Maslenitsa and Chinese New Year

Maslenitsa (масленица) is the oldest of all Russian holidays. It began as a spring equinox festival called Jarilo, named for the Slavic god of the vegetation and spring. Later it became a Christian holiday, starting on the Monday one week before the Eastern Orthodox Lent.

Maslenitsa is the Russian version of Carnival, with eating, drinking, sledding, games, and costume parades. Like many spring festivals it's a melding of Christianity and Earth Religion, and all of its events still focus on driving away the winter and re-awakening nature.

In Russia, Maslenitsa lasts the entire week, and ends with Forgiveness Sunday, the day before the start of Orthodox Lent, on Clean Monday (February 27th this year).

And tonight is Chinese New Year's Eve. In China, New Year's evening is called Ch’u-yeh, the "evening of discarding", because we can finally be done with the old year, and with winter. This last day of the year is busy for Chinese families, because it’s the last chance to complete preparations and be ready to start the year fresh. When the running around is done, the family spends the rest of the day at home together -- family connections are the big theme for this holiday.

Agenda:

1. Make an effigy doll

2. Make blini pancakes

3. Thanksgiving ceremony

4. Welcoming ceremony

5. Have a family open house

1. Make an effigy doll:

On the first day of Maslenitsa, the young people of each town make a straw effigy doll, dress it in bright clothing with ribbons, and take it around with them all week, for sledding and parties. The party atmosphere grows from day to day, and from Thursday through Sunday no one is allowed to work.

The Maslenitsa doll is a representation of Jarilo's sister, who's name is Morena or Marzanna, the goddess of death, winter and nightmares. The effigy can be any size, from a small doll to a life-sized statue. (Instructions for the large doll seen above are here.)

One year I made this small doll, and took her with me  everywhere, in my pocket and on my handlebars, all week!

I have also made small dolls with my grandsons.

For how to make her, see this post.

2025 dolls

2. Make Blini Pancakes:

The name Maslenitsa comes from the word maslo, which is Russian for butter. 

During this week, Russians fast from meat, but eat a lot of rich, buttery blini (pronounced blee-NEE) pancakes. Once Lent begins people will eat even simpler foods, so this is the last chance for feasting!

In Russia, blini are eaten for remembrance of the dead, and also as a symbol of the spring sun. The recipe is here.

3. Thanksgiving ceremony:

Ch’u-yeh is a day of thanksgiving for the blessings of the old year. Chinese families fill this afternoon and evening with many ceremonies for giving thanks-offerings to a variety of Chinese gods, to their own ancestors, and to the Spirits of the mountains, forests, and rivers. They light incense and candles, and place flowers, fruits, and other special foods on the altar; then they bow and offer sincere thanks.  

This ceremony is traditionally done in the afternoon, when other work is done. When I have time, I like to make myself a pot of tea, and settle on a cushion for this brief ceremony.

1. Light a small white candle, center myself, and feel myself fill with thankfulness for all I have now in my life.

2. Offer a prayer of gratitude to my ancestors, and to the Spirits of the mountains, forests, and rivers, and God in all forms. 

3. Send thanks for the blessings of the old year, and ask for an abundance of new blessings for the New Lunar Year.

4. Welcoming Ceremony:

Last week, on Little New year, we sent the Kitchen God and his wife to heaven in a fire. Today I will have a small ceremony to welcome the Kitchen God and his wife back home.

First I will make a new portrait using a copy of one I drew a few years ago, and color it with colored pencils.

Then I will hang it in the niche in my spice rack, light red candles, and have a moment of silence to think about ways I could improve.

This year I resolve to have greater integrity with care of my home and land, and all the creatures who live here.

5. Have a family open house:

Traditionally, the whole family gathers tonight to share a grand feast, usually a whole chicken or fish to symbolize family togetherness.