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😉 Hello everyone! The article “Maslenitsa: traditions and customs, history of the holiday” contains basic information about the Russian folk holiday.
Every year at the end of winter (early spring), Maslenitsa is celebrated in Russia. They bake pancakes, arrange fairs, festivities, go to visit. Where did these traditions come from?
What is Shrovetide
This is the name of the old East Slavic holiday. According to the ancient calendar, this is the border between winter and spring. They see off the winter, meet the spring: the idea of the cyclical nature of time and all life.
The holiday lasts not one day, but a whole week on the eve of Lent. Remember the saying “Not everything for the cat is Shrovetide, there will be Great Lent.” Mandatory attributes: pancakes and a straw effigy of Maslenitsa.
The roots of the holiday go deep into the pre-Christian era, in the days of pagan Ancient Russia. Until the XNUMXth century. the holiday was called “meat-eating” or “cheese” week (week). The old name is “Komoeditsa”.
Where does the name “Maslenitsa” come from? Here is one version: before fasting, believers exclude all meat products from the diet. Dairy products are allowed, therefore, the butter for baking pancakes can be used without restriction.
Each pancake is a symbol of the Sun. It is just as round, golden and hot. 😉 Eh, pancakes with sour cream, fragrant honey and, of course, with red caviar are good!
Shrovetide: traditions by days of the week
Shrovetide week (Monday to Sunday) is divided into two periods: Narrow Shrovetide and Wide Shrovetide.
- Narrow: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.
- Wide: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
In the first three days, it was allowed to engage in economic work. On Thursday, all work was stopped, and the Wide Maslenitsa began. Each day of the week had a special tradition.
In ancient times, all traditions were adhered to, but most of them have already been forgotten. Alas, every year there are fewer and fewer such happy holidays on the streets. 😉 Our favorite internet is to blame. Many do not want to go beyond the boundaries of their Internet comfort. We are too lazy to go sledding, bake pancakes and receive guests.
Let’s get back to our topic.
Monday
They begin to bake pancakes and pancakes, build a straw stuffed animal (like a garden one). Neighbors are talking, discussing the holiday plan.
Tuesday
Bride shows, matchmaking took place. After the fast, weddings were played.
Wednesday
The son-in-law comes to visit his mother-in-law to eat pancakes. The mother-in-law can invite other guests as well.
Thursday
All chores are suspended. Fun festivities begin: snowball games, sleigh rides, jumping over the fire.
Friday
A return visit from a mother-in-law who comes to visit her son-in-law. Pancakes are baked by her daughter.
Saturday
Daughters-in-law invite her husband’s relatives to visit. The girls are having a bachelorette party with tea.
Sunday
This is the culmination of the holiday. Farewell to winter comes: fun, round dances, pancakes, tea from a samovar. The holiday ends with the burning of a scarecrow in a woman’s outfit, symbolizing winter. According to legend, the remaining ashes were scattered over the fields so that there was a good harvest.
This day is also called Forgiveness Sunday. All believers ask each other for forgiveness. After all, it is very important to start the fast with a kind soul and to celebrate Easter with a pure heart. We need to forgive everyone who has offended us, and ask for forgiveness from those whom we have offended. Let go of grievances, do not keep this heavy burden on your soul.
The dead are commemorated on Forgiveness Sunday. On this day, it is customary to go to the bathhouse to cleanse the body before fasting.
When Maslenitsa is celebrated
The date of Maslenitsa celebration directly depends on the date of Easter. It always starts 56 days (8 weeks) before Easter and lasts exactly seven days. For example, in 2021 Maslenitsa is from 8 to 14 March. Great Lent from March 15 to May 1. Easter – May 2.
This period coincides with the vernal equinox, when the day becomes longer than the night. The bright sun begins to melt the snow. From the winter sleep, nature wakes up, and spring comes. In several Western countries, there are analogues of Maslenitsa:
- Italy – Venice Carnival;
- Germany – Fasching;
- Denmark – Fastevlavn;
- Greece – Apocryatic.
Simple Pancake Recipes
Video
Do not miss! In this video, more information on “Shrovetide: Traditions and Customs”
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