At the end of February all Russian people celebrate Maslenitsa - the holiday of saying good by to Winter. Of all Russian holidays Maslenitsa is the oldest. Until the 14th century Russians celebrated the New Year in March. So it was natural to see the Old Year off at the end of February. Maslenitsa celebration continues for one week. Every day of this festive week has its name and its meaning.
Monday is called "vstrecha" (meeting) because this day Russians are "seeing in" the holiday. From early morning women cook pancakes that symbolize spring sun. Then children and adults alike go outside with songs and dances. They carry a tree decorated with bells and colored ribbons. Then the symbol of winter - Maslenitsa - would be installed on the sleds pulled by ten or more horses. There would be a horse rider on every horse with a broom in his hands. The horse riders would symbolically sweep out cold winter.
Tuesday is called "zaigrysh" (pre-play). It is the start of Maslenitsa games. Wednesday is calld "lakomka" (sweets lover), Thursday is "razguliay" (play until you drop). During these days Russians build snow fortresses and play snow ball battles. On Friday and Saturday they traditionally visit each other. Pancakes on the tables would be a must in every house on these days. Sunday is called "proschanie" (farewell). That is the day to say good by to Maslenitsa and traditionally it is an opportunity to ask relatives and friends for forgiveness. Then everybody would forgive each other and burn Maslenitsa -- a scarecrow of the winter. This would symbolize the wish that the departing winter would take people's old problems and burn them the fire.
