When is winter farewell in 2021

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

In 2021, farewell to winter (Maslenitsa) will begin on March 8th and end on March 14th. The start date of the holiday week is always flexible. It directly depends on the date on which Easter falls. According to Christian traditions, 7 days before the beginning of Lent, folk festivals begin. Knowing in advance when this date will be, you can perfectly prepare for it, gather the whole family.

history of the holiday

Shrovetide is a holiday that was celebrated in pre-Christian times. However, it remains relevant today. His customs and ceremonies are associated with the tradition of celebrating the days of the vernal equinox. With their help, our ancestors hoped to call on nature to send them a good and rich harvest, honored deceased relatives and glorified rebirth.

Another name for Maslenitsa is Cheese Week. This is due to the ban on the use of meat dishes. The basis of the daily diet of our ancestors was dairy products and butter. The festive tables were overflowing with a variety of fish, milk and products made from it.

Pancakes with various fillings remained the main treat for guests and households. They were cooked in huge quantities to treat every guest.

Pancakes were the main course on the table. They symbolized the sun, which overcomes the cold and helps plants wake up. Plates filled with pancakes were taken to neighbors. They were treated not only to loved ones, but also to strangers, as well as the poor. On the holidays, everyone was well fed.

Pancakes were not originally a festive dish. They prepared on memorial days. They were placed on the graves of the dead, treated to nuns and other people so that they could remember the dead.

Pagan beliefs are a thing of the past. They were replaced by Christian traditions that filled the souls of people with reflections on the connection of times. From that time on, the festive week began 7 days before the beginning of Lent.

Christians put a lot of meaning into this holiday. For them, these are not just days during which people see off the winter and meet the spring. For Christians, this is a period during which you need to repent, forgive all your offenders and strengthen your faith.

The festive week ends with Forgiveness Sunday. At all times, people have long and carefully prepared for Shrovetide:

1. The hostesses put the perfect order in the house and prepared the best outfits.
2. Children built ice castles, and teenagers filled large slides.
3. Before the start of the festive week, people of all ages went to the bathhouse. They believed that in this way they wash away all sins from themselves.

The whole family was involved in the preparation of the festive dinner. Each housewife used her own unique recipes that were passed down from generation to generation.

One of the stages of preparation for the holiday was the creation of a festive effigy. On the last day of Maslenitsa they burned it. This was the culmination of the whole celebration. People saw off the winter and rejoiced at the onset of spring, observing special traditions.

Forgiveness sunday

Shrovetide, or Forgiveness Sunday, is the last day before the start of Lent. On this day, all believers ask for forgiveness from each other, sincerely repenting of all voluntary and involuntary griefs inflicted on another person.

Festivities

Shrovetide was celebrated for a whole week, and every day was accompanied by a variety of festivities. Modern residents of large cities do not hold this celebration so brightly. As a rule, Shrovetide is now celebrated for only a few days.

However, this does not mean that the holiday has become less intense. Celebrating Maslenitsa, both urban and rural residents have fun, say goodbye to the cold and rejoice in the arrival of spring.

As in ancient times, both children and adults take part in the festivities. The central squares of all cities are filled with people. Children play snowballs, adults drink hot tea, eat pancakes, take part in fist fights and dance in circles.

Interesting! Best Lean Pancake Recipes in Lent 2020

Scarecrow burning

The culmination of the holiday is the burning of an effigy, which symbolizes winter. This custom has been carried out at all times. So people drive away the winter, say goodbye to all the unpleasant events that happened last year.

As a rule, the scarecrow is burned in the evening. Before that, they dress him up and paint his face. The audience rejoices, the scarecrow is set on fire to the shouts of joy.

At this point, we must not forget about safety. You can only observe what is happening from a safe distance.

Another rite that has come down to us is a visit to the bathhouse. People of all ages go to a real Russian bath to welcome the warm spring clean and wash away all sins. It is also customary to visit the cemetery to commemorate deceased loved ones.

Outcomes

In 2021 Maslenitsa will be celebrated in every corner of Russia. This holiday will bring joy to every home and inspire people to new achievements, filling their souls with something truly magical. It is worth knowing in advance when and what date there will be farewell to winter in order to prepare a list of dishes for the festive table and gather loved ones.