Maslenitsa in Nikola-Lenivets is Something to See
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Historians believe that the celebration of Maslenitsa was scheduled to the spring equinox in the pre-Christian period, which was considered as the beginning of New Year and a symbolic way to bid farewell to winter.
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Historians believe that the celebration of Maslenitsa was scheduled to the spring equinox in the pre-Christian period, which was considered as the beginning of New Year and a symbolic way to bid farewell to winter.
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They argue that the ancient Slavic holiday was dedicated to the God Veles, the patron of cattle. Other researchers believe that Maslenitsa is tied to the death of Marena (the Goddess of Winter).
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They argue that the ancient Slavic holiday was dedicated to the God Veles, the patron of cattle. Other researchers believe that Maslenitsa is tied to the death of Marena (the Goddess of Winter).
© Sputnik / Pavel Bednyakov / Go to the mediabank
After the introduction of Great Lent, the festivities were moved to earlier dates since during Great Lent fun and gluttony were unacceptable.
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After the introduction of Great Lent, the festivities were moved to earlier dates since during Great Lent fun and gluttony were unacceptable.
© Sputnik / Pavel Bednyakov / Go to the mediabank
With the establishment of Christianity, Maslenitsa was no longer associated with the vernal equinox. It becomes part of the church calendar and, according to the charter, falls on the last week before Lent.
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With the establishment of Christianity, Maslenitsa was no longer associated with the vernal equinox. It becomes part of the church calendar and, according to the charter, falls on the last week before Lent.
© Sputnik / Vladimir Astapkovich / Go to the mediabank
Catholics have an analogue of the holiday – Shrovetide.The culmination of Shrovetide is known as Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday).
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Catholics have an analogue of the holiday – Shrovetide.The culmination of Shrovetide is known as Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday).
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Mardi Gras is celebrated before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Great Lent in the calendar of Roman Church. Shrovetide is known for its carnivals.
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Mardi Gras is celebrated before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Great Lent in the calendar of Roman Church. Shrovetide is known for its carnivals.
© Sputnik / Pavel Bednyakov / Go to the mediabank
In Russia, Maslenitsa was always celebrated widely and noisily: blini were baked, people rode on sleds (troikas), mass festivities were held.
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In Russia, Maslenitsa was always celebrated widely and noisily: blini were baked, people rode on sleds (troikas), mass festivities were held.
© Sputnik / Vladimir Astapkovich / Go to the mediabank
Blini are a mandatory attribute of Maslenitsa. For a long time, historians have argued that blini, due to their shape and appearance, symbolize the sun, that is, the onset of spring.
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Blini are a mandatory attribute of Maslenitsa. For a long time, historians have argued that blini, due to their shape and appearance, symbolize the sun, that is, the onset of spring.
© Sputnik / Vladimir Astapkovich / Go to the mediabank
However, recent studies indicate that the truth is not that sunny. Blini were a traditional Slavic meal on funerals and their popularity on Maslenitsa is probably a way of “burring” Winter.
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However, recent studies indicate that the truth is not that sunny. Blini were a traditional Slavic meal on funerals and their popularity on Maslenitsa is probably a way of “burring” Winter.
© Sputnik / Pavel Bednyakov / Go to the mediabank
Researchers who studied Maslenitsa found other elements of funeral rites in this holiday – for instance, fisticuffs that were popular until now.
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Researchers who studied Maslenitsa found other elements of funeral rites in this holiday – for instance, fisticuffs that were popular until now.
© Sputnik / Vladimir Astapkovich / Go to the mediabank
However, nowadays blini are no longer associated with death and only symbolize joy and festivities.
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However, nowadays blini are no longer associated with death and only symbolize joy and festivities.
© Sputnik / Vladimir Astapkovich / Go to the mediabank
Almost 80 percent of Russians make blini on Maslenitsa, while less than half take part in the festivities.
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Almost 80 percent of Russians make blini on Maslenitsa, while less than half take part in the festivities.