My Culture
"I'm a part of my culture"
by Ann (16)

Cathedral of St.Isakiy is known as a symbol of the brightest place of Russian culture - Saint-Petersburg

Dmitry is 43 years old and says: My culture and traditions Many people, who don't live not in their native country, try to support their culture and traditions. So do I. Despite living in Lithuania, my entire life, Russian language, history and traditions are very important for me. In my opinion, the one of the most interesting aspects of my culture is religion. The orthodoxy is widely spread over Russia. Since orthodoxy came to Russia it hasn't almost changed. That's why nowadays we may consider this aspect as primordial. Ancient churches, cathedrals and temples with their uncommon architecture and icons, astonishing history and interesting rites are the inalienable part of our world outlook. Things I like: Here are three things I like most of all about my culture. First of all language. Many people consider Russian language is the richest and one of the most beautiful languages. Second - Art. I have chosen it because music, architecture, painting, sculpture, poetry are wonderful. And I'm also proud of intricated, full of mysteries and secrets history. This is how we celebrate our culture I'd like to describe in a few words one of the most interesting Russian celebrations - Maslenica. Some people call it "pancake week". We celebrate it during the last week of February or at the beginning of March, when 7 weeks before Easter remain. The main purpose of this ancient tradition is to see winter off. To call spring means to begin the new period of life. That's why people make pancakes all around as a symbol of the sun, put on scary masks to make winter scared and make it go away. Being a witness of this unique tradition - is the first step to reveal Russian soul. Changes I would like Learn more about your traditions, be cultural, try to leave something after you for your culture. We hear this everywhere each day - on TV, in school, from our parents. We understand that culture takes very important place in our life, but do we really know what it is? Maybe nowadays culture is modern conveniences such as TV, computer & Internet, fashion clothes, trendiest cars and money? No, it's probably the level of civilization. Language, traditions, art, behavior, the level of knowledge, worthy interrelations between people are small parts of one whole - the culture and history. It's not only the way of living, but also the way of our thinking. On the whole, culture is we - people, who live on the planet Earth. People are different. That's why traditions of one's nation are different too. So, to my mind, none of us has the right to change or rebuild the culture. The only thing we can really do is to enrich and save it.