Wide Maslenitsa: prohibitions and signs

From February 20 to 26, one of the most beloved Slavic folk holidays is celebrated – Maslenitsa.

For Orthodox Christians, after a hearty pancake week (it is called cheese or meat-fat), Great Lent begins. Meat, however, has not been eaten since the Sunday preceding Maslenitsa, but the ban does not apply to fish.

In ancient times, every day of the Maslenitsa week was endowed with a sacred meaning and had its own name – “Meeting”, “Funning”, “Gourmet”, “Revelry”, “Teschina evenings”, “Zolovkina gatherings”, “Seeing off Shrovetide”. The week itself was divided into two parts – “narrow” (from Monday to Wednesday), in which it was possible to do cleaning and household chores, and “wide” (from Thursday to Sunday), when one should refrain from housework.

According to the beliefs that have developed over the centuries, it is forbidden to swear, swear and get angry on Maslenitsa – this is a time of fun and friendliness. On Shrovetide week, you can’t meet guests in an untidy house, cleanliness and order should reign there. Also, a violation of the customs of the holiday is seclusion – in the tradition of sincere and sincere communication with relatives and friends. In addition, you can’t cut pancakes with a knife: it was believed that the use of sharp objects could bring trouble.

Maslenitsa also has its own signs. So, if the first pancake (it had to be given to the needy – this is how the deceased relatives were commemorated) comes out ruddy at the hostess – good health for family members is ensured, pale – diseases are likely. It was believed that a lace pancake – for an easy and carefree life, dense and thick – for hard and hard work.

On the last day of Shrovetide week, it is important to ask for forgiveness for your own sins – and forgive your offenders.