Maslenitsa is an ancient Slavic holiday. As with many ancient holidays, Maslenitsa has a dual ancestry: pagan and Christian.
In Slavic mythology, Maslenitsa is a sun-festival and a celebration of the imminent end of winter. In the Christian tradition, Maslenitsa is well-known for its seven days of festivities and final dose of gluttony before the onset of Great Lent.
Panke, the symbol of the holiday, is the representation of both- the sun in the pagan tradition, and the last opportunity to enjoy butter, milk, and eggs before the Lent.
On the one hand, hot, round, and golden pancakes symbolize the sun's grace and might, helping to warm up the frozen earth.
On the other hand, the circle has been considered a sacred figure in Russia, protecting people
from evil.
Usually, Maslenitsa lasts for seven days. During the week, family and friends gather together to
play games and have fun, and, of course, eat lots of pancakes with different fillings or toppings,
savoury or sweet.
The mascot of the celebration was chosen to be an effigy of a woman LADY MASLENITSA. It is
usually made out of straw and dressed in brightly coloured clothes as well as old rags. During
the week people are singing songs and dancing the KHOROVOD (circle dance) around the stuffed
doll. Maslenitsa ends with the solemn burning of LADY MASLENITSA; symbolically it means the
end of winter cold and the onset of spring with hopes for good harvest.
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