The above were stated by responsible EU Commissioner Viviane Reding in response to a question by Greek Euro-deputy from the Coalition of the Left party Alekos Alavanos who raised the issue. Mr. Alavanos reminded the memorandum that has been submitted to the EU Education ministers council since 1995 for the establishment of a Classical Studies Promotion Center and presented the views of the representatives of Italy, France, Greece and Spain according to which, the classical studies are now more than ever an education means of great value for the new generation. More evident in agrarian regions, although apparent in city dwellers as well, these complex and paradoxical customs are as colorful as they are varied. For example, passing the salt directly into the hand of another person may mean the start of a fight, while the same is true for soaps and knives. So, just to be sure, most Russians prefer to simply place these objects before the recipient.
Many Russian superstitions are variations on western themes, for example mirrors.
Should Russians leave the house having forgotten to take something with them , they usually avoid returning to get it. But, if they must, then they will definitely take a look in the mirror before exiting again. The same goes for kissing someone at the door. It means that a man is about to pay you a visit, or, if its a spoon or fork, then you should expect female company, Russian folklore foretells. If you want to walk to the altar any time soon, then you should never take a corner seat at a table since this means seven years without a wedding in sight.