Sunshine Coast songstress Innessa has found her niche infusing alternative folk with Eastern European influences on her new single, 'Golden Wreath'.
Publishing her first poem in her native Russia at 12-years-old, Innessa's whimsical way with words has more recently earned her a finalist spot at the 2017 Queensland Music Awards while she has performed at some of Australia's biggest folk festivals including Woodford.
Drawing on her Russian roots, Innessa shares 5 Russian customs.
1. Sitting in silence before a trip.
Before leaving the house, everyone sits in silence for a moment. In old times it was believed this ritual would cleanse you of any evil spirits who may otherwise tag along. Today, it’s a good habit that allows you to pause and organise your thoughts before going about your day.
2. Returning home after recently leaving is bad luck.
If you leave the house and realise you forgot something, you shouldn’t go back – it’s a bad omen. If you really need to go back inside, look into a mirror as soon as you re-enter the house, so evil spirits don’t follow you in.
3. Spitting thrice invites success.
When talking about your future success, spit three times over your left should and tap on wood three times as well, to ensure evil eyes are not attracted. This is symbolic of spitting on the devil, who is always on the left.
4. Bread and salt for an abundant marriage.
After a wedding, the groom’s parents greet the newlywed couple with a loaf of bread and salt, wishing the new family a happy life together. The person who bites off the bigger piece of bread is considered the more dominant member in the relationship.
5. Always give an odd number of flowers.
If you’re giving a Russian lady a bouquet of flowers, make sure you give her an odd number of flowers as an even number of flowers signifies a funeral.
'Golden Wreath' is released 4 May.
Innessa plays Vianta Cafe 19 May (Sunshine Coast), Folk Redlands (Brisbane) 20 May and Little Russian Club (Brisbane) 27 May.
