Where did Maslenitsa come from?
The origins of Maslenitsa are lost in pagan times. The ancient Slavs celebrated spring and saw off winter on a grand scale: they baked pancakes (a symbol of the sun), held festivities, and burned an effigy of winter. With the advent of Christianity, Maslenitsa became part of the Orthodox calendar in the week before Lent, when it was possible for the last time to eat fast food (meat, milk, eggs).
But the essence remains the same.: It is a celebration of light, warmth, the awakening of nature and the joy of life.

Traditions and rituals: how was Shrovetide celebrated?
Every day of Shrovetide Week had its own meaning and name:
Monday Meeting: It started with making an effigy of Maslenitsa, which was then carried through the streets. The children built snow slides and rode off them so they "saw off" the winter.
Tuesday's Games: Young people organized games, songs, and dances. Guys and girls got to know each other, flirted with each other.
Wednesday is a treat: On this day, the guests were invited to pancakes. The housewives competed to see who had the tastier and more magnificent ones.
Thursday was a revelry: Widespread festivities, fist fights, and sledding began. The main thing is to have fun from the bottom of your heart!
Friday Mother-in-law's evenings: The sons-in-law invited the mothers-in-law to pancakes, and they came with their friends to check how well their daughters were doing.
Saturday Sister-in-law gatherings: Young daughters-in-law treated their sisters-in-law (husband's sisters) with pancakes to establish a relationship.
Sunday is the Forgiven Sunday: The culmination of the holiday. They burned an effigy of Maslenitsa, asked each other for forgiveness, and prepared for Lent.

The main attribute of Maslenitsa is pancakes. Round, ruddy, and hot, they symbolize the sun, which warms up more and more every day. Pancakes were baked with different fillings: from classic (sour cream, caviar, honey) to unusual (mushrooms, berries, cottage cheese). It was believed that the more pancakes you eat, the happier the year will be.

Now Maslenitsa is an occasion to gather with family and friends, have a feast, ride a sleigh, participate in games and just enjoy life. Many towns and villages hold festivals with fairs, concerts and, of course, burning effigies.
This is a time when you can forget about worries, have fun from the bottom of your heart and greet spring with joy and hope.