Maslenitsa: Traditions and Celebration

1.

Maslenitsa: Traditions and
Celebration
Maslenitsa is an ancient Slavic holiday celebrating the end of winter and the
arrival of spring. It is celebrated during the week before Lent, and each day has
its own unique traditions and customs.

2.

Понедельник: Встреча (Meeting)
Monday
Scarecrow
Family Planning
Monday is called "Meeting". On this day,
A scarecrow representing Lady
Families discuss their plans for the
people begin to prepare for the
Maslenitsa is made, dressed in old
week's celebrations.
festivities.
clothes, and placed in a prominent
location.

3.

Вторник: Заигрыши (Flirtations)
Tuesday
Games & Activities
Traditional Showcase
Tuesday is known as "Flirtations". It's a
Young people participate in games,
Traditionally, potential brides and
day for matchmaking and finding
sledding, and other outdoor activities,
grooms are showcased.
potential partners.
often with the intention of meeting
someone special.

4.

Среда: Лакомка (Gourmand)
Treats
Blini Symbolism
On this day, families prepare a
Blini symbolize the sun and
variety of treats, especially
are eaten in abundance.
blini (pancakes).
Guests Enjoyment
Guests are invited to enjoy the delicious food.

5.

Четверг: Разгуляй (Revelry)
People engage in boisterous
Bonfires are lit, and there's a general
activities like sledding, snowball
atmosphere of merriment.
fights, and fist fights.

6.

Пятница: Тёщины Вечёрки
(Mother-in-law's Evening)
1
Family Respect
On this day, sons-in-law invite their mothers-in-law to their
homes and treat them to blini.
2
Tradition
This tradition is a sign of respect and affection for the motherin-law.
3
Family Bonding
It's a time for family bonding and reconciliation.

7.

Суббота: Золовкины
Посиделки (Sister-in-law
Gatherings)
Husband's Sisters
The young wife invites her husband's sisters to her home and
offers them gifts and treats.
Female Bonding
This is a day for female bonding and strengthening family ties.
Shared Stories
Stories are shared, and friendships are nurtured.

8.

Воскресенье: Прощёное Воскресенье (Forgiveness Sunday)
Forgiveness
1
It's the last day of Maslenitsa, and a time for forgiveness and reconciliation.
Reconciliation
2
People ask for forgiveness from their loved ones for any wrongs they may have committed during
the past year.
New Cycle
3
The scarecrow of Lady Maslenitsa is burned, symbolizing the end of winter and the
beginning of a new cycle.
Fertilization
4
The ashes are scattered to fertilize the fields for the upcoming planting season.