Maslenitsa
Put the verbs in brackets in either Passive or Active form. Use Present Simple or Past
Simple.
Maslenitsa, also known as Butter Week or Pancake week is a Russian religious and folk
holiday. It ………………… (celebrate) during the last week before Easter. Maslenitsa
corresponds to the Western Christian Carnival. The Orthodox date of Easter can differ greatly
from the Western Christian date. In 2008, for example, Maslenitsa ………………… (celebrate)
from March 2 to March 8.
Maslenitsa has dual roots: pagan and Christian. In Slavic mythology, Maslenitsa is a sun
festival, celebrating the end of the winter.
During Maslenitsa week, meat ……………………. (forbid) to Orthodox Christians, making it a
myasopustnaya nedelya (‘meat-empty week’). It is the last week when milk, cheese and other
dairy products ……………………….. (permit).
Traditions
The most characteristic food of Maslenitsa is bliny (Russian pancakes), which symbolize the
sun. Round and golden, they ………………………. (make) from the rich foods still allowed by
the Orthodox tradition: butter, eggs, and milk.
Maslenitsa also includes masquerades, snowball fights, sledding, riding on swings and plenty of
sleigh rides. The mascot of the celebration is straw Lady Maslenitsa (Kostroma).
As the culmination of the celebration, on Sunday evening, Lady Maslenitsa ………….. (put) to a
bonfire.
Sunday of Forgiveness
The last day of the Meat-empty Week …………… (call) "Forgiveness Sunday". On the day all
the people ask for forgiveness.