Although stereotypes can be harmful, it is true that Russia is one of
the highest-ranked countries in the world in alcohol consumption. The
country’s love of vodka is also its leading cause of death, from liver disease and alcohol poisoning to fatal accidents and crimes.
Since it’s such an integral part of their culture, there are many rules of etiquette
surrounding drinking in Russia. For instance, you can’t place a glass
of alcohol back on the table after a toast—it should be bottom’s up and
empty. Arriving late for dinner means that you have to drink a full
glass of vodka, no questions asked, as you’ll have to catch up with the
rest. Between the first and second shots, there must be no interruptions
whatsoever. Lastly, you should never make the mistake of offering a
toast with an empty glass. If you do, you’ll have to drink the entire
bottle.
Russians also love to swear, but their custom is steeped in
superstition. It is said that when you curse another person’s health in a
manner without malice, you should spit three times
over your left shoulder. This symbolically spits in the eye of the
devil, preventing bad omens or a temptation of fate. If the curse is
made in writing, you should write the guttural sound, “Tfu, tfu, tfu!”