Maslenitsa Traditions

Maslenitsa is an ancient Slavic feast which can be compared to a carnival.

There is no specific date for it on the calendar.

The holiday begins exactly eight weeks before Easter (this year it is 24 February) and lasts for a week.

Monday – The Welcoming.

On this day Lady Maslenitsa is welcomed, fairs organized, places for folk celebrations prepared and Maslenitsa effigy is made

Tuesday – The Playing.

People start visiting each other, engage in games, outdoor fun activities, sleigh riding. Single girls do fortune telling

Wednesday – The Sweet Tooth Day.

Sons-in-law visit their mothers-in-law for a pancake treat

Thursday – The Revelry/The Wide Thursday.

The day when the so-called Wide Maslenitsa starts. People make and eat bliny (thin pancakes or crepes), dance and enjoy outdoor activities. In old times that was also a day for fist-fighting tournaments

Friday – The Mother-in-Law's Eve.

Sons-in-law invite their mothers-in-law for dinner. The invitation must be made in person

Saturday – The Sister-in-Law's Gathering.

Young wives invite their husband's relatives to give them presents

Sunday – The Forgiveness Day.

The Maslenitsa effigy is carried around the village and is burnt in a bonfire at sunset. Relatives and friends ask each other for forgiveness

Maslenitsa unleavened pancake recipe:

- Whisk two eggs with a pinch of salt.

- Add half a glass of flour and vegetable oil.

- Add milk and mix all the ingredients until you have a smooth batter.

- Heat a frying-pan and add vegetable oil.

- Pour a ladle of batter onto the frying-pan.

- When the edge of the pancake becomes brown, turn it over and cook until the other side of the pancake is ready.

- Serve the pancakes with butter.

Sources: Open sources