Maslenitsa /Масленица (Shrovetide)
занимательные факты по английскому языку (6, 7, 8 класс)

Maslenitsa – The Russian Sun Festival

Maslenitsa is one of the most joyful and oldest Russian holidays. This holiday has its roots in both pagan and Christian traditions. It marks the end of winter and the welcome of spring.The celebration lasts for a whole week, usually in February or March. Each day of Maslenitsa week has its own name and special activities. For example, people build snow forts, play with snowballs, have fist fights, and sing songs. In Britain this fest usually lasts one day and  is called Shrovetide or simply Pancake Day.

The most important symbol of Maslenitsa is the blini (pancakes in Britain and crapes in Russia). Round and golden, they represent the sun. People eat blini with different fillings: sour cream, jam, honey, caviar, or mushrooms. Eating blini is like eating a piece of the sun to get its energy for the coming spring. The main event of the festival is the burning of a large straw scarecrow called "Lady Maslenitsa." This symbolizes saying goodbye to winter and burning away everything old and bad. People dance around the fire and cheer to greet spring.

The last day of Maslenitsa is called "Forgiveness Sunday." On this day, people ask each other for forgiveness for any wrongs they have done. It is a time to clean the soul before the start of Lent.

Questions to the Text

1. What does Maslenitsa mark the end of?
2. How long does the Maslenitsa celebration last in Russia/ in Britain?
3. What are the two types of traditions that Maslenitsa comes from?
4. What is the most important symbol of the holiday?
5. Why do blini represent the sun?
6. Name three fillings that people eat blini with.
7. What is the name of the straw scarecrow that people burn?
8. What does burning the scarecrow symbolize?
9. What do people do around the fire during this ceremony?
10. What is the last day of Maslenitsa called?
11. What do people ask for on this last day?
12. Why is this forgiveness important before Lent?

Ключ для проверки (Answer Key):

1. The end of winter / The welcome of spring.
2. For a whole week/ one day.
3. Pagan and Christian traditions.
4. The blini (pancakes/ crapes).
5. Because they are round and golden (like the sun).
6. Any three: sour cream, jam, honey, caviar, mushrooms.
7. Lady Maslenitsa.
8. Saying goodbye to winter and burning away everything old.
9. They dance and cheer.
10. Forgiveness Sunday.
11. They ask for forgiveness for any wrongs.
12. To clean the soul before the start of Lent.