The fourth day of Shrovetide: traditions of celebration
27 February 00:14
Today is the fourth day of Shrovetide, or Shrove Tuesday. On this day, mass festivities, sleigh rides, competitions, and fist fights were usually organized. It symbolized the awakening of spring and the victory of light over darkness. Everything you need to know about this cheerful and bright holiday is in the Komersant ukrainskyi article
Shrovetide is one of the oldest and most cheerful holidays, symbolizing the farewell to winter and the welcome of spring. The celebration lasts for a whole week, and each day has its own traditions and rituals.
The main tradition of the fourth day is mass entertainment, sleigh rides, fist fights and competitions that symbolize the awakening of spring and the victory of light over darkness.
Maundy Thursday traditions
Fun games and competitions – in ancient times, young people gathered at fairs, organized competitions in agility and strength, and rode horses or sleighs.
Fist fights are one of the most interesting traditions. It was a symbolic struggle between winter and spring, where the main goal was not to harm the opponent, but to show strength and courage.
Construction of snow fortresses – men divided into teams and competed to see who could build and defend their fortress the best.
Festive feasts – on this day, a rich table was set with the main dish of Shrovetide – pancakes, which symbolize the sun.
What should not be done on this day?
Giving up on fun – Maundy Thursday is considered the loudest day of the week, and it should be spent in a good mood.
Swearing and quarreling can ruin the whole year.
Being lazy – the day requires activity and positivity.
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It is believed that the brighter and more fun you celebrate Shrovetide, the happier the year will be. However, it is important to keep in mind the current realities: it is important to honor the memory of the dead and treat those who are bereaved with respect.
What is forbidden to do on Shrovetide
On Shrovetide, you shouldn’t spin yarn to prevent it from spoiling, and you shouldn’t prepare meat and cheese because the food can spoil.
The main thing is to avoid quarrels and conflicts, because this is a time of unity and reconciliation.
Folk signs and beliefs
If pancakes are fluffy and baked beautifully on Shrovetide, the year will be prosperous. Thick or too thin pancakes promise failures and problems. The more pancakes you bake for Shrovetide, the richer the year will be.
If you throw away old things on Shrovetide, new ones will appear.
If it is cold on Shrovetide, the summer will be warm, if it rains, there will be a lot of mushrooms in the fall.
Those who skimp on treats on Shrovetide will go broke in a year.
On Shrovetide, forgive the old and let the new into your life.
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Celebrating during the war
Ukraine is still at war, and nowadays Maslenitsa is hardly celebrated. The loud festivities that were once traditional are now out of place. However, Maslenitsa is not only about entertainment, but also about unity, support for loved ones, and faith in a brighter future.
It is important to keep in mind the current realities: it is important to honor the memory of the dead and treat those who are experiencing losses with respect. The celebration can be warm and cozy in a family circle, without loud games, but with respect for traditions.
The most important thing now is to bring victory closer, support each other and keep faith in the best.
