March 11, 2024, 12:30 AM
© freepik/mdjaff
Every year in Ukraine they celebrate Maslenitsa. This holiday has a long history and was previously considered pagan. The date of Maslenitsa celebration changes every year. It depends on the day of Easter celebration.
When is Maslenitsa week?
In 2024, Maslenitsa week begins on March 11 and ends on March 17. On holiday, it is customary to bake pancakes and treat them to relatives and neighbors.
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Each day of Maslenitsa has its own name and features:
- Monday – “the meeting of Maslenitsa” – on this day people rolled out ice slides, made a straw effigy, set tables with sweets;
- Tuesday – “zagrash” – the guys were looking for brides, the young people rode down the slides together and ate pancakes;
- Wednesday – “gourmet” – this day was dedicated to festive treats;
- Thursday – “take a walk” – in tribute to this day they organized horse riding, drove away winter and called on spring;
- Friday – “mother-in-law’s evening” – on this day there was a tradition when the son-in-law went to visit his mother-in-law with pancakes;
- Saturday – “Zovitsyny gatherings” – people gather with the whole family at the table or go to visit relatives with pancakes;
- Sunday – “forgiven” – the date when family and friends ask each other for forgiveness for their actions. Forgiveness Sunday is the last day before the start of Lent.
What not to do on Maslenitsa
In ancient times, certain prohibitions were observed on the holiday. In particular, on a holiday you cannot quarrel, swear, or have conflicts.
You cannot cut pancakes with a knife – it was considered a bad omen. Pancakes should be eaten with your hands or a fork.
During Maslenitsa one cannot refuse to help those in need.
It was forbidden to eat meat products on the holiday, since Lent begins after Maslenitsa.
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