Russian+Symbol

There is a common expression - "Russian Bear" which reflects the national character and often is used as a symbol for the country. They say that it is difficult and very dangerous to awaken a bear. This expression is kind of a proverb based on the history of Russian wars in which if attacked, the Russians would not immediately retaliate, but take their time and figure out a good plan before striking back. In this sense a sleeping bear will react in the same manner; it is difficult to get it agitated enough to awaken and fight back, and when this happens the bear will be a force to be reckoned with. But the bear does not only represent Russia in wartime. It is also symbolizes the state of tranquility and slow rhythm of Russian life, like a bear ambling through the woods not caring much about anything. Russians have a number of sayings based on the bear and these kinds of characteristics like; "It takes ages for Russians to harness a horse, but they ride it very fast", or "The work is not a wolf, it is not going to flee to the wood' (which means, you don't have to work too hard because there is always something to do), or 'People will make fun of you if you are to hasty', or 'Don't try to wake up the sleeping Russian bear', and many more.

Yet, the official state symbol is two-headed eagle. It used to reflect the fact that until 1917 Russia was a monarchy and two-headed eagle symbolized the king and queen.