A variety of aspects of Slavic mythology have been incorporated into the ritual of the Eastern Slavic religious and cultural feast known as Maslenitsa. The Maslenitsa effigy, sleigh rides, and festivities are the traditional feature of the celebrations. While Belarusians and Ukrainians prepare pierogi and syrniki, Russians bake bliny and flatbread. Maslenitsa may be the oldest surviving Slavic celebration, according to archaeological evidence from the Second Century A.D. It is observed in the eighth week before Eastern Orthodox Pascha, which is the final week before Great Lent. Every year, depending on when Easter is celebrated, the date of Maslenitsa fluctuates. Maslenitsa week is known as Cheese-fare-week or Crepe-week because it is the final week when eggs, milk, cheese, and other dairy products are permitted despite the fact that according to Orthodox custom, meat is already forbidden. BlIny, which are thin pancakes or crepes cooked from the rich ingredients still permitted by Orthodox custom that week—butter, eggs, and milk—are the dish most associated with Maslenitsa. Each Maslenitsa day has a customary activity in several areas. Lady Maslenitsa is welcomed on Monday. A pole traditionally known as Kostroma is fastened with a straw-Maslenitsa-figure, that has been embellished with rag scraps. The first pancakes are baked and given to the needy as the Kostroma is paraded about. On Tuesday young men may well look for a fiancée to wed after the Lent. Sons-in-law are welcome to visit their mother-in-law on Wednesday, who make pancakes and invite guests for a party. The day of Thursday is usually spent outdoor. People can take the day off work and enjoy activities like sleigh rides, snowball battles, ice skating, and sledding. Sons-in-law may invite their in-laws to dinner on Friday. Young brides and their sisters-in-law may get together on Saturday to work on their smooth relationship. Forgiveness Sunday is the final day of the Cheesefare Week. Families and friends may even ask for forgiveness to one another and may even give each other little gifts. Finally people assemble to -- Strip Lady Maslenitsa of Her Finery -- and burn her in a blaze as the grand finale of celebration. The ashes of Lady Maslenitsa are buried in the snow to fertilise the crops and the leftover pancakes can also be burned. On Sunday evenings at Vespers, individuals may bow and beg forgiveness from one another. Maslenitsa is the final opportunity before Lent to engage in joyful social activities because Lent prohibits parties, music, dancing, and other distractions from spiritual life. [Info and Image Credit: Maslenitsa, Wikipedia][Image : Maslenitsa, Boris Kustodiev, 1919 (Isaak Brodsky Museum, St. Petersburg)] [[Image Availed Under Public Domain Work of Art (Please Relate to Individual Image URLs for More Usage Property)][Source Image URL :
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Legends and Myths
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