Maslenitsa 2025 Starts on February 24

Maslenitsa is the most Slavic and not just a religious holiday. Undoubtedly, Maslenitsa precedes the beginning of Great Lent and ends with Forgiveness Sunday. However, in reality, the traditions of Maslenitsa are deeply rooted in the farewell to winter and the welcoming of spring. The beginning of something new or a New Beginning.

Maslenitsa is not just one day, but an entire week, with each day carrying its own symbolism. In 2025, Maslenitsa week will begin on February 24 (Monday) and last until March 2 (Sunday).

Why Pancakes?

The answer is simple—pancakes symbolize the sun, spring, warmth, and fertility. Since Maslenitsa is a festival of bidding farewell to winter and welcoming spring, a pancake, with its round shape and golden color, resembles the sun.

In ancient times, Slavs worshipped the sun, believing that it brought life and fertility. Baking pancakes was a ritual to “call forth” warmth and spring. Before Christianity, Maslenitsa was a pagan festival dedicated to the sun god Yarilo. Pancakes were prepared in his honor as a sacred food, believed to bring a bountiful harvest and protect against evil forces. Even after the Christianization of Rus, the tradition remained but took on a new religious meaning.

The round shape of the pancake symbolizes not only the sun but also the cycle of life and nature’s rebirth after winter. During Maslenitsa, people tried to eat as many pancakes as possible to attract good luck, health, and prosperity.

Every Ingredient Has Meaning

Pancakes are a simple yet nourishing food. They require the most basic ingredients, each with its own symbolic significance:

Flour – represents abundance and prosperity.
Eggs – symbolize continuation of the family and fertility.
Milk – represents the connection between generations and family warmth.
Butter – signifies well-being and wealth.
Honey (or jam) – symbolizes the sweetness of life.

Additionally, depending on the filling, pancakes could be either lean or hearty, making them a universal treat for everyone.

The First Pancake – A Tribute to Ancestors

According to tradition, the first pancake was not eaten but given to the poor or left on a windowsill in memory of deceased ancestors. This was an ancient ritual tied to the belief in spirits and respect for past generations.

This is where the saying “The first pancake is always lumpy” comes from—to ensure that spirits wouldn’t claim it. However, the more practical version of the saying is familiar to every cook: the first pancake often turns out imperfect because the pan is not heated enough.

A Culinary Farewell Before Lent

Maslenitsa precedes Great Lent, during which meat, dairy, and eggs are forbidden. That’s why Maslenitsa week is a time to indulge in delicious, rich food before the fasting period begins.

And, of course, we couldn’t forget to include a universal pancake recipe. Every cook has their own special recipe, but there is one simple and affordable version that works for everyone. So, here it is:

Universal and Simplest Pancake Recipe

This recipe is suitable for both beginners and experienced cooks. The pancakes turn out thin, soft, and delicious!

Ingredients:

2 eggs
500 ml milk
200 g flour (about 1.5 cups)
1 tbsp sugar
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp baking powder (optional)
½ cup water (to make the batter more liquid)

Preparation:

Prepare the batter:

In a deep bowl, beat the eggs with sugar and salt.
Add milk, mix well.
Gradually add flour while stirring with a whisk to avoid lumps.
Add vegetable oil and water, mix again.
If the batter is too thick, add more water – it should have the consistency of liquid sour cream.

Cooking the pancakes:

Heat a frying pan and lightly grease it with oil.
Pour a little batter, spreading it across the pan by tilting it in different directions.
Cook on medium heat for 30-40 seconds, then flip and brown the other side.

Done!