Cultural Discovery on a Russia Cruise
Russia’s culture is a blended variety, influenced by the multiple nationalities that have played a role in the region’s past. Historically the culture has been dominated by the Russian nationality, language, and religion. This is partly because Russians make up the majority of the region’s population, and partially due to the periods of Russification, or the adoption of Russian politics, culture, and language whether voluntarily or not. The Soviet Union created a politically motivated desire to create a “Soviet culture” exemplified by Socialist Realism. On the flip side, however, spontaneous periods of campaigning to preserve other ethnic cultures within the borders of the country were advocated and during certain periods officially supported. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the country has begun to experience a reviving interest in Russia’s pre-Soviet heritage. Many desire to regain the ancient Russian heritage, and return the character of ancient cities to the great Russian writers and artists who helped establish them. In addition, curiosity in Russia’s great history and legendary rulers of the past has risen among citizens and visitors alike.
Religion and People
Russian Orthodox religion has been the dominant national choice, predominantly among those of Russian descent who comprise roughly 80% of the nation’s populous. The remaining 20% is composed of over 160 different ethnic groups, living within their respective compacted regions, and practicing various religious traditions. Among those of Turkish descent, Islam is the most popular. Neo-paganism is steadily increasing in popularity, particularly among the Slavic people. Judaism, Roman Catholicism, Buddhism, and various protestant faiths also make a showing in the culture. During a Russia cruise you are likely to run into a variety of languages and dialects; while Russian is the official language, many individual republics have made their native languages official along with Russian.
Art
Delight in Russian art and architecture is further enhanced by understanding the rich tradition and culture that birthed it. The tradition of icon painting, inherited by the Byzantium, became the subject of controversy during the 8th and 9th centuries regarding whether they were a legitimate form of expression or sacrilegious idolatry. Allowed to continue, the art form style began to morph away from being a pictorial depiction of reality, and towards becoming art designed to encourage spiritual contemplation. A cruise to Russia allows the opportunity to view the stylistic difference between the two. It is particularly evident when comparing Russian iconic art with that from the Western countries. During the 14th century, icon painting in Russia began to display more subjectivity and personal expression intending to convey meditative harmony rather than a realistic scene. The lines and figures are arranged and balanced to move your eye around, giving you a sense that the figures are possibly haunting you. Intending to inspire self-examination, taking more time with a few pieces will allow the traveler the opportunity to gain an appreciation for this unique style of expression.
During the 17th and 18th centuries Russian art succumbed to the influences of European culture. A break away from the classical tradition at the end of the 19th century gave birth to the modern art movement. Showing interest in daily and urban aspects of Russian life, artists used brilliant colors and sharp lines and forms to convey a sense of energy of the emerging modern world. The Bolshevik regime, established in 1917, propelled and supplemented this push towards modernization. Be sure to tour the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg, which boasts the finest collection of work, only recently receiving notable attention for the great works displayed.
Architecture
Predominantly inspired by religious tradition, Russian churches for centuries were the only buildings allowed to be made of stone, and today are the only buildings remaining from the ancient past. Characterized by high walls and ceilings, sharply sloped roofs and multiple domes (particularly onion shaped), the design styles for these buildings emerged around the 11th century. The first hint of foreign architectural influence emerged with Moscow’s Assumption Cathedral, completed in 1479. Synthesizing many traditional Russian architectural styles, this marked an emergence of classical influence of the Italian Renaissance as well. Future Tsars began to design cities and buildings around prevailing European styles, hiring foreign artists and completing St. Petersburg in a thoroughly European design. Joining in the visual arts revival, architecture began to turn back to a traditionally Russian form in the 19th century. Under the Bolshevik era, many Russians were commissioned to design major buildings, but with the Stalin era, architecture enjoyed only skyscraper additions to their cities. In recent years however, and a renewed interest in Russian culture, modest folk architecture, has become a more treasured monument. Displays include the outdoor architectural museum in Kostroma.
There are plenty of opportunities to explore the local culture during a Russia cruise. Roughly 1,500 museums are open to educate visitors in Russian cultural fields of history, folk craft, fine arts, theatre, music, natural sciences and technology. Twenty outdoor museums present architecture and other displays of everyday life to their audiences. Museum collections total over 50 million items of historical and artistic value in hopes of revealing some of the rich heritage of the Russian cultural tradition.