Life in Russia is More Bizarre Than You Think

They Have a Thing for Odd Numbers

It’s not all about lucky number seven in Russia, but even numbers are never seen as a good thing

If you’re thinking about bestowing a bouquet of roses on your better half while in Russia, think twice about making it an even dozen.

You’d be better off making it 11, or 13. A simple rule to keep things straight: even numbers in Russia are bad luck or reserved for somber occasions.

One flower means that person is ‘the one’, and showing up with seven flowers means there’s an engagement proposal on the way.

Some Weddings Are a Party You’ll Never See Anywhere Else

A toast to the happy couple; wishing you love, happiness and Kalashnikov rifles.

Russians are well known for their rich matrimonial traditions. The wedding celebrations usually last for a couple of days, but sometimes they take up a whole week full of feasting, drinking and dancing —along with the requisite taking of awkward photos.

These newlyweds look as if they wanted to create their own Eastern European version of Bonnie and Clyde with Kalashnikov rifles in their hands. They even had their wedding guests lying around pretending to be shot dead.