tsar nicholas ii – Page 13 – The Romanov Family

January 2, 2016Helen Azar No Comments

ROMANOV FAMILY: HOW MANDARIN ORANGES BECAME RUSSIA’S NEW YEAR TREAT

Grand Duke Peter of Olderburg, the first husband of Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna, sister of Tsar Nicholas II, was the Romanov family member who introduced mandarin oranges into Russia. — Grand Duke Peter of Oldenburg (right), the first husband of Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna, sister of Tsar Nicholas II, was the Romanov family member who introduced mandarin oranges into Russia.

New Year celebrations are arguably the most major holidays in modern Russia. One of the traditional treats on a Russian New Year’s table are mandarin oranges. This fruit was not native to Russia – it was introduced only a few years prior to the Russian revolution – by a member of the Romanov family Grand Duke Peter of Oldenburg, a great grandson of Tsar Nicholas I and first husband of Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna, sister of Tsar Nicholas II.

December 31, 2015Helen Azar No Comments

ROMANOV FAMILY: NEW YEAR’S BALLS

Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra dressed as Alexei I and Maria Miloslavskaya, at the Winter Palace's last Imperial ball before the Russian revolution. — Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra dressed as Tsar Alexei I and Tsaritsa Maria Miloslavskaya, for the Winter Palace’s last Imperial ball prior to the Russian revolution.

Thousands of guests were invited to the first imperial ball of the New Year. The balls usually took place in late January or early February at the Winter Palace. The first dance was the official polonaise, performed of course by the first couple of the nation – Emperor Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra. After this initial ceremonial dance, the fun began consisting of mazurkas, polkas and waltzes.

The waiters walked around offering sweets like candies, ice cream and fruit, as well as soft drinks and champagne. Having danced for a couple of hours, the guests moved on to the banquet.

December 31, 2015Helen Azar No Comments

ROMANOV FAMILY: NEW YEAR MEALS

The Romanov family celebrated New Year relatively intimately and quietly, without any major fanfare. January 1st was a regular work day for Nicholas II, but a festive table was set up for the visitors. Those who came in to see the Tsar with reports on New Year’s Day were offered zakuski (cold meat snacks or pickled vegetables) but did not normally linger at the table for too long nor overindulged in vodka.

The imperial couple preferred to dine with a circle of close friends, but it was always a first class meal. At court there were three dining classes: the first was for the members of the imperial family, the second – for the imperial suite and dignitaries invited to court, and the third was for the servants. Read more ROMANOV FAMILY: NEW YEAR MEALS

December 15, 2015Helen Azar 1 Comment

ROMANOV FAMILY: THEIR BRITISH COUSINS’ OFFER OF ASYLUM

The Romanov family with their first cousins: King George V and his family. — The Romanov family with their British cousins: King Edward VII and future King George V and family.

Most of us heard the story of King George V of England rescinding on his offer of asylum to the Romanov family in 1917, but here is the first hand account of the Head of the Provisional Government, Alexander Kerensky.

December 7, 2015Helen Azar No Comments

ROMANOV FAMILY: RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR, 1904

The Russo-Japanese war began on January 26 (N.S. February 8) 1904. A Japanese fleet unexpectedly attacked Russian ships that were docked on the outer anchorage of Port Arthur, prior to any official declaration of war. As a result of this attack the most powerful ships of the Russian squadron had been taken out of commission. The official declaration of war between Japan and Russia occurred only on the 10th of February, 1904.

The main cause of Russo-Japanese War was the expansion of Russia to the East. However, the immediate cause was the annexation of the Liaodong Peninsula, previously captured by Japan. This triggered a military reform and the militarization of Japan.