Rooted in ancient Slavic tradition, Maslenitsa is a holiday celebrated by orthodox Christians during the week before Great Lent, which has retained a number of... 26.02.2023, Sputnik International
Every year, art lovers gather in the Nikola-Lenivets Art Park in Russia's Kaluga region to celebrate Maslenitsa. This year, organizers burned a 19-meter object called the Fourth Wall, which was built from branches, old pallets and construction debris. Traditionally, Maslenitsa culminates by burning straw dummies (effigies of Maslenitsa) that symbolize winter: the ancient Slavs believed that by burning the effigy they shooshed away winter and got ready to embrace spring. As one of Nikola-Lenivets celebrations organizers claimed, burning of the "Fourth Wall" implies the "destruction of borders, both external and internal."Explore Sputnik's photo gallery to learn more!
Rooted in ancient Slavic tradition, Maslenitsa is a holiday celebrated by orthodox Christians during the week before Great Lent, which has retained a number of elements of pre-Christian mythology. The traditional attributes of the folk celebration are the effigy of Maslenitsa (Shrovetide), sleigh rides and blini (Russian pancakes).
Every year, art lovers gather in the Nikola-Lenivets Art Park in Russia's Kaluga region to celebrate Maslenitsa. This year, organizers burned a 19-meter object called the Fourth Wall, which was built from branches, old pallets and construction debris.
Traditionally, Maslenitsa culminates by burning straw dummies (effigies of Maslenitsa) that symbolize winter: the ancient Slavs believed that by burning the effigy they shooshed away winter and got ready to embrace spring.
As one of Nikola-Lenivets celebrations organizers claimed, burning of the "Fourth Wall" implies the "destruction of borders, both external and internal."
Historians believe that the celebration of Maslenitsa was scheduled to the spring equinox in the pre-Christian period, which was considered as the beginning of New Year and a symbolic way to bid farewell to winter.
They argue that the ancient Slavic holiday was dedicated to the God Veles, the patron of cattle. Other researchers believe that Maslenitsa is tied to the death of Marena (the Goddess of Winter).
With the establishment of Christianity, Maslenitsa was no longer associated with the vernal equinox. It becomes part of the church calendar and, according to the charter, falls on the last week before Lent.
Blini are a mandatory attribute of Maslenitsa. For a long time, historians have argued that blini, due to their shape and appearance, symbolize the sun, that is, the onset of spring.
However, recent studies indicate that the truth is not that sunny. Blini were a traditional Slavic meal on funerals and their popularity on Maslenitsa is probably a way of “burring” Winter.
Almost 80 percent of Russians make blini on Maslenitsa, while less than half take part in the festivities.
Newsfeed
0
Access to the chat has been blocked for violating the rules .
You will be able to participate again through:∞.
If you do not agree with the blocking, please use the feedback form
The discussion is closed. You can participate in the discussion within 24 hours after the publication of the article.
