Maslenitsa week begins on Monday. It is the last week before Great Lent, and this year, it happens to be the final week of winter in 2025.
Originally, the Slavs celebrated this week as a farewell to winter and the beginning of a new harvest year. Pancakes, the main dish of Maslenitsa, are nothing more than a symbol of the Sun and fertility. By the way, we wrote about the symbolism of pancakes in this article. Today, however, we will talk about the symbolism of each day of Maslenitsa because every day carries its own traditional significance.
Monday – Meeting
This day marks the beginning of Maslenitsa. People start baking the first pancakes, symbolizing the sun and warmth. The first pancake was traditionally given to the poor or left for ancestors (placed on the window). On this day, people enjoyed sledding, built snow slides, and set up the Maslenitsa effigy, which would be burned at the end of the week.
Tuesday – Flirting
This day is dedicated to fun games and matchmaking. Young people played games, rode sleds, and chose their partners. Those who met during Maslenitsa often got married after Great Lent.
Wednesday – Gourmet Day
The time for real feasting arrives! On this day, housewives prepare a lavish table with various treats, the main dish being pancakes with different fillings—from honey and jam to red caviar and fish. A special tradition was the “mother-in-law’s dinner,” where the son-in-law visited his mother-in-law, and she treated him to pancakes.
Thursday – Revelry
From this day, the Wide Maslenitsa begins—grand festivities and celebrations. People organized fistfights, folk games, horse riding, burned the winter effigy, and jumped over bonfires. This day is considered the peak of Maslenitsa celebrations.
Friday – Mother-in-Law’s Evenings
On this day, mothers-in-law visited their sons-in-law, who had to show their respect and prepare pancakes for them. This was a kind of family ritual that strengthened intergenerational relationships.
Saturday – Sister-in-Law’s Gatherings
Young daughters-in-law invited their sisters-in-law (husband’s sisters) and treated them to pancakes to establish good relations. This was a day for family gatherings and bonding.
Sunday – Forgiveness Sunday
The final and most important day of Maslenitsa. On this day, it is customary to ask forgiveness from relatives, friends, and acquaintances for any offenses committed throughout the year. People say, “Forgive me,” and in response, they hear, “God forgives, and I forgive.” The festival concludes with the burning of the Maslenitsa effigy, symbolizing the farewell to winter and the renewal of nature.
Maslenitsa – A Time of Joy, Traditions, and Delicious Treats!
Maslenitsa is a time for joy, socializing, fun traditions, and delicious treats. May this holiday bring you warmth, comfort, and a great mood!
