Shrovetide is the last week before the start of Lent. In the old days it was celebrated widely and on a grand scale, for each of the seven days there was a special ritual. And, of course, the main character of Maslenitsa was a pancake - an ancient pagan symbol of the sun god Yarila. Now it is difficult to observe old traditions - where can working women find time to bake pancakes every day, and then receive guests? However, one day off can be devoted to the old Russian holiday and give a whole day of fun to family and friends.
It is necessary
- - pancakes;
- - a stuffed animal of Winter.
Instructions
Step 1
The symbol of Maslenitsa is the effigy of Winter, which was supposed to be burned on the sixth day of Maslenitsa week. Prepare a cross with two poles. The body and head will be attached to the vertical pole, and the arms to the horizontal pole. For the manufacture of the torso, you can use reeds or brushwood. Sew a colorful dress, face and hair for Winter from old rags. Making a stuffed animal is in itself a reason for fun and the realization of creative fantasies.
Step 2
Set a holiday for a day off - Saturday or Sunday, and invite friends and family. It is better to celebrate Shrovetide in the forest, because burning an effigy in the city can raise questions from law enforcement agencies. Plan in advance a suitable clearing that will accommodate everyone. Mount Winter's Effigy on a pole in the snow.
Step 3
You can bring pancakes with you, or you can fry them in the woods by the fire. Of course, these are unnecessary chores, but the pleasure of eating a hot, hot pancake on a frosty day is worth it. Bring batter with you - it fits comfortably in a plastic bottle, a skillet, a pastry spatula, and some sunflower oil. You can fry pancakes in turn so that it is not boring.
Step 4
Come up with contests in advance so that the holiday does not come down to eating pancakes. Traditional Russian fun is tug of war. Both children and adults can participate. Trample in the snow a wide enough circle and arrange "cockfighting". Participants draw in one leg, holding it with their hand, and jump on the other, trying to push the opponent out of the circle with their shoulder. Everyone is divided into pairs. One of them is blindfolded, the other is holding one leg. It turns out the duet "Poor blind cat Basilio and the unfortunate fox Alice". Couples start the competition - who will go the distance faster. The "fox" guides the "cat", the "cat" supports the "fox" by the arm.
Step 5
After everyone has run over, set fire to the scarecrow by covering it with brushwood and adding, if necessary, flammable liquid. Everyone stands in a circle and leads a round dance around with the traditional words: "Burn, burn clearly, so that it does not go out!" "Leave, winter, come, spring!" When the fire burns out a little, you can jump over the fire. It was believed that the smoke cleanses all sins accumulated during the winter. However, even without considering the practical benefits, it's a lot of fun.
