Russian culture is rich with superstitions, many of which influence daily life. Whether you're learning Russian or just curious about the beliefs, knowing how to talk about them is useful. Here’s a guide to the most common Russian superstitions and the phrases you’ll need to discuss them.
Common Russian Superstitions
- Knocking on wood (стучать по дереву) – To avoid jinxing something.
- Sitting down before a journey (присесть на дорожку) – A ritual for safe travels.
- Avoiding whistling indoors (не свисти в доме) – Believed to bring financial loss.
- Not shaking hands over a threshold (не здороваться через порог) – Seen as bad luck.
How to Talk About Superstitions in Russian
When discussing superstitions, you’ll need key phrases. Here are some useful expressions:
Примета
[prʲɪˈmʲetə]“Omen/Superstition”
Сглаз
[zɡɫas]“Evil eye”
Example sentences:
- "Не свисти в доме – деньги уйдут!" (Don’t whistle indoors – the money will leave!)
- "Чёрная кошка перебежала дорогу – к несчастью." (A black cat crossed the road – it’s bad luck.)
Cultural Context
Many Russian superstitions stem from folklore and Orthodox Christian traditions. For example, spilling salt (рассыпать соль) is considered bad luck, a belief shared with other cultures. If you’re interested in more Slavic traditions, check out our article on Bulgarian superstitions.
Superstitions in Everyday Speech
Russians often reference superstitions casually. For example:
- "Тьфу-тьфу-тьфу, чтоб не сглазить!" (Spitting over the shoulder to avoid jinxing something.)
- "Ни пуха ни пера!" (A phrase meaning "good luck," literally "neither fur nor feather.")
If you're curious about other cultural phrases, our guide on how to order vodka like a Russian might interest you.
Final Thoughts
Superstitions offer a fascinating glimpse into Russian culture. Whether you’re learning the language or just curious, these phrases will help you understand and participate in conversations about them. Next time you see a black cat, you’ll know exactly what to say!
