Russian Holidays: History and Modernity

This manual is addressed to those interested in the traditions and customs of Russian culture, reflected in the mosaic of Russian holidays. The manual is a collection of texts containing informative material of a historical and geographical nature about the calendars of Rus', about calendar reforms, about Russian festive rites and traditions, about the first Soviet holidays and the holidays of modern Russia. After each text, there are questions aimed at general comprehension of the reading, and exercises aimed at expanding vocabulary, checking understanding of word meanings, repeating the vocabulary of the text, developing word formation skills, or reinforcing grammatical material. The manual also contains additional reading materials and a list of holidays in modern Russia. It is intended for foreign students who have a command of the Russian language at the I certification level.