Maslenitsa is one of the Slavic traditions loved by Russians. Even those who do not adhere to church holidays and fasts usually bake and eat pancakes on Maslenitsa not without pleasure.
When Maslenitsa is celebrated
Shrovetide is the week before Lent, the longest and strictest in the church calendar. In Orthodoxy, it is also called Cheese Week. Its dates are different every year and are calculated according to a special schedule. The timing of Shrovetide depends on the timing of Lent, and those, in turn, on the date of Easter.
Lent lasts six weeks, plus the seventh - Holy Week. It starts no earlier than February 2 and ends no later than April 24. The period from 8 to 21 March always falls on fasting. Knowing the start date of Lent, you can find out the start date of Pancake Week.
In 2014, Maslenitsa week is from February 24 to March 2. In 2013, it lasted from 11 to 17 March, and in 2015 it will be from 16 to 22 February.
Shrovetide traditions
In accordance with church canons, it is allowed to eat eggs, cheese, fish and dairy products all week, but meat is prohibited. The meaning of Cheese Week in Orthodoxy is forgiveness of grievances and reconciliation with neighbors.
As for folk traditions, Maslenitsa is associated with the farewell to winter and the welcome of spring. On these days, festivities are held, obligatory pancakes are baked, and on the last day of Maslenitsa week, an effigy of Maslenitsa is burned, symbolizing the passing winter.
On the Monday of Shrovetide week, the married daughter goes to visit her parents. In the evening, her husband's parents also come to the matchmakers. By this day, snow slides are being completed. The first baked pancake should traditionally be given to the poor - in remembrance of the dead. An effigy of Maslenitsa is being assembled from straw and old clothes.
In the traditions of Maslenitsa week, church rituals and ancient pagan rituals of the Slavs are closely intertwined.
Tuesday is a play. In the old days, brides were shown on this day. Boys and girls rode down the mountains, had fun. The women baked pancakes.
On Wednesday, the sons-in-law came to the mother-in-law for pancakes.
Thursday - Walk, or the first day of the Wide Maslenitsa. On this day, festivities, fun, games, fist fights, horseback riding were organized. All chores were stopped.
Friday - mother-in-law's evening. On this day, the mother-in-law comes to her son-in-law, and her daughter and his wife bake pancakes.
Saturday - sister-in-law's gatherings. The young daughter-in-law invites all the sister-in-law and other relatives of her husband to visit.
Sunday - Forgiveness day and farewell to Maslenitsa. Everyone is asking each other for forgiveness. In some provinces, it was customary to go to the cemetery on the last day of Maslenitsa. Traditionally, an effigy of Maslenitsa was burned on this day.
