The Russian Coat of Arms

The Coat of Arms for the Russian Federation is adapted from the coat of arms that was used during Imperial Russia until 1917. All the Romanov's get killed, there's a big revolution and BAM! The Soviet Union is born. Obviously, this emblem with its notions of imperialism did not reflect the goals of the new communist regime, so it was abolished. the Imperial coat of arms was replaced by the well-known hammer and sickle. It was not until after the fall of the Soviet Union in '93, that the imperial coat of arms was adapted again to suit today's Russian Federation. It is said the the crest has been changed many times since its creation during the reign of Ivan III. The current crest was designed by Yevgeny Ukhnalyov.

The design of the coat of arms features a double-headed, crowned eagle (Russia's national bird called a Tundra Swan). The bird is holding an imperial scepter in one hand and an imperial orb in the other (you know what Elsa was holding when she was coronated? Her hands were shaking cuz she was trying not freeze everything? Yeah, you do. Great.) These guys represent Russia's sovereignty.

The other main feature of the crest is the mounted, sword-wielding soldier fighting off the dragon in the center of the image. He is supposedly meant to represent Saint George. Today nothing is mentioned of the religious nature of this figure to keep in line with Russia's modern secular character.

This figure is a common feature on Russian souvenirs like ushanka hats, jackets, and patches. It is also seen in many prison tattoos. The convicts cover themselves in many symbolic tattoos. When the coat of arms is used it can either mean that they were in the army or that they hold the government responsible for their lack of freedom.

7 Russian Superstitions

"Russians are very superstitious and are attentive to various omens. The majority of these omens emerged in the pre-Christian era, and neither the traditional religions that arrived in Russia more than 1,000 years ago nor the ideologues of the Communist regime during the almost 70 years of Soviet rule were able to stamp out faith in them. If you’re going to live among Russians, you have to know what these superstitions mean and how to react to some of them." - Anna Varyonova

 SO if you find yourself in Russia, you should probably know the following (so as not to offend someone)....


1. Spit on and touch wood: Russians believe in the evil eye. So, anytime someone is discusses potential good things or success, they will spit three times over someone's left shoulder and touch wood. This superstition is said to keep the evil eye at bay. Sort of like knocking on wood!

2. Do not carry an empty bucket: This is considered a very bad omen. If you see someone walking with an empty bucket, it is believed you will have a bad day.

3. Never give scarves, clocks or knives as gifts: These are all considered bad omens. The scarf symbolizes tears, the clock the idea of leaving, and knives of enemies. If you get someone one of these gifts, do not be surprised if they give you a small coin in return. This helps them feel as if they "bought" the item, therefore getting rid of the omen.

4. Avoid the threshold at all costs: The thresholds between rooms in your house is considered to be a place of great evil. Nothing, no talking or handing of items, can happen across the threshold. If the delivery guy comes, you must go outside or he must come in.

5. Don't sit on a table: This is considered a foreshadowing of death and poverty.

6. Sit down before you go: Before leaving for travel, everyone in a Russian household must sit down right before they are about to leave. They must sit for one minute to ensure safe journeys.

7. Not that bench: Young women are scorned if they sit on benches outside if it is a cold day. This is derived from an old myth that sitting on a cold bench will jeopardize her fertility.