How Russians Celebrate Maslenitsa

Maslenitsa was a celebration of life and death. Matchmaking was a key part of the week, and young couples would come together with their families for meals and celebrations in preparation for a wedding after Lent. Maslenitsa was also a chance for people to ‘warm their dead’ by including their ancestors in the festivities, visiting their graves, and eating traditional funeral foods. Another important part of the week was exchanging forgiveness with one’s loved ones.