The first day of Shrovetide - Meeting: time to bake pancakes and welcome spring

Shrovetide is a bright and joyful holiday that symbolizes the farewell to winter and the welcoming of spring. From the first day of Shrovetide week, folk festivities begin in towns and villages, and houses are filled with the aroma of pancakes and ringing laughter. In 2025, Shrovetide begins on February 24. "Izvestia" tells readers about the history and traditions of the first day of the holiday week - Meeting.

The first day of Shrovetide (Meeting) in 2025 - the essence

The first day of Maslenitsa, known as the Meeting, is one of the key moments of this ancient Russian holiday. On this day, people begin to celebrate the coming of spring and the seeing off of winter.

In Russia, one of the main traditions of the first day of Shrovetide week was folk festivities. Women and girls wore bright outfits, threw on a shawl or scarf, men and boys also added colorful attributes to their clothes. People visited neighbors and relatives, baked and distributed pancakes.

At the meeting, a straw effigy was made and dressed up, which was supposed to be burned on Sunday of the holiday week. In some regions, young people drove it around the yards with songs and joking congratulations, receiving treats and small gifts from the owners.

Women took time for domestic chores. The first three days, from Monday to Wednesday, Pancake Day was considered narrow, during this time it was necessary to complete all household chores, because with the onset of a wide Pancake Day (from Thursday to Sunday) was allowed only to have fun and go visiting.

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In general, the first day of Shrovetide, the Meeting, brings with it joy, fun and unification of families and companies of friends. It is important not to spend this day alone, and to show hospitality and cordiality.

When to start baking pancakes for Shrovetide 2025

Pancakes are the main attribute of Shrovetide and symbolize the sun. Along with other Shrovetide dishes such as butter, cheesecakes and jam, they play an important role in the holiday traditions.

Pancakes are supposed to be baked from the first day of Shrovetide week, but the first batch should not be eaten by oneself - it should be given to the poor or given to neighbors. You can take the treats to charity organizations.

Shrovetide is a noisy and family holiday. From the very first day you can invite relatives and friends to pancakes, and arrange various games for them.

Traditions of cooking pancakes on Shrovetide can vary depending on family rituals preferences. The main thing is to create the atmosphere of the holiday and be charged with the joy of this special day.

Earlier Izvestia told about the omens and beliefs associated with the last day of Maslenitsa - Forgiveness Sunday.