Maslenitsa in Nikola-Lenivets is Something to See

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).

After the introduction of Great Lent, the festivities were moved to earlier dates since during Great Lent fun and gluttony were unacceptable.

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.

Catholics have an analogue of the holiday – Shrovetide.The culmination of Shrovetide is known as Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday).

Mardi Gras is celebrated before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Great Lent in the calendar of Roman Church. Shrovetide is known for its carnivals.

In Russia, Maslenitsa was always celebrated widely and noisily: blini were baked, people rode on sleds (troikas), mass festivities were held.

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.

Researchers who studied Maslenitsa found other elements of funeral rites in this holiday – for instance, fisticuffs that were popular until now.

However, nowadays blini are no longer associated with death and only symbolize joy and festivities.

Almost 80 percent of Russians make blini on Maslenitsa, while less than half take part in the festivities.