Superstitions often reflect deep-seated cultural beliefs, and Russia is a country rich in traditions that shape daily interactions. One particularly intriguing custom is the avoidance of shaking hands in a doorway. To an outsider, this might seem like a peculiar quirk, but for many Russians, it is a serious matter rooted in history, folklore, and spiritual beliefs.
This article delves into the origins of this superstition, explores its cultural significance, and compares it with similar beliefs around the world.
The Superstition and Its Meaning
In Russian culture, a handshake symbolizes more than just a greeting; it represents respect, goodwill, and the strengthening of relationships. However, when done across a doorway, this simple act is believed to invite misfortune, bad energy, or even conflict into the relationship.
A doorway is considered a liminal space – neither fully inside nor outside. In many ancient traditions, such in-between places were thought to harbor unseen forces or spirits. By shaking hands in a threshold, one risks disturbing these forces, leading to negative consequences such as quarrels, illness, or loss.
For this reason, if two people find themselves about to shake hands at a door, it is customary for one of them to step fully inside or outside before proceeding with the greeting.
Historical and Cultural Roots
The Role of the Threshold in Slavic Folklore
The origin of this superstition can be traced back to ancient Slavic beliefs, where the threshold of a home was regarded as a sacred boundary. In traditional Russian homes, the entrance was not just a physical barrier but a symbolic one that separated the safety of the household from the dangers of the outside world.
Several Traditions that Reinforced this Notion:
- The Spirits of the Household
Slavic folklore speaks of the domovoi, a house spirit believed to protect the home and its inhabitants. However, these spirits were said to reside near doorways, and disturbing them—especially with something as significant as a handshake—could anger them, bringing bad luck.
- The Connection to Death and Mourning
In old Russian customs, deceased family members were often placed near the doorway before burial. This practice further reinforced the idea that the entrance was a space linked to the transition between life and death. As a result, interacting too much at the threshold—whether through greetings, goodbyes, or transactions—was thought to invite bad luck.
- Hospitality and Respect
Russian hospitality places great importance on properly welcoming guests. Traditionally, hosts ensure that visitors fully enter the home before formal greetings or gestures like handshakes and hugs occur. This is both a sign of respect and a way to avoid the misfortune associated with threshold interactions.
Similar Beliefs in Other Cultures
Russia is not the only place where doorways hold special significance. Many cultures around the world share similar superstitions about avoiding certain actions at thresholds:
Turkey & the Middle East
In Turkey and some Middle Eastern cultures, it is considered unlucky to pass objects directly through a doorway. Instead, one person should step inside or outside before handing something over. This belief stems from the idea that doorways are places of transition where energy or luck might be lost.
China
Chinese Feng Shui principles discourage standing in doorways for extended periods, as these areas are believed to have unstable qi (energy flow). Doorways serve as passages where energy moves between spaces, and lingering there too long can disrupt balance.
Italy
In parts of Italy, it is considered bad luck to greet or bid farewell to someone in a doorway. Some believe that doing so prevents the person from returning safely or invites misfortune into the home.
West Africa
Certain West African traditions regard thresholds as spaces inhabited by spirits. In some cultures, rituals are performed at doorways to ensure protection and good fortune before entering a home.
How This Superstition Affects Daily Life in Russia
Although modern Russians may not always believe in the supernatural origins of this superstition, many still follow the custom out of habit, respect for tradition, or simple caution.
- Handshakes Are Avoided in Doorways
If a handshake is about to occur in a doorway, one person will often step inside or outside to complete the gesture. Even in business settings, a Russian professional may subtly indicate for the other person to move before shaking hands.
- Exchanging Money or Gifts Across a Threshold
Just as with handshakes, passing money, documents, or gifts through a doorway is avoided. Instead, one person will step fully into or out of the room before making the exchange. This is believed to prevent financial misfortune or bad energy from affecting the transaction.
- Formal Greetings Take Place Inside the Home
When welcoming guests, Russians prefer to greet them properly once they have fully entered the house. Hugs, handshakes, and pleasantries are reserved for inside the home, reinforcing the idea that the threshold is not a place for meaningful interactions.
- Superstition and Social Etiquette
Even those who don’t strictly believe in the superstition often respect it as a cultural norm. Ignoring such customs could be seen as impolite or inconsiderate, especially among older generations who take these traditions seriously.
Advice for Someone Visiting Russia
Visiting Russia can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it helps to be aware of the country’s unique customs, etiquette, and practical considerations. Here’s a guide to help you navigate Russian culture smoothly and avoid common mistakes.
- Respect the Superstitions and Traditions
Russia has many deeply rooted superstitions, and while you don’t need to believe in them, respecting them will help you avoid awkward situations.
Never shake hands in a doorway – Step fully inside or outside before greeting someone.
Don’t whistle indoors – It’s believed to bring financial loss.
Avoid gifting even-numbered flowers – Even numbers are associated with funerals, so always give an odd number.
Never sit at the corner of a table – Superstition says it will prevent you from getting married.
- Dress Appropriately for the Weather
Russia experiences extreme temperatures, with harsh winters and warm summers.
Winter (December-February): Wear insulated boots, thermal clothing, gloves, and a hat (preferably covering your ears). The cold can be brutal, especially in Siberia.
Summer (June-August): Moscow and St. Petersburg can get surprisingly warm, so pack breathable clothing, but keep a light jacket for cooler evenings.
Autumn/Spring: Be prepared for unpredictable rain and chilly winds. Layers are your best friend.
- Learn Basic Russian Phrases
While major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg have English-speaking locals, many Russians, especially in smaller towns, speak little to no English. Learning a few basic phrases will make your trip smoother:
Здравствуйте (Zdravstvuyte) – Hello (formal)
Привет (Privet) – Hi (informal)
Спасибо (Spasibo) – Thank you
Пожалуйста (Pozhaluysta) – Please/You’re welcome
Извините (Izvinite) – Excuse me/Sorry
Сколько это стоит? (Skol’ko eto stoit?) – How much does this cost?
Где метро? (Gde metro?) – Where is the metro?
Using even a little Russian will earn you more respect from locals.
- Be Prepared for Russian Hospitality
Russians take hospitality seriously. If invited to someone’s home, keep these in mind:
Bring a small gift – Chocolates, wine, or flowers (odd numbers only) are appreciated.
Take off your shoes at the door – Russians often wear slippers indoors, which they may offer you.
Accept food and drinks – Refusing food may be seen as impolite. If you’re offered vodka, it’s expected to drink in one shot, not sip.
- Understand Public Etiquette
Don’t smile too much at strangers – Russians tend to reserve smiles for close friends and family. Smiling too much can be seen as insincere.
Give up your seat to the elderly – On public transport, it’s customary to offer your seat to elderly passengers, pregnant women, or parents with young children.
Dress modestly in churches – Women should cover their heads, and both men and women should avoid shorts and sleeveless tops when visiting religious sites.
- Get Used to the Bureaucracy
Russia is known for strict documentation and bureaucracy, so be prepared:
Always carry your passport – Police can randomly check identification, especially for foreigners. A copy may not be enough.
Register your visa – If staying for more than seven days, your hotel or host must register your visa with the migration authorities.
Expect delays at border control – Russian immigration officers can be thorough, so be patient and have all necessary documents ready.
- Master the Metro System
The Moscow Metro is one of the most efficient and beautiful in the world.
Buy a Troika card – This prepaid card works for metro, buses, and trams and saves time.
Know your station names in Cyrillic – Not all signs are in English, so familiarizing yourself with the Russian spelling can help.
Avoid rush hour (8-10 AM and 5-7 PM) – Trains get extremely crowded during peak hours.
- Be Mindful of Safety and Scams
While Russia is generally safe for tourists, take some precautions:
Beware of taxi scams – Use official taxi apps like Yandex.Taxi or Gett instead of hailing random cabs.
Be cautious with money exchanges – Use official banks or ATMs, not street money changers.
Watch out for pickpockets – This is especially a problem in tourist-heavy areas like Red Square and Nevsky Prospect.
- Try Russian Food and Drinks
Russian cuisine is hearty and full of unique flavors. Some must-try dishes include:
Borscht – A beetroot soup with meat and sour cream.
Pelmeni – Dumplings filled with meat, served with butter or sour cream.
Blini – Thin pancakes, often eaten with caviar, jam, or sour cream.
Olivier Salad – A Russian-style potato salad, popular during holidays.
Kvass – A traditional fermented bread drink with a slightly tangy taste.
Vodka – Russians take vodka seriously. If drinking with locals, be ready for multiple toasts!
- Expect Some Cultural Differences
Russia has a unique cultural identity, so be prepared for some differences in social norms:
Personal space is smaller – Russians may stand closer to you than you’re used to in conversation.
Customer service can be blunt – Don’t expect excessive politeness from shopkeepers or waiters. It’s not rudeness, just a cultural difference.
Public affection is rare – Unlike in some Western countries, excessive hugging or kissing in public is uncommon.
Final Thoughts
Superstitions like avoiding handshakes in doorways reveal how deeply cultural traditions shape social behavior. While modern Russia is a technologically advanced and globalized society, these beliefs persist, reminding people of their historical and spiritual roots.
Whether out of genuine belief or simply as a matter of custom, many Russians continue to follow this tradition. And if you ever find yourself in Russia, it might be wise to remember this rule – after all, it’s better to respect cultural customs than to risk bad luck!
Visiting Russia can be an unforgettable experience, filled with stunning architecture, rich history, and warm hospitality. By understanding the culture, respecting traditions, and preparing for practical challenges, you’ll have a smoother and more enjoyable trip.