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Every region on Earth has its own distinct customs and culture. And as time marches on and the world becomes more and more globalized, this way of life changes, and some are left feeling nostalgic for the recent past.

The ‘Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life’ Facebook page is a corner of the internet that shares memes and pics about Slavic day-to-day life, centered around so-called Gopnik culture, the post-Soviet era, and spending time shelling peas with grandma, surrounded by countless wall rugs. Scroll down to check out some of the most amusing and confusing pics that were featured, and don’t forget to upvote your fave ones. 

Bored Panda got in touch with Matei Tabacu, the founder of 'Scenic Depiction of Slavic Life,' the offshoot of his original and immensely popular 'Squatting Slavs in Tracksuits' social media project. He was kind enough to tell us all about the history of the entire project, and why Slavic memes are such a big hit on the internet. Read on for the full interview.

More info: Facebook (SDSL) | Facebook (SSIT) | Instagram (SDSL) | Instagram (SSIT) | Instagram (Store) | SquattingSlavs.org

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    #2

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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    Iampenny
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Disappointingly true. Slavic countries don't get the recognition they deserve. I've been lucky to have visited quite a few of them, and they are stunningly beautiful.

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    #3

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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    Libstak
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    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Had a Russian Blue named Mishka many years ago. I love you Mishy wherever you are over that rainbow bridge

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    Matei told Bored Panda that 'Squatting Slavs in Tracksuits' is the first and largest Slavic humor page on Facebook. He started it all the way back in May 2015. He told us that he comes from a Slavic country and couldn't find anything similar on the internet at the time, so he decided to create the first page of its kind.

    One year later, he decided to branch out and started a whopping three more Facebook pages: 'Scenic Depiction of Slavic Life,' 'Babushka,' and 'Lada Life.' The 'Lada Life' account, for example, is the largest Lada car page on Facebook, and according to the founder is "even bigger than the official page." And it's true!

    However, Matei didn't confine himself just to Facebook. He also created two Instagram accounts, @squattingslavs and @scenic_depictions. All of them have grown organically, through viral content. That and the fact that the memes help "gather people from all over the world" is something that Matei is very proud of.

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    Just two weeks ago, Matei also opened an online store, the 'Squatting Slavs Store.' "I am the only person who has been and is involved in the entire network, including the store. I have been doing this every day for the past eight years without a break," he told Bored Panda.

    "The majority of people who appreciate Slavic memes are from Slavic countries, and they can relate to all the memes I post. The other part of my fans is not from Slavic countries, but they find it to be an interesting trend and lifestyle," Matei said, adding that he personally enjoys memes that "depict the pleasant reality of this culture, the fact that we can solve anything even without money."

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    #8

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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    Turnip and a Frog
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    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Gołąbki. Love them. Recently more and more with tomato sauce. But prefer those made with the savoy cabbage.

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    According to Matei, this mastery of DIY is where the 'Slavic Science' section comes from. "Even if something breaks, we can fix it with whatever we have at home," he said.

    "Other memes depict the fact that even if some of us start making money and drive more expensive cars, we still eat 'burek' and 'cevapi' and other traditional Slavic dishes. I like most of the Slavic memes because we are naturally funny and make jokes about everything that happens to us," he told Bored Panda.

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    The ‘Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life’ Facebook page is very widely known. At the time of writing it had over 547k likes and more than 567k followers. The curators invite people to “dance in the rain, squat in the rain, live Slavic,” referring to the extremely well-known Squatting Slav meme.

    The account “is a satellite of the” 'Squatting Slavs in Tracksuits' network. The original SSIT page has a whopping 1.3 million followers on Facebook.

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    The Squatting Slav meme has been a hallmark of internet culture for over a decade. Know Your Meme notes that the question as to why many Eastern European people stereotypically squat while wearing tracksuits first started appearing in the spotlight in late 2012, with the rise of the r/slavs_squatting subreddit and discussions on the notorious 4chan website. The meme only gained more popularity from then on.

    The Squatting Slav meme’s roots lie in Gopnik culture. One meme, featured on Know Your Meme, describes a Gopnik (the plural being ‘Gopniki’) as “Russian white trash, commonly found on the outskirts of Moscow and in towns throughout.” They stereotypically wear tracksuits and many wear hoods or hats.

    #16

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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    Helena
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What western teen is praising communism? Isn't their big beef with unchecked capitalism?

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    #18

    Balkan Stonehenge. Picklehenge

    Balkan Stonehenge. Picklehenge

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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    Turnip and a Frog
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sour cucumbers are way better for me. Plus, they cure everything, from thirst through sweet cravings to a hangover.

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    It is a pejorative term used in Russia and elsewhere “to refer to aggressive young men of lower-class suburbs coming from families of poor education and income.” Gopniks are quite similar to British Chavs. Urban Dictionary adds that Gopniks drink outdoors and can engage in petty crime. And the only difference between them and Chavs may be that the former speak Russian.

    According to Encyclopædia Britannica, Slavs mainly live in eastern and southeastern Europe. However, they also extend across northern Asia, all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Slavs are subdivided into three main groups: East Slavs, West Slavs, and South Slavs. Meanwhile, Slavs can also be subdivided into two main groups based on religion: the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.

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    #20

    Fishing In Poland

    Fishing In Poland

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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    D. Pitbull
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    omg. what... please... someone... what fish is that... that's... dang, congrats, that is a fine catch!

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    East Slavs include Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarussians. West Slavs are comprised of Poles, Czechs, Slovaks, and Wends. While South Slavs are made up of Serbs, Croats, Bosnians, Slovenes, Macedonians, and Montenegrins. Encyclopædia Britannica notes that Bulgarians are often designated as South Slavs, as they speak a Slavic language, even though they’re of mixed origin like the Hungarians.

    The Eastern Orthodox Church includes Russians, most Ukrainians, most Belarussians, most Bulgarians, Serbs, and Macedonians. While the Slavs associated with the Roman Catholic Church include Poles, Czechs, Slovaks, Croats, Slovenes, some Ukrainians, and some Belarussians. 

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    #25

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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    ScarletRos
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My Swiss friend. Always wore shorts, even in winter (mind you it was Australia so there wasn’t snow).

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    #26

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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    censorshipsucks
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    drop a beer can off your table, it rolls to the Belgian side... f**k I think we just invaded belgium

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    Diggit Magazine notes that the popularity of the Squatting Slav meme has reminded many people of how similar their cultural backgrounds, and childhoods, are. “How they all have ‘babushkas’ (grandmothers) who make ‘kompots’ (a non-alcoholic sweet beverage made from fruit) and how they are all very used to squatting.”

    However, the meme’s popularity has grown overseas, too, especially in Canada, the UK, and the US. 

    #28

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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    Me
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Almost forgot you could order this in germany when I was a student 18 years ago. A lot has changed..

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    Both the SDSL and SSIT pages sell Slavic meme-related merchandise. Many of the products clearly support Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia in February 2022. However, some of the merch appears to feature the hammer and sickle device used by the Soviet Union. This is something that many people whose families suffered under the regime might find to be in poor taste. However, the founder of the SDSL and SSIT projects primarily seems to focus on humor, lightheartedness, and chuckling at stereotypes. 

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    #36

    Growing Up In A Remote Industrial Town, That Felt Very Relatable 😁

    Growing Up In A Remote Industrial Town, That Felt Very Relatable 😁

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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    UltimateSwiftie
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This happens everywhere. " I DON'T WANNA HEAR YA LIFE STORY, MISTER!!!!!"

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    #44

    You Are Not A Real Slav If Your Refrigerator Doesn't Look Like That

    You Are Not A Real Slav If Your Refrigerator Doesn't Look Like That

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

    #46

    Bulgaria

    Bulgaria

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    Mila Preradović
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He needs cash to buy coffee and cigarettes in the hospital because often they do not accept cards. Don't worry, medical bill is covered.

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    #47

    The Most Slavic Photo In History

    The Most Slavic Photo In History

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

    #48

    Real Slavic Minimalism

    Real Slavic Minimalism

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    Iampenny
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My bathroom in Germany a few years ago looked exactly like this (and no, I'm not talking about the East of Germany)

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    #52

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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    Jihana
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A few years back there was a Polish tourism ad on German TV: come to Poland, your car is already here.

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    #56

    Perspective

    Perspective

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    UltimateSwiftie
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Warning, you may feel "slight" tingling due to your room placement. Don't worry you will not die. ( this is a joke please don't downvote)

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    #58

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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    Nikki D
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    With tights or leggings under the pajamas. I could wear a tank top in a blizzard with that combo

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    #61

    Hint: Yugoslavia

    Hint: Yugoslavia

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    Libstak
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OK, so you DO NOT place the Croation Flag and the word Yugoslavia within a thousand miles of each other, ever.

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    #64

    Eastern European Police After After End Of Shift

    Eastern European Police After After End Of Shift

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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    censorshipsucks
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    actually those are south african rands, but anyway. same difference. also take bribes.

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    #67

    Messi After One Week In Serbia

    Messi After One Week In Serbia

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

    #69

    Big Biznis Here

    Big Biznis Here

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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    Lisa Simpson
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just a regular dude from Serbia. This outfit can be seen everywhere - streets, coffee shops, restaurants, even churches.

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    #70

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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    Turnip and a Frog
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Religion in Poland is used as a tool to win election votes of the hardcore segment of the elderly population, because it's exactly those 5-7% that gives the rightist government the win. The horrifyingly generous social benefits for low-income large families secure the votes of another group of the population, and it has nothing to do with religion. This government is effectiveness of the worst kind.

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    #74

    Room Rental In Slovakia. Absolute Slavic Minimalism

    Room Rental In Slovakia. Absolute Slavic Minimalism

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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    Iampenny
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Still better than most affordable flats in Dublin (Ireland)

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    #75

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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    °CORLEONE°
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It can be hard at times, but the friendships are much more genuine, and we all laugh and smile together at the pub where it really matters anyways.

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    #77

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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    Iampenny
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does this not apply to most grandparents? It's definitely true for Irish ones too.

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    #79

    Play Station In Croatia

    Play Station In Croatia

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

    #80

    Dj Khaled After One Week In Slovakia

    Dj Khaled After One Week In Slovakia

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    Landithy
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reminded of my Serbian-Australian friend from uni: "The word "please" exists in our language, but it's not pronounced." "In Serbia you just walk into a store and say "I want that". In Australia you have to be like "Please it not too much trouble, could I have..." or everybody looks at you like you're an arsehole."

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    #85

    Jack Sparrow After 2 Weeks In Bulgaria

    Jack Sparrow After 2 Weeks In Bulgaria

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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    #87

    When Slav Wants To Have A Better View.. He Cuts The Hole On His Balcony! Split, Croatia

    When Slav Wants To Have A Better View.. He Cuts The Hole On His Balcony! Split, Croatia

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

    #88

    Turning The TV On In Hungary

    Turning The TV On In Hungary

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

    #89

    Salt Bae After A Week In Serbia

    Salt Bae After A Week In Serbia

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    Attila Ángyán
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's a hungarian guy, a gipsy from the town of Gyöngyös. YouTube has it if you search "Mi folyik itt Gyöngyösön"

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    #90

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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    KM
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Did anyone else's parents made them crawl in to spread the blanket corners evenly?

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    #91

    Teaching Maths In Hungary

    Teaching Maths In Hungary

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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    Nosirrow
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My teacher drew sth on the board without using one of those big wooden rulers and my friend asked if the drawing is supposed to be wonky.

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    #95

    Slavic Bride’s Father At 2pm

    Slavic Bride’s Father At 2pm

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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    #100

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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    Libstak
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ahaha my mum did this to me too many times, in Melbourne Aust, Slovenian, Croatian heritage. I never told my school friends, too embarrassing.

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    #101

    Real Slav In Stress Situation

    Real Slav In Stress Situation

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    Mila Preradović
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This looks more "going across the border and can bring max 10 cigarette boxes but if I open every one of them maybe I can bring more" than a stress situation. (Don't ask how I know).

    #103

    🥺 Yugonostalgia

    🥺 Yugonostalgia

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    °CORLEONE°
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just want to clarify that YU is a movie about the experiences and adventures of three "thirty-something" buddies who involuntarily find themselves caught up in civil unrest.

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    #104

    Vegeta After 3 Weeks In Serbia

    Vegeta After 3 Weeks In Serbia

    Scenic Depictions of Slavic Life Report

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