History of Carnival

The history of the Shrovetide festival begins from pre-Christian times, when pagan customs played a very important rolein the life of every person. Even then, the main traditions were formed, which could only change a little with time. What were the festivities for Shrove Tuesday dedicated to?

Original Maslenitsa is seeing off the winter that was celebrated for 14 days. The first week of the holiday preceded the daythe vernal equinox, the second was after him. At this time, the cold began to recede, and nature - to wake up. Naturally, people happily welcomed the arrival of heat, because all life was already beginning to adjust to the new rhythms of life.

The pagan festivities for Maslenitsa were simply gorgeous. At this time people had a lot of fun and ate. It was not for nothing that Pancake week was also called "gluttony", "honest", "broad" and "destroyer". By the way, if you consider that earlier the holiday of the New Year in Russia was celebrated not on January 1, but on March 1, then everything becomes clear. New year has come, therefore it is necessary to meet it generously. Agree that the tradition of a good feast among the Slavs in the blood.

But the story of the Maslenitsa does not end there either. After the christening of Russia, the Christian Church left the Maslenitsa festival in order not to contradict the already established traditions. But after all, Maslenitsa had to be moved toit did not run counter to the new tradition of Lent. The festivities for Shrovetide were reduced from two weeks to one and linked them to the week preceding the Great Post. In addition, the Bible says that this last week before the post is allowed to eat butter, fish and dairy products. Thus there was a preparation of people for abstinence in food.

History of Carnival: a week of festivities

The whole week of Maslenitsa is dedicated to various festivities. Every day has its own meaning and name. Thus for each day there are various rituals that should be observed. What else hides from us the story of the Carnival, and what we do not know?

Meeting Monday. The history of Pancake week says that on this daymet the first day of the holiday. On Monday, the construction of swings, slides and booths was over. Also on Monday they began to bake pancakes. The first baked pancake should be given to the poor so that they would remember the deceased. Also on Monday, the father-in-law and mother-in-law sent their daughter-in-law for the whole day to her parents. But in the evening they themselves already came to visit, where they discussed the place and time for the festivities, and whom to invite them to.

Tricks - Tuesday. On that day festivities began, and everyone was treatedpancakes. The guests invited all friends and acquaintances. And they called the guests with a simple phrase: "We have mountains of snow ready and pancakes baked - please, please!". In addition, Tuesday is also known for bride-watching. Also on this day we went to get married, so that after the Great Lent you could play a wedding.

Gourmand - medium. On this day it was customary to arrange a feast withvarious treats. On Wednesday, the son-in-law came to eat pancakes. And other guests were also invited. The table, filled with various food, was to stand in every house. Also on this day in the villages brewed beer.

Broad revelry - Thursday. As we know from the history of Maslenitsa, on this daythe holiday unfolded in full swing. It was on this day that the most merry festivities took place: riding on horses "in the sun," taking snow cities, which was the main male action, and numerous other entertainments.

Evening tidiness - Friday. The history of Maslenitsa is such that on this day allcustoms were aimed at approaching the wedding day, so they contributed to this development of events as they could. On Friday the son-in-law had to invite his mother-in-law to the pancakes. Even there is a custom that from the evening the mother-in-law had to send everything needed for baking pancakes: a frying pan and other kitchen utensils. But father-in-law had to send butter and flour. If the son-in-law did not respect this custom, this could cause family enmity.

Zolotkin's party - Saturday. On Saturday, the young daughter-in-law had to invite to her pancakes a sister-in-law, her husband's sister. Also, for a sister-in-law, they were preparing some gift. And on a visit, as always, everyone was treated to pancakes.

Forgiveness Sunday - it's seeing off Carnival. It was on this day that all the festivities and eating pancakes ended. On this day it was accepted not only to turn off all the festivities, but also ask all forgiveness. Also the history of Maslenitsa is such that it was on the last day of the festivities that the scarecrow traditionally made of straw and rags was carried through the whole village to the field. Depending on the area where Maslenitsa passed off, the scarecrow was either burned, or burned in an ice hole, or torn to pieces. Straw, which could remain after the bugbear, should be scattered across the field.

As you can see, the history of Maslenitsa is very long, and the presence of various traditions made this holiday one of the most loved among the people.