Russia is a strange and mysterious land even still today, as evidenced by the absolute fascination Tim and I have been met with since returning from our trip. Russians are very superstitious people. They believe in the Evil Eye (дурной глаз in Russian), an evil look that brings bad luck or trouble, and they fear it. Russians do a whole host of odd things to ward off the bad luck and even to welcome good luck. I’d smile as our G Adventures CEO and Muscovite, Daria, would tell tales of the wonderful folklore and superstitions of the Russian people. I’ve never really been a superstitious person, but hey, anything that brings good luck, right? So, after watching this enigmatic culture, we’d follow suit. Exactly how can you bring yourself a bit of good luck according to Russian superstitions? Here are just a few Russian superstitions:
Ploshchad Revolyutsii Metro Station, Moscow
More than 6 million people stream through the Moscow metro stations each day, yet stand in the Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Пло́щадь Револю́ции) metro station observing Muscovites for a few minutes. You’ll notice they all take a few seconds out of their busy day to give a bronze dog’s nose a good rub. But only with your left hand! They say this brings luck and happiness.
While there, also pat the cock a few arches down to bring personal riches. Again, only with your left hand. Patting the dog or cock with your right hand, naturally, would be bad luck.
It’s impossible to touch the tower from inside the convent
Novodevichy Convent, Moscow
The Tsarina Sofia was imprisoned by her half brother, Peter the Great, in the tower at the Novodevichy Convent. There is a Russian superstition that if you touch the white stone of the Sofiiskaya Tower and make a romantic wish, it will come true. But you must never tell your wish!
The Iberian Gate
Kilometer Zero Moscow
Kilometer Zero is the point in a country’s capital city where all distances are being measured from and Kilometer Zero Moscow happens to lie in front of the famous Iberian Gate. The Iberian Gate connects Manege Square and Red Square and Kilometer Zero is marked on the ground with a plaque. Muscovites and tourists alike can be seen tossing a coin over their shoulder to try to please Lady Fortune. If your coin lands on the plaque, Lady Fortune has blessed you with good luck.
But don’t pick up coins from around the plaque. The popular belief is that such coins carry negative energy if they were thrown by a bad person and cause sickness.
Russian Money
Russian’s have oh-so-many superstitions around money. But one you should definitely know is that Russians believe money has the power to transfer energy. They’ll never accept money if you hand it directly to them. Instead, they’ll insist you place the money in a tray. Only then has the energy connection been broken and it is safe to pick up the money. You’ll notice that Russians deliver your change in the same way. And for good luck, be sure to only give money with your right hand and take it with your left.
One other superstition, and a good tip, is not to leave your purse or bag on the floor. It is believed you’ll lose your fortune. And if any of these Russian superstitions are true, it’s definitely this one as leaving your purse or bag on the floor also means it’s likely to be stolen.
Peter the Great Statue, Peterhof
Russians gather to toss their spare change – very skilfully, in fact – into a tiny gap in Peter the Great’s boot while making a wish in the Lower Gardens at Peterhof Palace. It is believed that if the coin makes it into the boot, the wish will come true.
A cat in the village of Suzdal
Cats
There is a superstition that the first being to enter a house for the very first time will certainly meet death. Cats have nine lives, so naturally Russians send a cat in first. If the cat refuses to enter, it is a bad omen and Russians will build their house somewhere else. If the cat does enter and curls up in a corner, this is to become the Red Corner, a place in a house for religious icons.
So there you have it! These Russian superstitions might sound ridiculous, but they’ll all supposedly bring you Удачи (good luck)!
Our trip to Russia was sponsored in part by G Adventures. As always, all opinions are entirely our own.
Turtle says
Gosh – with so many opportunities to get good luck, it might be worth going there and stocking up on a bit!! 🙂
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Unfortunately, not everyone had good luck in our group. An Aussie gal had her backpack stolen from a touristy cafe in St. Petersburg and her passport was in there. Camera too. The backpack was hanging on the back of her chair and no one in the group noticed the thief.
We had done our own thing for dinner that night, I guess luckily!
Frank says
“While there, also pat the cock a few arches down to bring personal riches..”
I thought you were still talking about the dog. Had to read this a few times to figure out what you meant…:)
Frank (bbqboy)
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Hmm…perhaps I should make an edit and change it to rooster…
Kenin Bassart says
Had no idea Russians loved cats. One more reason to visit!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
They totally do. Cats predict the fate of their home amongst some other superstitions around cats. And they are well cared for too.
Amanda says
Ooo I love posts like this! So interesting! The cat one is definitely strange.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
I could practically write a novel on all the superstitions they have surrounding bad luck. And I got sick with a sinus cold while there – oh the Russian remedies they have!
Val-Travel Scamming says
Russia just seems fascinating…I want to go!!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
It really was so interesting, Val!
Cheryl Howard says
Ha ha ha, these are great! Never knew Russians were so superstitious. And those poor cats have their work cut out for them. 😉
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Those poor cats really do! Though from all of the cats we saw, they are treated very well. They were all quite plump!
Bram | Travel. Experience. Live. says
Nice post, Jen! Russia is super-high upon my list of countries I still need/want to visit. It seems so different and the Transsiberian Express is kind of a travel dream for me 🙂
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Thanks, Bram! It is a very different culture. I’d love to go back and explore more, especially Siberia.
Kay says
Really enjoyed this post, Jennifer! Soo true about superstitious Russians and all the superstitions you’ve told about 🙂
Jennifer Dombrowski says
I really didn’t realize Russians were such a superstitious people before traveling there. It was fun to learn about so many of their quirks.
Heather says
Fascinating! I’d love to know the reasoning behind the need to use the left or right hand for some of these things. Chinese have the same superstition about losing your fortune by leaving your bag on the floor. All the girls tuck their purses into the small of their back when sitting in a chair. This also makes them pretty hard to steal and is a trick I will be carrying with me in my travels.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
That’s why cross body purses are great for traveling! You can even comfortably leave them on in a restaurant.
Ali says
In general I’m not a superstitious person, but it’s so interesting to learn about superstitions other countries have developed over time. These seem like a lot to keep track of!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
They really do have a lot to keep track of! These are only just a few. They have many more like not showing your baby to anyone outside the immediate family until the baby is 8 months old. I can’t even remember all the superstitions Daria told us!
Devlin @ Marginal Boundaries says
The purse on the ground thing must be a worldwide superstition, as your posts examples Russians having it and the comments show Chinese as well, and I know from many of my Latina friends that they hold the same belief.
Human’s and their crazy crazyness.
Lauren @ Justin Plus Lauren says
I LOVE the superstition regarding the cat! How amazing!