What’s Maslenitsa in Russia
The end of winter brings one of the most enjoyable and cherished celebrations in the nation, delighting young and old alike. Discovering what Maslenitsa is can show us how the stereotype of Russian society’s coldness melts away along with the snow during the Pancake Festival.
Read in Spanish, includes a reading comprehension activity.
What is Maslenitsa and when is it celebrated
Maslenitsa, also known as the Week of Blini (pancakes), is probably one of the most important and joyous festivities in Russian culture, marking the end of the harsh and long winter and welcoming the eagerly awaited spring.
Maslenitsa is celebrated during the last week before the start of Orthodox Lent, from Monday to the Sunday before the beginning of the religious tradition based on the ancient lunar calendar.
This seven-day period is filled with activities, food, and rituals, showing how Russians use this opportunity to bid farewell to the winter’s cold and darkness and embrace the joy and warmth that spring brings.
Origin of Maslenitsa
The roots of Maslenitsa lie in ancient Slavic pagan traditions, where the god of the sun, Yarilo, was honored, and the arrival of spring was celebrated.
The word “Maslenitsa” comes from the noun “maslo,” which means “butter” in Russian, as this ingredient is consumed abundantly during this festival.
Before adopting the name Maslenitsa, this celebration used to be called Komoyeditsa, where “komo” in Old Russian meant “bear.”
In the past, it was difficult not to see shows with bears in Moscow during the holiday. Therefore, the term “Komoyeditsa” probably referred to a festival related to bears and the welcome of spring, just as bears wake up from hibernation.
With the Christianization of Russia, Maslenitsa was adapted to coincide with the period before Orthodox Lent, becoming the only pagan holiday recognized by the Orthodox Church and turning into a week of spiritual and physical preparation before fasting.
Despite this religious adaptation, Maslenitsa retained many of its pagan elements, merging spirituality with pagan joy and a connection to nature.
How is Maslenitsa celebrated today
Contemporary Maslenitsa is a vibrant celebration that involves the entire community. The preparation and consumption of blini throughout the week leading up to Orthodox Lent, a kind of Russian crepe, are the focal points of many family and community gatherings in the squares.
Blini are delicacies served in abundance and with a variety of fillings, from traditional ones like caviar and cream or salmon with cheese to modern versions with honey, fruits, or chocolate, showcasing the diversity and creativity of Russian culture with this dish.
Children at school make blini, moms cook for their families, fathers prepare them too, with all of Russia preparing and eating blinis throughout the week until the weekend.
The burning of the “Maslenitsa,” the straw figure representing winter, is a symbolic event that marks the end of the festival on Sunday. This ceremony, often comes with folk dances and free blini in the cities’ squares, and symbolizes bidding farewell to winter and welcoming spring.
In addition to culinary and ritual traditions, Maslenitsa is filled with cultural and recreational activities. The streets come alive with folk music, dances, and costume parades. Traditional games competitions for children and adults such as sled races, snowman fights, and strength contests are organized, along with dance competitions and street performances that attract people of all ages.
Maslenitsa is a reflection of the identity and history of the Russian people; it is a window into the very essence of Russian culture.
The Pancake Festival offers an opportunity to be with family, friends, and break stereotypes about the cold Russian culture. In the end, Maslenitsa is the celebration of what the snow took away and the hope for better times.
Read in Spanish, includes a reading comprehension activity.
