions, Christmas Eve on Jan 6th is for the Holy Supper with family after the first star in the sky.
Where is the Center of Europe?
In Lvov (Lion City), located in the West of Ukraine.
What other ethnic or cultural communities celebrate Christmas on Jan 7th (Julian Calendar)?
Coptic Christians (from Ethiopia) and People in Appalachian Mountains (Irish/Celtic descents), as marked in Farmer Almanac.
What do Slavic people cook when they say goodbye to winter during Maslenitsa (prototype of Fat Tuesday).
Blyny, or crepes, which are round and represent the Sun's coming in Spring.
What is the Russian word for "Cheers"?
"Na zdorovie"-- for your health.
What calendar takes into consideration lunar and solar cycles?
Julian calendar, that was used when Christ was born.
What is the capital of Russia?
Moscow
Who invented first Vodka?
Monks who lived in caves near Kyiv, Ukraine between 9th and 12th centuries. It was based on herbs and honey for medicinal purposes.
When do Slavic people decorate an evergreen tree?
For New Year. This tradition came from Germanic culture (Scandinavia) about 1000 years ago.
Where does the word Bystro come from?
From Russian " bystro"--quick!
What are some of the dishes that are cooked for
holy supper on Jan 6th, Christmas Eve?
Carp, borscht, varenyky, kutya (porridge), fruit drink, bread.
What is the capital of Ukraine?
Kyiv (Kiev) is the capital of Ukraine, older than 1500 years.
When is Christmas Day according to Orthodox Christianity?
January 7th is Christmas Day according to the Julian Calendar observed by Orthodox Christianity.
What folklore characters are part of New Year celebration in Russian traditions?
Father Frost and his Grandaughter SnowMaiden (Ded Moroz and Snegurochka).
Slavic community in the US celebrates Christmas on Dec 24th and Jan 6th.
True or False
True
Where did the oldest carols come from?
From the territory where Ukraine is located, that was shared with Celtic people before they migrated to the British isles.
Name rivers of Ukraine?
The Dnieper river that crosses the country from North to South, enabling old travelers go from Vikings to Greece)
From which country did Christianity come to Kievan Rus (The Original name of Ukraine)? and other Slavic nations?
Greece, from the City of Konstantinopol. Now it is on the territory of Turkey.
What does the Christmas tree represent?
In pagan tradition, youth and growth.
In Christianity for Christmas celebration -eternity.
Christmas on Jan 7th is a family holiday without Santa Clause.
True or false
True. Father Frost is for New Year, Dec 31st or Winter celebrations.