What happens at Shrovetide. Shrovetide by day - all about pancake week. Fortune-telling on Maslenitsa

Probably each of us is looking forward to the wonderful national holiday called Maslenitsa. Every self-respecting housewife strives to bake as many pancakes as possible, stuff with cheese, honey, cottage cheese, sour cream, cabbage, mushrooms, etc. Here the flight of imagination is unlimited. In addition, women scurry around the stove to cook a lot of amazing dishes and decorate the table with stewed vegetables, fish, sweets, pies, pies, baked pike, caviar, and pickles. Moreover, with the onset of the last days of winter, the majority rises in mood, there is a desire to have fun, get out of the "shackles" of the cold and take walks, communicate with friends face to face.

Modern people continue to observe the rituals and traditions of Maslenitsa with great pleasure, do incredible things - climb a wooden pole, jump over a fire, and arrange loud festivities. Why is this happening, what are the joyful days and fuss in the kitchen dedicated to? Let's find out about everything in order, and in addition, we will stock up on a couple of other excellent pancake recipes that have survived from our ancestors.

Shrovetide history

Great artists and writers dedicated their creations to this holiday, the best directors made films about it. Let us recall, for example, Kustodiev's stunning painting "Maslenitsa". How beautiful she is. I really want to be in the world that the artist has reflected and enjoy the true Russian winter, incredible dishes made according to Russian traditions. But before delving into our fantasies, let's study the history of the many-sided and ours, only the Russian Maslenitsa holiday.

It should be noted right away that the celebrations we are describing have nothing to do with the Orthodox religion. This holiday was given by us by our ancestors who worshiped pagan gods. Perhaps this is one of the few manifestations of paganism that survived with the transition to Orthodoxy. To avoid any disagreements, our Church included the holiday in its list, but called the period of celebrations Cheese Week (Meat Week). This period of time passes just before the beginning of the next Great Lent.

When did Maslenitsa arise

There are several versions of the occurrence of special celebrations. Judging by one of the interpretations, this week it was no longer possible to eat meat dishes, but it was still allowed to eat dairy products. Among the people, the celebrations, which lasted for seven days, were called differently: Kasatochka, Tselovalnitsa, Obedukha, Merry, Perebuha, Honest Maslenitsa, Sugar Mouth, etc.

During the celebrations, incredible traditions were performed - they rode horses, which they tried to decorate with the most expensive and beautiful harness. A sleigh was rushing along the streets, and in front of us was the very "Bird-Three", which the great artists immediately undertook to personify on their canvases. Young people were drinking, singing songs, merry-go-rounds were launched. On the squares, fairs were stunning in terms of the richness of the assortment, where you could buy goods at a bargain price. On the hills still preserved with snow and ice, people descended on large sleighs decorated with beautiful ornaments. "Snow" battles were arranged, fortresses and cities were built from snow and ice.

How was Maslenitsa

In the 17-19 centuries, a crowd of not only adults, but also children gathered in the center of the square. These seven days were supposed to be the most generous of the year. The children were given sweets, pies, toys. And in the center of the squares, stages were set up on which performances took place. The main characters were the mummers - Maslenitsa and her companion Voevoda. Of course, the plot for the comedy was the days of Maslenitsa, its treats. She said goodbye and promised to return next year. Also, other performances could take place on the stage, which reflected the works of great creators, stories based on real events.

Despite the past centuries, the Maslenitsa week celebrations did not stop. And the main message remained - the desire to drive out Winter. So that warm days would come faster, they sang songs of praise, turned to god Yarila and asked him to show himself as a solar disk and its rays. The symbol of the festive celebrations was a large straw scarecrow, on which a woman's sundress was worn. On the last day of the festivities, he was either burnt or "buried" by putting a big pancake in his hand.

Why damn it

Many are interested in the question - why exactly a pancake is a symbol of Maslenitsa. After all, they are baked throughout this week by all the housewives, and in incredible quantities. We have already mentioned the fillings, there are also a huge number of them. Fortunately, the Russian land is rich in gifts, and people have always been distinguished by high diligence and had everything they needed for excellent nutrition in their farmstead. But back to pancakes and the history of their rise.

The tradition of baking them has appeared since ancient times, precisely from the era of paganism. Worshiping those gods, people turned to the main of the pantheon - Yarila. And he was nothing more than the Sun, which heats the earth with its rays and thus gives life to all living things. With his bright arrival, winter gave way to the throne in spring and arable land started, bread was sown, people took off their heavy sheepskin coats and enjoyed the warm air. And what is so similar in shape to our warm sun? And what can you taste while enjoying its taste? Of course damn it. A thin loaf, in which there is nothing but flour, eggs and milk, was prepared both in rich houses and in poor huts. Thus, the hostesses tried to embody the image of Yaril with their own hands and treated their children, friends, relatives with their creation. In addition to wheat, buckwheat, corn, oat groats were used for the production.

Representatives of the poor class, not having reserves of meat and milk, and derived products, put semolina, pumpkin, pea porridge, etc. as filling.

Shrovetide customs

For a long time, there were customs that were obligatory performed in every home. For example, the first made loaf had to be given to a poor person so that he remembered the deceased from this house. If there was no beggar nearby begging for alms, they threw the product through the window. And while the Pancake Week lasted, they ate soft bread throughout the day and week, changing fillings and dressings. Each new day of the solemn week had a certain meaning, and rituals were performed specifically for this day.

Before the onset of Maslenitsa on Sunday, it was necessary to go on a visit to relatives, dear friends and close neighbors. You also had to invite guests to your place and set a rich table. This was the last “free” day before the strictest fasting when natural meat was consumed. It was called so “Meat Sunday”. There was even a funny belief - the father-in-law goes to the son-in-law to finish the meat.

Monday - Meeting

The day of the celebration is called “Meeting”. In the daytime, all people gathered for festivities. Large snow slides, fortresses, cities of ice and snow were erected. People rode on merry-go-rounds, huge tables were set in the market squares, samovars were boiled, herbal teas were poured, honey, cream, etc. were poured. The kids together made a straw doll and put on a sundress and kokoshnik. From the very morning, the kids walked around the courtyards and sang songs, and they, in turn, were treated to pancakes and sweets. This lasted until the middle of the day, then everyone ran to the snowy hills and rode on homemade sleds. Adults were an exception; they had the right to such pleasures only from the middle of Shrovetide week.

Tuesday - Flirting

This day was meant for the spouses. It was on Tuesday that weddings were held in the villages, and after a rich feast, all the newlyweds and those who had just joined, went downhill skiing. Naturally, they continued to bake bread and enjoy themselves with the people. Also, on the day of the flirtation, young people looked closely at the opposite half and picked up a pair for themselves.

Wednesday - Gourmet

This day can truly be considered the moment of the "Great" truce, the mother-in-law specially "invited" her son-in-law to the pancake meal. No wonder there is a saying "To the mother-in-law for pancakes." Young people should put on the outfits that they wore on their own wedding day, and unmarried girls rolled down the hills. And over the single guys who could not find a mate last year, everyone made fun and teased. They came up with all sorts of punishments, and the guys had to pay off.

Thursday - Walk

It was also called Fracture, Rampant, Quarterly, Wide. This is a central event. All honest people gathered in the squares, staged performances, fistfights, all swings and merry-go-rounds were spinning, snow fortresses and cities were under siege. Remember Surikov's masterpiece of art "Taking the Snow Mountain". From clothes they put on whatever came to mind. And a stuffed animal made of straw - Shrovetide was raised to the highest hill.

Friday - Mother-in-law Vecherka

On this day, the opposite story takes place. It is the turn of the son-in-law to treat his beloved mother-in-law with pancakes. He invites a relative into the house and sets a rich table at the same time. But the products and accessories for making pancakes were given by the mother-in-law: a frying pan, a tub, flour - a whole bag, butter. Thus, due respect was given to relatives on the part of the wife. And the festivities continue, people triumph in the markets, drink, tea and ride on carousels.

Saturday - Seeing off (Sister-in-law's gatherings)

This is one of the most beautiful traditions - the young daughter-in-law invited relatives to her new home and treated them not only to pancakes, but also to other dishes. And people raised the Scarecrow of straw - Maslenitsa in their hands and carried it through the village streets and “buried it: they collected a lot of logs, set the Scarecrow up and set it on fire. Round dances were arranged around a large fire, songs were sung. Despite the humor of the show, many people cried - after all, another year was leaving, the holidays were over, and it was necessary to start taking care of it.

Sunday - Forgiven

On the eve of fasting, everyone wanted to be cleansed from sins. People asked each other for forgiveness and said the following words: "Forgive me, please, if I am guilty of something in front of you." In response, the usual for all of us "God will forgive" sounded. The ritual was not of a formal meaning, indeed, people forgave each other for insults, insults, forgot about the troubles and shook hands. Also on this day it was necessary to visit the cemetery and "treat" the dead with pancakes, leaving them on the graves.

Fortune telling was very popular these days. And, as a rule, the fair half is more interested in this occupation. So, the girls arranged the following rituals:

1. Taking the first pancake in her hands, the girl went to the street and treated the first guy who met on her way. His name meant that this would be the name of her betrothed.
2. Before going to bed, the girl had to hang out a towel outside the window and utter the words in a whisper: "The betrothed come, wipe yourself with a towel!" The next morning she checked - if the towel turned out to be wet - then this year was to get married. Dry - on the contrary, you should not expect a betrothed.
3. For the third rite, you need to collect branches of coniferous trees (pine, cedar, Christmas tree, fir). It is better to collect it in the forest and spread it out on the floor at home. Invite a friend, tie handkerchiefs over each other's eyes and choose branches at random:

• if a girl picks up a thick branch with thick foliage (needles), she will marry a strong and respectable man.
• a flat and smooth surface portends an attractive spouse.
• if there is a thick and strong bark on the branch, the husband will be a wealthy person.
• if all the bark has peeled off, then a simple guy will become a spouse, perhaps a small employee, a locksmith, a carpenter.

Is it worth believing fortune-telling - decide for yourself. But it is unlikely that a towel or a spruce branch can predict your future. In any case, the rituals were invented by people and they are needed only as entertainment. And you need to believe only in the positive, no prediction should leave a residue of uncertainty in the soul.

On Forgiveness Sunday one could drink alcohol for the last time before Great Lent.

The best pancake recipes

So, before we start baking pancakes, let's find out another story about Maslenitsa. The legend originates from the northern regions of Russia, where winters have always been rich in snow and blizzards. So, according to this story, Her Majesty Maslenitsa appeared in the North, where Santa Claus ruled. One peasant was looking for needles and saw a little girl behind the trees, Shrovetide and asked to return warm days and joy for people. And she agreed and appeared before people not in the form of a little girl, but as a strong, beautiful and ruddy beauty. With her contagious laughter, she carried the people into festivities, arranged round dances and sang songs.

To make it pleasant for you to spend these days before Lent, here are some of the best pancake recipes. Believe me, if you follow the recipe, then not a single pancake will be lumpy.

Milk

This is the most popular type of pancakes that will not take a lot of time from the hostess. For cooking we need:

• half a liter of milk;
• 2 testicles;
• 200 grams of flour;
• 2 table. tablespoons of vegetable oil;
• 1 table. a spoonful of granulated sugar;
• a pinch of salt.

The ingredients must be removed from the refrigerator in advance so that they reach room temperature. Beat eggs in a bowl, add sugar, salt, pour in milk and mix thoroughly.

Mix flour with a small portion of milk until sour cream, mix until the lumps disappear.

Pour into the main composition and beat for a short time. Pour in vegetable oil, mix and set aside for half an hour at room temperature.

On kefir

The option is economical for zealous housewives. You can also use sour milk. For cooking, we need:

• half a liter of sour milk or kefir;
• 2 testicles;
• 200 grams of flour (wheat);
• drinking soda (half a teaspoon), the same amount of salt and sugar;
• 4 tablespoons (tablespoons) of vegetable oil.

Beat eggs, pour in kefir and mix thoroughly. The mixture must be heated to 60 degrees so that after adding the salt and sugar are completely dissolved. Gently pour the sifted flour into the composition and mix so that there are no lumps. Dissolve baking soda in a tablespoon of boiling water and pour into a bowl of dough, then pour in oil, mix and set aside for one hour.

On the water

This is perhaps the most popular pancake recipe. It does not contain milk, which is not suitable for everyone in terms of physical indicators, kefir, which can cause bloating. There are fewer calories in such a test, which means there is a chance to keep your figure during the Maslenitsa period. So, we need:

• half a liter of water;
• 320 grams of flour (wheat);
• 2 testicles;
• 2 table. tablespoons of vegetable oil;
• a tablespoon of granulated sugar;
• a pinch of salt.

Beat eggs, salt and sugar in a bowl, pour in water (warm) and gradually add the sifted flour. Beat until smooth.

We find out the nature of the fillings

Of course, eating pancakes is also a pleasure. But how much more nutritious and satisfying are pancakes with mushroom, curd, cabbage, sour cream filling. There is a popular belief that the filling should correspond to the male character. Let's find out how true this is.

1. Just butter pancakes. Such a product is preferred by reserved and calm individuals. They strive to be and communicate only with decent people. Men with such taste, as a rule, are good fathers and loving husbands who guard the reputation and well-being of the family.
2. Creative, intelligent natures are preferred with caviar. They are pragmatic, caring, the affairs of the family and its well-being come first. They are not capable of romantic actions, if they decide to do something pleasant, they will rather take practical steps.
3. Delicate and sensitive types feast on sour cream. Such men are very vulnerable, touchy. Even an inadvertently thrown word can lead to hysteria and mood spoilage. So be careful and decide whether to connect your fate with him.
4. Emotional and romantic men love honey. This type will be able to create a holiday even from a banal meeting and will delight his soul mate with pleasant surprises with or without. These men are monogamous and can give the last penny for a bouquet, if only the beloved is happy.
5. Face pancakes with extreme focus are preferred with salmon. These are travelers, parachute jumpers, etc. So life with such a friend is hectic, every now and then he will present another surprise in the form of hiking to the highest mountain, or flying on a hang glider.
6. The cottage cheese filling is loved by men who will remain children until the end of their days. They love everything sweet, and the spouse will be a mother. Get ready - making decisions, paying bills, clarifying the relationship will fall on your fragile shoulders.

How to bake pancakes properly

And now let's move on to the process that some housewives are concerned about. It is because of the moment of baking that women are ready to refuse to cook such a delicious and light dish like pancakes. And everything is just one thing - they stick to the pan, become lumpy. To get around all this, we suggest acting according to a proven plan.

1. The pan needs to be put on fire and heated well.
2. Lubricate with vegetable oil (a thin layer, 1-2 drops and a brush are enough).
3. Reduce the intensity of the fire by half.
4. Mix the settled dough, as a sediment always forms at the bottom.
5. Take a small portion with a ladle (it is better to use a special for pancakes).
6. Pour the dough into the pan, which must be kept in an inclined position, and twist so that it completely covers the surface.
7. Bake for a maximum of 2-3 minutes, turn over with a special spatula. After a couple of minutes, transfer to the prepared dish.
8. Grease the pancake with butter or cover with a large lid to keep the edges soft and not break.

The Maslenitsa holiday, beautiful in its course, is not only festivities and celebrations. In this way, people wanted to get closer to the secrets of the universe, to slightly open the curtains of death. According to another version, the shape of the pancake reflects not the Sun, but life, that is, existence without beginning and end. In these days, people understood that the earth should increase its wealth and in their songs they sang the melting of snow, which nourishes the soil with fertility.

Another sacred basis of the holiday is the commemoration of the dead. Three components were included in the funeral - crying for the dead, offering a sacrifice and a rich feast. It was believed that the dead came to each of the celebrations of people and invisibly took part in them.

Whatever it was - but Maslenitsa is a favorite and unlike anything in the world holiday of the Slavs. Let it be remnants of a pagan time or Cheese Week according to the Orthodox religion. The main thing is that it is tasty, fun and very useful, of course, if you know when to stop!

The end of winter is marked by a cheerful holiday of the changing seasons. What is the Maslenitsa holiday, and what date is it celebrated?

Holiday tradition

The tradition of the Maslenitsa holiday, dating back thousands of years, dates back to pagan times, when our ancestors celebrated the holiday of seeing off winter and meeting the warmth of spring. In addition, an important part of the holiday was the spell of fertility, a call to the dormant forces of nature to awaken from sleep and give the peasants a good summer and a new rich harvest. This goal was served by the treats, for which nature had to repay a hundredfold during the future harvest, and noisy festivities that could drive away evil spirits and unkind thoughts, and, of course, the stuffed animal of Maslenitsa, which at the end of the festivities was burned to warm the whole world thawed after winter cold.

Maslenitsa, which ends in February, is the oldest of the popular folk holidays preserved in our calendar. The ancient Slavs determined the time of the beginning of the Maslenitsa celebration in the course of the heavenly bodies and according to other natural signs of the change of the season. The holiday was celebrated 7 days before the Spring Equinox and a week after, but with the arrival of Christianity in Russia, everything changed. At first, the clergy severely pursued the custom of celebrating the welcome of spring, considered it to be purely pagan. However, over time, the Orthodox Church came to terms with this surprisingly stable tradition, but Maslenitsa began to be celebrated later and the duration of the celebration was halved. Now the Maslenitsa holiday, although it has become shorter, does not at all contradict Great Lent.

Shrovetide: dates

The beginning of Shrovetide, according to custom, falls on the last week before Lent, that is, 7 weeks before Easter. Depending on when the Easter holidays themselves are celebrated and the Church determines the beginning of Great Lent, Maslenitsa week is established. Why? With condescension to human weaknesses, the Church allows its parishioners to taste earthly blessings before fasting and prepare for severe trials.

How many days does Maslenitsa last? As mentioned above, the holiday should last exactly one week.

However, now Maslenitsa is celebrated more modestly than our ancestors. But the holiday is still going on in the same fun: with hot pancakes symbolizing the spring sun, festivities, skiing from the ice mountain, songs, round dances and, of course, the burning of a traditional Maslenitsa doll. Each day of the holiday has its own traditions, and the whole week can be planned so that there is no room for boredom. The harsh frosts of the outgoing winter should not interfere with this fun.

When February comes, each of our compatriots interested in the traditional way and culture of their native country begins to prepare for the main holiday after the New Year. Shrovetide in Russia is not only the farewell to winter, but also a kind of preparation for the upcoming big test for the soul and body. After all, before the Great Maslenitsa has passed, it will be replaced by Great Lent with its harsh requirements that restrict believers not only in food, but also in entertainment. Therefore, Maslenitsa holidays should always start cheerfully and pass in such a way that the festivities will be remembered for a long time. This holiday should be celebrated on a grand scale. And the coming month of February gives us a magnificent farewell to the Russian winter. The holiday will be celebrated for only 7 days, but it will be remembered until Easter.

When is Shrovetide in the new year?

What date does Maslenitsa start in the new year? You can mark the farewell to Shrovetide in different ways. Shrovetide dates may vary depending on the church calendar. The calendar itself may change (for example, in leap years), and the order of calculating the main holiday for the Orthodox Church - Easter, the Great Lent preceding it, as well as those days when Maslenitsa is celebrated. The most severe fast, starting immediately after the fairground and pancake binge, lasts strictly 7 weeks. Against its background, this merry holiday passes even faster.

When is Maslenitsa celebrated this year? The holiday will begin at the end of February. Despite the fact that Maslenitsa changes dates every year, the main thing in this holiday remains unchanged. The traditional first day of Maslenitsa - Meeting - is celebrated on February 20, and the last, another important holiday that comes immediately after Maslenitsa - Forgiveness Sunday, or the Day of the Sweet Maslenitsa (with an emphasis on the penultimate syllable) - on the 26th. Throughout this week, every day gifts and treats from the merry Shrovetide will be received by all lovers of tasty food and a fun walk. So, family people, especially sons-in-law, will remember the date of Maslenitsa Wednesday, Lakomka, or Friday, Mother-in-law's evenings, when one should visit the wife's parents, of course, not empty-handed.

On Shrovetide, guests' visits begin on Shrove Tuesday. On Monday, the day of the Maslenitsa meeting, it is customary to gather at the table in your own home with your family and try the first ruddy pancakes this year. But the next day, you should visit your neighbors, friends and relatives.

Everyone needs to prepare a small gift. Sisters-in-law and daughters-in-law are presented with dishes in which they put a small treat, which symbolizes fertility. It is believed that such a gift can contribute to the happiness of motherhood. Son-in-law, brother-in-law and brother-in-law are presented with wallets. Such a gift should help them save their earnings and a piece of bread for their wives and children. Give towels. They say that giving such an embroidered towel to her husband, the wife will see his smiling face all year round. You can give your father-in-law or father-in-law a sash or mittens, since these men take care of the family hearth and the budget, as the donated belt hints at, and also hold the whole family (mittens) in their hands.

Annually on the last Saturday of March an environmental campaign is being held all over the world " Earth Hour"organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

The meaning of the action is in voluntary refusal from the consumption of electrical energy for one hour... Thus, society realizes the importance of taking measures to reduce the negative impact of human activity on the surrounding nature.

This great idea was first realized in Sydney, Australia in 2007. Then the action was attended by about two million residents of the metropolis, and energy savings amounted to about 10%.

Inspired by the example, more and more cities began to join the "Earth Hour" campaign every year. It is expected that in 2020, residents of more than 7 thousand settlements of our planet (more than 2 billion people) will take part in a voluntary power outage for 1 hour. Among the countries participating in the action, of course, there is also Russia.

What date and what time is the Earth Hour 2020 promotion:

As we wrote above, the event is held annually on the last Saturday of Marchexcept for those years when the last Saturday in March precedes Easter.

This year, Earth Hour is scheduled for Saturday March 28, 2020... Promotion starts at 20:30 local time and will last for an hour, until 21:30.

That is, the action Earth Hour 2020 - on what date and at what time:
* Date - March 28, 2020
* from 20:30 to 21:30 local time.

Shrovetide is a wild folk holiday with pagan roots. With his arrival, we feast on pancakes, lead round dances, ride down the mountains, arrange numerous entertainments and burn a straw effigy. Which one is celebrated? What customs are associated with it? To find out about this, let's turn to the origins.

The origin of the holiday

Initially, Maslenitsa was tied to the day of the spring solstice. It was she who marked the beginning of a new agricultural year. Winter for peasants is a difficult, cold and dark time. Everyone was looking forward to the coming of spring.

When Maslenitsa begins, the sun god, Yarilo, is resurrected. His arrival was glorified with songs, round dances. To help the young spring overcome the insidious winter, they burned a scarecrow, staged all kinds of fights, and destroyed the snow town. The games were noisy, so that the dormant nature would wake up, come to life. Special ceremonies were held to ensure a rich harvest in the new year.

What date was Maslenitsa celebrated before the adoption of Christianity? Researchers say that it was celebrated for two weeks: one before the vernal equinox, and the second after the significant event.

Orthodox Maslenitsa

After the baptism of Rus, many were banned. However, Maslenitsa was of great importance for the people, and it was successfully incorporated into Christian traditions. However, at the same time it was significantly reduced.

Now the holiday was celebrated a week before Lent. What date is Maslenitsa this year, you can find out by looking at the Orthodox calendar. Usually its beginning falls on the period from February 3 to March 14. At this time, people are having fun and eating before the upcoming abstinence. Meat can no longer be eaten, so Shrovetide was nicknamed "meat-eating". But there are a lot of pancakes and dairy products on the tables.

Orthodox Christians should prepare for fasting by making peace with their environment. It is customary to visit loved ones to ask for forgiveness for their misdeeds, to help those in need, to do charity work.

Monday

Every day during Maslenitsa week has its own traditions. Monday was called "meeting". In the morning, a scarecrow was erected from straw and old clothes, which was carried around the village on a sleigh. Children joyfully greeted Shrovetide with calls, went from house to house, begging for sweets. Swings and booths were set up on the square, skiing began from the icy mountains. The further the sleigh rolls down, the higher the swing will fly, the better the harvest will be, the longer the flax. When Maslenitsa begins, everyone is obliged to have fun. Otherwise, luck and wealth will bypass you.

In wealthy families, the first pancakes were made for Maslenitsa. The housewives had their own secrets. Someone put the dough in the snow, others kneaded it on the river in the light of the stars. Hot, round pancakes are a symbol of the sun. The more you eat them, the faster the frost will recede. However, in Russia, pancakes have always remained a memorial meal. It was customary to give the first portion to the dead. To do this, a pancake was hung on a dormer or presented to a beggar, asking him to pray for his ancestors.

Tuesday

In the old days this day was called "flirtation". Festivities began, comic performances were shown in booths, mummers appeared on the streets. But the main thing was the love theme.

The Maslenitsa holiday is closely related to the onset of spring and fertility. In pagan times, weddings were timed to it. The church forbade marrying Maslenitsa, the celebrations had to be postponed until Krasnaya Gorka. But new traditions have appeared.

For the "flirtation" the guys arranged bridesmaids for the girls. Young people rode down the mountains, furtively looking at each other, negotiating matchmaking. Frisky horses were harnessed to the sleigh. The young man could give a ride to any girl he liked, and she, in gratitude, had to kiss him. If the beauty refused, the guy's friends would "freeze" the sleigh and would not let the riders out until the condition was met.

All newlyweds were obliged to ride horses and from a snowy mountain, accept congratulations, and then kiss in front of all honest people.

Wednesday

Carrying out Shrovetide is impossible to imagine without tents with pancakes and sweets. The more generous the table, the richer the harvest will be. Our ancestors ate especially satisfyingly on Wednesday, which was also called "gourmet".

Mother-in-law that day prepared the most delicious dishes and invited sons-in-law to visit. Other relatives also gathered in the house. Beer was served at the table, pancakes were baked with various fillings: caviar, potatoes, mushrooms, cottage cheese, honey, nuts. Funny contests were arranged for the mother-in-law and son-in-law. If the daughter's husband approved the treat, then the next year will pass in peace and harmony.

Women and girls of different ages gathered for "girls' conventions". They rode horses adorned with ribbons with songs, rolled down hills and made fun of single guys. Punishment was invented for them for the fact that in the past year they could not find a suitable bride. Young people paid off with sweets and pancakes.

Thursday

The people called this day "take a walk". It began with him when chores were banned. All games and ceremonies were designed to help the sun overcome winter. For example, they had to ride horses clockwise around the settlement, while imitating the movement of the sun in the sky. The model of the luminary was often a wheel, which was attached to a pole or pole. Sometimes he was set on fire and rolled down the mountains. If the wheel did not fall at the same time, happiness awaited the person.

Any scenario of Maslenitsa on the street includes competitions: comic battles, climbing on a pole for gifts. Our ancestors always organized fist battles, including wall to wall. They took this fun very seriously, they washed in the bath in front of it, ate tightly, gaining strength. They fought until the first blood, which symbolized a sacrifice to the spirits.

Carrying out Shrovetide is unthinkable without taking a fortress built of compressed snow. Snowballs, brooms, shovels were used as weapons. The winner was the one who broke through the gate first. He was "washed" in a snowdrift or forced to swim in an ice-hole. The fortress was necessarily destroyed, which symbolized the victory over the harsh winter.

Booths acted in the cities, performances were shown, mummers entertained the people. The obligatory participant in the fun was a bear - real or in disguise. He became a symbol of spring. After all, the awakening of bears after hibernation is a sure sign of the coming warmth.

Friday

Our ancestors called her "mother-in-law evenings". If before that the sons-in-law were treated to pancakes on Shrovetide, now they themselves had to act as hospitable hosts. The day before, it was supposed to personally come to the mother-in-law's house and invite her to lunch or dinner. The wife's parents had to provide the young with everything necessary for making pancakes: flour, butter, a frying pan, a ladle, a dough tub.

Saturday

On the Maslenitsa holiday, respect is shown not only to the wife's relatives. The sixth day is called "sister-in-law get-togethers". The husband's sisters visit their young daughter-in-law. She must set the table with her own hands, accept them, demonstrating the skills of a good housewife. Each sister-in-law was supposed to present a gift. To make the meeting more fun, the daughter-in-law invited her friends to it - single or family. The latter depended on the status of the sister-in-law themselves.

If a woman had several brothers, she would take turns visiting them. Also on this day, mass festivities continued: songs, round dances, roller coasters, fun games.

Forgiveness Sunday

Reckless amusements were coming to an end. It was time to prepare for strict fasting. Before him, he should have cleansed himself spiritually, admitting his mistakes and asking for forgiveness from everyone whom he inadvertently offended. A new life had to be entered with a pure heart. Our ancestors also asked forgiveness from the dead, visiting the cemetery that day.

The Shrovetide scenario on the street includes the burning of a scarecrow. They stored brushwood for the fire, and threw various rubbish into it. Thus, they left everything unnecessary in the past and made room for the new. The scarecrow symbolized winter. The fire was intended to warm the earth, to melt the snowdrifts. A ritual dance was performed around him. The girls went to the forest, to the banks of the river, sang songs about spring, inviting her.

In some localities, jumping over the fire was arranged. It was believed that fire will burn everything bad, relieve one from sins, diseases, and the evil eye. All fast food was also burned so as not to expose oneself to temptations with the onset of fasting. In some cases, adults only pretended to throw pancakes, milk, butter into the fire. So they deceived the children so that they would not ask for more delicious food.

When Maslenitsa ended, the ashes from the burnt effigy were scattered across the fields. It was believed to provide a rich harvest.

Having found out what date Shrovetide this year, try to spend it profitably. Communication with family, joint feasts, fun games will surely bring you closer. Let spring enter your heart along with round dances and hot, lush pancakes.

Maslenitsa is one of the oldest Russian holidays. Pagan in origin, Maslenitsa peacefully "got on" with the religious traditions of Christianity. From a week of farewell to winter, the holiday turned into a week before Lent - 7 days of rest, fun and hearty food.

Each of the days of Maslenitsa, which this year will last from 4 to 10 March, has its own name and purpose. "The First Regional" tells what and where to do from Monday to Sunday during Pancake Week.

Monday opens the so-called "Narrow Pancake Week" - the first half of the week. Household work is allowed on these days.

The first day of Maslenitsa is called Meeting. According to custom, matchmakers meet, everything happens on the territory of the daughter-in-law's house. She is sent to her parents in the morning, and in the evening the father-in-law and mother-in-law come for her, at the same time agreeing on a place for the general festivities.

On Monday, the construction of snow cities, swings and booths for a mass celebration is being completed. A stuffed animal of Maslenitsa is made from straw and old clothes, which is carried along the streets on a sleigh.

Pancakes are baked on the same day. The first is supposed to be given to poor neighbors so that they, not being able to cook pancakes, remember the dead.

Tuesday is called Flirting. On this day, guys and girls get to know each other, ride down hills, go to each other for pancakes. Parents actively encourage this: it is customary to woo the young on Maslenitsa week, because the church forbids weddings on Great Lent. The wedding, if successful, is played on Krasnaya Gorka - the first Sunday after Easter (in 2019, Krasnaya Gorka falls on May 5).

Gourmets are the third day of Pancake Week and the last day of the “Narrow Pancake Week”. On this day, the mother-in-law meets her son-in-law and his friends with a rich treat, and she herself watches the passing feast. By the taste preferences of a son-in-law, one can determine his character. It is believed that if a man reaches for pancakes with salty filling, his character is not easy. Lovers of sweets are soft and affectionate.

On Wednesday you can eat plenty of pancakes.

Thursday, or Razgulyay, is the first day of the "Wide Shrovetide". On this day, it's time to stop chores and start walking.

Both young and old go out into the streets to ride a sleigh, watch fist fights, battles for snow cities, or become their participants, watch. On this day, ritual bonfires are burned and jumped over them.

Friday is called Mother-in-law evenings. On this day, a man meets his wife's mother. She is supposed to be officially invited. The mother-in-law comes to his house with her friends. At the table - songs, fun, good advice about family life.

True, the wife prepares treats for all those present.

The day of the sister-in-law, the husband's sister, falls on Saturday. It is called the Cousin's Gatherings. On this day, a woman should call her husband's relatives to her, the main of whom is her sister. If she is unmarried, then unmarried girlfriends are supposed to be invited into the house, but if she is married in a church, family people should be next to her. All guests are treated to pancakes, and the sister-in-law is given a nice gift.

The last day of Pancake Week is Seeing Off. On Sunday, an effigy of Maslenitsa is being carried on a sleigh into the field. This is called the Shrovetide train. Then the scarecrow is burned - this is a "funeral". The ashes are scattered over the fields to make the year fertile. From that moment on, winter should go away, giving way to a sunny and warm spring.

With the advent of Christianity, Farewell to Shrovetide became known as Forgiveness Sunday. On this day, it is customary to perform the rite of forgiveness in churches, to ask each other for forgiveness for all the grievances of the past year. In the evening, as on Monday, the dead are commemorated, and if possible, they visit the cemetery.

Keeping all the traditions of the pancake week is fun and delicious. But in order for Shrovetide to be a joy, and not a burden, you need to eat in moderation and choose only the right pancakes. How to do it, read