Vodka in Russian Society
Vodka in Russian Society By Eric Covey Wicked and curved, like the venomous fangs adorning the jaw of the metaphorical green snake (Russian term for alcoholism), vodka is permanently engraved in the slate of Russian culture. Although vodka is a significant problem in Russia in many ways, it is still so intertwined in the Dusha (soul) of almost any Russian. ... For years upon years Russia’s people have relied on vodka for comfort in times of distress, cheer in times of festivity and as just a plain thirst quencher at all other times. Vodka isn’t just used as a liquid though. Whenever a Russian has a guest it is customary to open a cold bottle of vodka and once it’s open it’s only polite to finish the bottle, or else the little left at the bottom of the bottle is considered “bitterness thrown in the face of a friend”. Vodka is used in any social class for any social occasion, whether it be a two-dollar bottle, a four-dollar bottle or an expensive import, vodka is always welcomed. ... Ever since the beginning of time the majority of Russian leaders have been heavy drinkers.