Maslenitsa Butterweek Russian Mardi Gras

Maslenitsa, translated as “Butterweek” is the Russian version of Mardi Gras. In Russian, "maslo” means butter, and this is the week of enjoying butter. Maslenitsa or Cheesefare week follows Meatfare week, when meat is eaten for the last time, and it is the week that precedes the beginning of Great Lent.

Great Lent is the fast that lasts for at least forty days (and sometimes longer) prior to Easter, the principal feast day of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is mandated by the Church to be a strict fast which means no meat, dairy, fish or eggs: certainly trying to the soul but eagerly embraced by those who want to gain control of their appetites and take a rest from gluttony to focus on the spiritual. In comparison, the Catholic Church’s position on not eating meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays and giving something up is a bit easier.

Maslenitsa week has its roots in pre-Christianity, in the pagan times of Russia when people celebrated the end of a long, cold winter and the return of the sun with festivals and merrymaking. What better to represent the glowing disc of the sun than a pancake?

Seven day carnivals were held during Maslenitsa in pre-revolutionary Russia. Russians dressed up in costumes and masks and ate meatless food based on eggs and dairy. The climax of the carnival was the straw prince that was raced through the streets and enthroned on a bonfire where he was burned.

Blini are the world famous Russian pancakes that are served at festivities during Maslenitsa. Blini are also the actual events sponsored by the parishioners of churches: some of the blini are simply a meal and others are a full night of dinner, music, dancing and the serving of food by children in Russian costume.

Blini don’t taste like a typical pancake or griddlecake because they are made with a yeast batter which is started about six hours before cooking. They are made with flour, milk, egg and butter and served with melted butter, sour cream, herring, caviar, scallions, onion, mushrooms, chopped hard cooked eggs, smoked salmon or sturgeon and ice cold vodka of course. The combinations are endless and are limited by the appetite and imagination of the eater!

After all of the feasting, Maslenitsa culminates in Forgiveness Sunday. The priest and those that attend the vesper service that evening have a custom of asking forgiveness of one another. Thus, the slate is wiped clean and lent on Monday is started with a clear conscience and a fleeting memory of delicious food.