There is an old Russian superstition that money can transfer energy from the giver to the receiver. To prevent any negative energy from transferring from person to person, many Russians will not accept payment out of your hands. They will simply ask you to place your card or cash on a tray or in a box like the one pictured here. Russians believe that this act breaks the energy connection and makes the money safe to touch.
As peculiar as this behavior might sound, it is a good thing to be aware of if you ever visit Russia. Don’t be offended if someone refuses to take payment from you, understand that it’s just a part of their culture, and every culture has its quirks!
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Author: Astrid Clements
Astrid Solo Travel Advisor CEO and founder, Astrid, has spent over 40 years traveling around the world. She is passionate about embracing the world’s diverse cultures and sharing with others the global need and personal benefit of cultural literacy. Her focus is on affordable luxury travel that is both substantive and fun! To read more about her and each one of our Solo Travel Advisors, head over to the About page!
For some, the pursuit of authentic travel experiences will take them to the far-flung reaches of the globe; to unexplored territory and distant landscapes. For others, however, their quests might lead them to places a little less, shall we say, ambitious. Perhaps their journeys will lead them to bustling cities, famous attractions, and well-documented historical landmarks. But whether you find yourself exploring in Paris or Timbuktu, the opportunity to discover wonderful and amazing things is the same. I truly believe that one of the most important factors in facilitating an authentic, fulfilling travel experience is the right mindset.