Maslenitsa translates to butter in Russian.

This festival is known as: “Butter Week”

Pancake toppings include butter, but also caviar, jam and sour cream

Given to friends and family as a sign of warmth.

Pagan and Christian originsIn Slavic Mythology, it’s the Sun FestivalCelebrates the end of winterCelebrated during the last week of Great Lent

In Orthodox Christianity, meat is prohibited during this last week.

Milk, cheese, & other dairy products allowed.

Last chance to have dairy products and festivities before Lent.

Pancakes, or Bliny (in Russian), symbolize the sun

Snowball fights, Sledding, Riding on Swings, Sleigh rides, puppets, singing, theatre, fireworks, fist fighting (honoring military) and bear fights

Mascot = Lady Meslenitsa She is a brightly dressed straw effigy Burned at the end of the celebration Symbolizes the end of winter, and the

ashes are buried to symbolize fertility

Russian Carnival

Created by George Fuzayl ‘14