Застолье [zastolie] – feast, tablefull
In Russia, the main symbol of hospitality is a delicious treat. Hosts are always trying to feed the guests with tasty food. The treat that the owners prepare is called “стол” [stol] (table). Guests are invited “to the table” [k stalu], “at the table” [za stol], and the holiday itself is called “feast” [zastolie]. There is such an expression in Russian “a rich table” [bagatyi stol], and it has nothing to do with furniture because its about food. During the feast, the hostess always invites guests to try this dish or eat another serving of food. Treating guests this way is a Russian tradition. You can often hear such words as “за здоровье” [za zdorovie] – this is a toast, “на здоровье” [na zdorovie] is a wish for a bon appetit.
Russians do not go to visit “empty-handed” [s pystimy rukami]. They bring flowers (odd number), sweets, wine, and cake as a gift. As a rule, all this is already on the table, but such a gift speaks of attention and respect for the hosts.
