Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
 

Why do so many Russian women look for foreign partners?

• In Russia, women outnumber men (there are 10 million more women than men according to the latest census). Russians men usually marry before the age of 25. It is almost impossible for a woman over 40 to get married in Russia. The few men who are not married probably have serious health problems or are alcoholics.

• Russia’s literacy rate stands very high 98% and the majority of Russians hold a degree yet women are 90% of the unemployed.

• Family planning in Russia is not women friendly. Induced abortion remains possibly the most common and effective means of family planning in Russia. Russian society and the public health system have adapted to the provision of induced abortion as the primary method of family planning. Profits from this procedure are an incentive for low-paid physicians. There is still much resistance to the general acceptance of contraception, dating back to communist days


Where did the term ‘mail order brides’ come from?

It is currently used to describe the relationship between a man from a first world country and a woman from a ‘third world country’. Initially used by American settlers when they sent home for a wife. It is questionable as to whether Russia is a ‘third world country’.

What percentage of Russian women are successful in finding a foreign husband?

The percentage is about 5 – 7%. Many women are not overly hopeful about their search, and give up in a few months when Prince Charming has failed to arrive and carry them off on a white charger. Many agencies highlight new comers.


How do Russian weddings differ from those in the west?

• Of overwhelming importance is the fact that at a Russian wedding, everyone should be drunk. The usual wedding lasts for 2 days, but if there is enough liquor for a week the wedding is considered to be a huge success, especially if nobody can actually remember what happened.

• There are no ‘engagements’ in Russia. After agreeing to marry, an application is handed into the ZAGS ( department of registration of civil statuses). The couple is then considered as bride and groom. The actual ceremony is usually within a month.
• Russians call the engagement rings the rings that are exchanged at the wedding and they are worn on the right hand.
• Very often the dress is made by the bride and the arrangements are quite simple.

• After a short ceremony at ZAGS there is a tour visiting family and famous memorials to lay flowers
• If there is a wedding at the Orthodox Russian Church the climax is the ‘crowning’. Ceremonies are often understandably short as there are no sitting facilities.
• The wedding reception consists of toasts by everyone in turn to the bride and groom as they give their presents before the festivities start.
• A Russian wedding is not a wedding if it is not full of fun, games, forfeits (such as stealing the bride who then has to be ransomed by the groom) and dancing, squeezed in between the important task of getting seriously drunk.
• ‘Witnesses’ take responsibility for making the wedding fun, much of it coming from student culture as usually both partners are at college or university.
• The second day takes place at the future home of the newly weds (usually the family home as most live with parents) Rather less and simpler food and massive hang-overs, but the toast-making continues. This is an occasion for the couple to acquire gifts of money. Guests have to ‘buy’ cutlery and glasses etc and the bride has to ‘clean’ the floor of money that has been ‘dropped’ by the guests.


• Traditionally the drinks are always ‘bitter’ and everyone shouts ‘gorko’ (bitter) until the drinks are ‘sweetened by lengthy kisses between the groom and bride




 

 







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