Maslenitsa Religion

Thesis: Maslenitsa; (written as “Ма́сленица” in Russian), or Butter Week, is the most enduring Slavic holiday. It is celebrated throughout Eastern Europe, and is rooted in the area's pagan traditions. Though this holiday was modified by the church and not promoted during the Soviet era, it's still in full swing to this day. Families and friends gather on Maslenitsa, and a great sense of community is reached through the week of celebrations. Maslenitsa also expresses Slavic perspective, and reinforces what it means to be Eastern European.

History: This week of festivities revolves around blini, or thin, fried pancakes. Many customs and rituals are speculated to have developed Maslenitsa. The blini may have symbolized the sun in honor of the