How Russians Celebrate Maslenitsa

It is said that pancakes are eaten at Maslenitsa as they represent the warmth and shape of the sun. However, the plentiful feasting of pancakes on Maslenitsa originated with the funeral traditions so central to the festival - rich foods such as butter, cakes, cheese and pancakes were traditionally eaten at wakes. In fact, Maslenitsa takes its name from the Russian word for oil - maslo.