The personification of Russia is traditionally feminine and most commonly maternal since the Middle Ages. Most common terms for national personification of Russia are: (dim.); also In the Russian language, the concept of motherland is rendered by two terms: Harald Haarmann and Orlando Figes see the goddess Mokosh a source of the "Mother Russia" concept. Mikhail Epstein states that Russia's historical reliance on agriculture supported a mythological view of the earth as a "divine mother", leading in turn to the terminology of "Mother Russia". Epstein also notes the feminine perceptions of the names Rus' and Rossiia, allowing for natural expressions of matushka Rossiia (Mother Russia).

Usage

During the Soviet period, the Bolsheviks extensively utilized the image of "Motherland", especially during World War II.

Statues

During the Soviet era, many statues depicting the Mother Motherland were built, most to commemorate the Great Patriotic War. These include: