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June 14, 2015

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Russians keep traditions alive

MEMBERS of China’s Russian ethnic minority group still retain many of the traditions and customs of their forbearers, who first migrated into China’s northern regions hundreds of years ago.

Today, China’s ethnic Russians number over 15,000, most of whom live in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province and portions of north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Russians first moved into these areas during the 17th century in search of gold and other mineral resources. In the early 20th century, large numbers of Russian technicians and laborers came to China during the construction of the Dongqing Railway, which connected Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang and northeast China’s Liaoning Province. The October Revolution in 1917 also triggered a wave of migration into China, as members of the Tsarist aristocracy and other elites fled the Bolsheviks.

At the time, the villages inhabited by Russians were called “converted villages” — and the inhabitants themselves were called “converted people.” In 1949 they were officially recognized as a distinct ethnic minority group within China.

Today, most ethnic Russians in China are multi-lingual, using Russian amongst themselves and Chinese when communicating with others. Influenced by other ethnic groups around them, some also speak Uygur, Kazak and Mongolian languages.

Many of China’s ethnic Russians live in traditional wooden houses known as mukeleng in Chinese. Unlike some other minorities living in the Xinjiang region, ethnic Russians generally do not sleep on heated brick platforms (known as kang) but instead use regular beds.

Outside of these homes, it is common to see large courtyards surrounded by mud walls and filled with flowers and trees.

Like Russians elsewhere, ethnic Russians in China eat using forks and knives instead of chopsticks. Bread is also a staple food, rather than rice. Home-made smoked sausages and hams are also popular among the people. Yet, influenced by the Han and Uygur peoples, China’s Russians also consume dumplings, noodle, steamed buns and other local foods.

At the risk of perpetuating stereotypes, Russians are also fond of alcohol. Many ethnic Russian families brew beer and sparkling wines, which are frequently indulged in during festivals and celebrations.

Traditionally, ethnic Russian men wear suits, riding breeches, leather boots and octagonal caps. Some also wear long garments with slits in the back and long, low-slung trousers.

One traditional costume for ethnic Russian women includes a collarless embroidered coat paired with a long cotton skirt and a square head-scarf.

Today, some young people can still be seen wearing embroidered collared shirts as well as head-scarves during certain times of the year. Generally speaking though, most ethnic Russians wear modern Western clothing — traditional costumes are worn most by older generations.

During festivals and get-togethers, the Russian people enjoy dancing and music. The “banjila” (a stringed instrument similar to a guitar) is one of the most common Russian folk instruments seen during such occasions.

Step dancing is popular among the Russians, with dances being performed either by individuals, pairs or groups. Step dancers will stomp their boots on the ground heavily to the beat of the music while swinging their arms or performing other movements.

Many ethnic Russians adhere to the Russian Orthodox faith, although some are Christians or followers of other religions. Easter and Christmas are commonly observed.

Easter, a religious observance celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is held in Spring and traditionally follows a 49-day fast. During the fast, observers restrict their eating and refrain from dancing or singing.

Today many young ethnic Russians are less strict with their faith, and mark this important holiday with colorful Easter eggs, cookies and parties.




 

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