Customs of Maslenitsa
In the old days, Maslenitsa was an important holiday. Massive folk festivals, fairs, and entertainments were organized. After Maslenitsa, Lent always begins with restrictions on food and entertainment. Therefore, it was believed that the more fun you celebrate Maslenitsa, the richer and more eventful the whole next year will be.
Maslenitsa is divided into two stages:
Narrow – from Monday to Wednesday
Wide – from Thursday to Sunday
Each day of the Maslenitsa week has its own name, meaning, traditions and rituals.
Maslenitsa by day
Monday – “Meeting”
On this day they prepare food for festive feasts. They bake pancakes with different fillings. The first pancake is always given to the poor so that they remember the souls of their deceased relatives. And on this day they make a scarecrow of Maslenitsa from straw, put a woman’s dress on it and install it in the main square until the end of the holiday.
Tuesday – “Zigrysh”
On this day, mass celebrations begin in the city centers. People go sledding down hills (if there is snow), on carousels, stage theatrical performances, and hold contests and competitions.
The main rituals are associated with matchmaking – young people go to bridesmaids and choose their future partner. In the old days, it was believed that marrying a bride on Maslenitsa would lead to a quick wedding, immediately following the end of Lent.
Wednesday – “Gluttony”
On this day they traditionally go to their mother-in-law’s for pancakes. Housewives invite their son-in-law to a festive dinner and treat them to pancakes, pies and other treats. It was believed that such visits helped to strengthen relationships among relatives, make friends with immediate family and express one’s respect and gratitude.
Thursday – “Range”
From this day begins Broad Maslenitsa. All work was banned until the end of the week, but it was possible to have fun to the fullest. On such days, fist fights and competitions were held. There were competitions, songs were sung, danced and round dances were performed. Large groups also gathered around a common table.
Friday – “Mother-in-law’s Evening”
On this day, the mother-in-law pays a return visit to her son-in-law’s house. He invites her to visit and treats her to homemade pancakes. The mother-in-law had the right to visit not alone, but with friends. It was believed that if all these rituals were performed exactly, the relationship between son-in-law and mother-in-law would be ideal.
Saturday – “Sister-in-Law’s Gatherings”
On this day, the in-laws pay a visit to the home of their son and daughter-in-law. The hostess bakes pancakes and treats her father-in-law and mother-in-law. Relatives usually had to give a gift to a daughter-in-law to show their special position and “appease” her.
Sunday – “Forgiven”
On this day it is customary to ask for forgiveness and forgive. It is important to spend this day with good thoughts, in a good mood, to repent of your sins in order to enter Lent with a clear soul and conscience.
In the evening, the culmination of Maslenitsa comes – all residents gather in the main square, organize mass celebrations and burn an effigy of Maslenitsa, symbolizing farewell to winter.
