Congratulations on Broad Maslenitsa! This week February 20 to February 26 is devoted to celebrating Maslenitsa in Russia. Maslenitsa ( Shrovetide, Butter Week, Pancake Week) is perhaps the most cheerful holiday in Russia. The name of the festival has its roots in the Russian word for butter “maslo”. This holiday is considered to come from pre-Christian time, when the slavs were still pagans. In Slavic mythology, Maslenitsa is a sun festival, celebrating the end of winter and the beginning of spring. But Maslenitsa combines Christian traditions as well. It has been absorbed into the Eastern Orthodox religion. On the Christian side, Maslenitsa is the last week before the Great Lent.
The rituals of Maslenitsa are very unusual and interesting. Every day of Maslenitsa is devoted to special rituals ( though many of them were observed mostly in the past, now we can see the return of these traditions).
On Monday Maslenitsa is welcomed.
Tuesday is called “zaigrysh” (game day): sleigh riding, folk festivals.
Wednesday – gourmand – opens feasts houses with blini (baked pancakes) and other delicious food.
Thursday – revelry – the climax of games and fun, Broad Maslenitsa.
On Friday and Saturday people visit their relatives.
Sunday – “Forgiveness Sunday. On that day people ask each other for forgiveness for all grievances and troubles. Thus Great Lent begins in the spirit of reconcilliation and Christian Love.On the last day of Maslenitsa comes the most interesting event – saying goodbye to Maslenitsa – solemn burning of the stuffed figure of winter, Lady Maslenitsa.
Blini are Russian pancakes and they are essential to the celebtation. Blini are topped with caviar, jam, sour cream and butter.
Maslenitsa ends with the first day of the Lent – Clean Monday, which is considered the day of purification from sin and fast forbidden food.
All in all Maslenitsa is a good excuse to go out and have a good time, eat until your burst and do something unusual.
This is the way we lay the table at Maslenitsa. You are welcome!
The celebration of Maslenitsa in Russia in the past. Broad Maslenitsa.......
Comments
Tawfeeq!
I'm so glad that you've found the blog both interesting and useful. Maslenitsa is really a unique holiday, really Broad Maslenitsa. Tawfeeq, thanks for your support and kindness.
Blini are so delicious.......I'm sure you would like them!
Thank you for shedding light on Broad Maslenitsa , really it is nice useful information . Your bolgs always enrich us .I like the look of Blini , and I would like to eat it .
Thank you so much Galina
Hello Yana!
Thanks a million for your comment. It's so cheerful and optimistic! When I'm reading about frosty air and a wonderful moon....I imagine some magic scenery!... And the way you describe pancakes!?! When I'm reading this description I have the only wish to bake a lot of pancakes and eat them with all this delicious food! Thanks once more for such wondreful words! I'm glad that Maslenitsa is also one of your favourite holidays!
Hello Natalia!
Thanks for the comment. Hope Maslenitsa is one of your favourite holidays, too. Enjoy it till the end of the week! I guess you've already baked pancakes...By the way what do you prefer eating them with?
Hello Md. Hakim Uddin!
Thank you for your nice comment. I'm glad that you've learnt smth interesting for you. Every country has its own unique traditions and customs. I think it's really interesting to learn about them. It makes people all over the world to be closer to each other.
Wish you all the best.
Galina
Thank you for your information.
Hi Galina.Thanks for the post. I have learned about Maslenitsa.It has a history but I did not know that. Thanks for introducing with Maslenitsa.Wish you all the best.