September 08, 2021

Baba Yaga's Birthday Bash


Baba Yaga's Birthday Bash
Hopefully, she leaves the giant mortar and pestle at home with the chicken-legged house.  The Russian Life digital archive

Apparently, Russia's favorite witch celebrates her birthday in September, and all of the residents in Yekaterinburg party along with her. We were unaware that this mythical forest recluse even has a birthday, but we are happy that she is getting the recognition that she deserves. 

Fittingly, the party will be held in the city's Fairytale Park, and the attendants will mostly be eager schoolchildren (Baba Yaga's favorite food). Other fairytale characters will make an appearance in the form of costumed actors, such as the "vodyanoi" (a water spirit) and "leshi" (forest spirit) (sadly, the domovoi decided to stay home).

As for the festivities, the celebrations will include prize raffles, folk games, theatre performances, and (oddly enough) yoga. We are glad to see that Baba Yaga has quit the kidnapping and taken up more wholesome forms of entertainment instead. 

 

You Might Also Like

Baba Yagas, Kremlin and Cooks
  • November 01, 2013

Baba Yagas, Kremlin and Cooks

A review of two books on Baba Yaga, one on the Kremlin, and one on Soviet cuisine and memoir. Also brief reviews of two movies and three other books on everything from Lee Harvey Oswald to emigres in Paris.
How Well Do You Know Russian Fairy Tale Characters?
  • April 17, 2015

How Well Do You Know Russian Fairy Tale Characters?

Sure, everyone knows the name Baba Yaga. But do you know where she lives? Do you know Koschey the Immortal, or Zmey Gorynych? How well do you know the spirits of the forest? Read up on these key characters of Russian fairy tales!
Lions and Lawyers and Baba Yaga, Oh My!
  • November 16, 2017

Lions and Lawyers and Baba Yaga, Oh My!

Ice Age lions thaw out, fairytale heroes meet social media, and foreign news needs a new passport. Plus, all about Russian art in less than 30 minutes. 
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals
[INVALID]
[INVALID]

Some of our Books

A Taste of Chekhov
December 24, 2022

A Taste of Chekhov

This compact volume is an introduction to the works of Chekhov the master storyteller, via nine stories spanning the last twenty years of his life.

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

Driving Down Russia's Spine
June 01, 2016

Driving Down Russia's Spine

The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

Jews in Service to the Tsar
October 09, 2011

Jews in Service to the Tsar

Benjamin Disraeli advised, “Read no history: nothing but biography, for that is life without theory.” With Jews in Service to the Tsar, Lev Berdnikov offers us 28 biographies spanning five centuries of Russian Jewish history, and each portrait opens a new window onto the history of Eastern Europe’s Jews, illuminating dark corners and challenging widely-held conceptions about the role of Jews in Russian history.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955