东西问·马年说马丨北京俄罗斯文化中心主任吴丹娜：我属马，你呢？

Core Viewpoint - The interview with Tatiana Urzhumtseva, the Russian cultural attaché in China, highlights the cultural significance of traditional festivals like the Chinese New Year and Russia's Maslenitsa, emphasizing their roles in fostering mutual understanding and cultural exchange between China and Russia [3][11]. Group 1: Cultural Significance of Festivals - The Chinese New Year is a rich and colorful celebration, with traditions such as eating dumplings that symbolize home and family, which resonates with Russian customs of dumplings [4][5]. - Maslenitsa, a week-long Russian festival, shares similarities with the Chinese New Year, focusing on family reunions and the welcoming of spring, symbolized by pancakes [7][11]. - Both festivals serve as informal platforms for cultural exchange, helping to overcome stereotypes and enhance mutual understanding between the two nations [11]. Group 2: Growing Interest in Chinese Culture in Russia - There has been a noticeable increase in celebrations of the Chinese New Year in Russia, with major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg organizing events featuring Chinese decorations and cuisine [9]. - The popularity of Chinese food has grown significantly in Russia, with many Russians now familiar with traditional Chinese customs, such as giving red envelopes during the New Year [9][11]. - The cultural exchange is further enriched by Russians learning simple Chinese phrases to participate in the celebrations, indicating a growing interest in Chinese culture [9]. Group 3: Personal Reflections and Recommendations - Urzhumtseva suggests that first-time Russian visitors to China during the New Year should try traditional dishes and engage in local customs to fully appreciate the festival's significance [11]. - The shared values of family, prosperity, and the welcoming of spring in both cultures highlight the commonalities that can strengthen ties between the two nations [11].