The second day of Shrovetide - Zaigrysh: time to have fun and look for the other half

Shrovetide is a traditional holiday celebrating the long-awaited arrival of spring. In 2025, it is celebrated from Monday, February 24 to Sunday, March 2. From the beginning of Shrovetide week, housewives bake ruddy pancakes, houses receive guests, and folk festivals are held in towns and villages. Each day of the celebration has its own name and traditions. About what customs are associated with the holiday Tuesday, read in the material "Izvestia".

The second day of Maslenitsa (Zaigrysh) in 2025 - essence

In Russia, the second day of Pancake Day was called Zaigrysh. In 2025, it falls on February 25. From this moment began a noisy festive fun. If on Monday ice slides, swings, merry-go-rounds and marquees for festivities were only erected, on Tuesday young people were already using them for games and friendly competitions.

From the very morning boys and girls went sledding down the slides. It was believed that the more fun this fun would be, the more happiness awaited young people in the future. The one who was sad on Zaigrysh, according to the belief, risked to spend the whole next year in sadness.

Another traditional entertainment on this day was riding in horse-drawn carriages. Boys demonstrated their agility and courage in relay races and contests: tug-of-war, conquering a pole covered with grease, riding on a pair of swings and other activities. In the afternoon, boys and girls built snow fortresses and played snowballs, and in the evening gathered together to socialize, sing songs and eat hot pancakes with hearty fillings.

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All this was intended to give young people a chance to look at each other and meet the other half. Hence another meaning of the word "zagrysh" - the time when boys and girls flirt with each other, choosing potential brides and grooms. It was believed that the sympathy that arose on this day could lead to a strong union.

In addition, the couple had enough time to make a final decision on marriage, because after Pancake Day began Lent, during which you can not get married. Wedding festivities resumed only on Red Mountain - the first Sunday after Easter. Marriage on this day, according to belief, promised the young a long and happy family life.

On the second day of Shrovetide week they also began to call guests for pancakes. To the festive table invited relatives, friends, neighbors and cassowaries, who went door to door with congratulations. People believed that the more guests and the more abundant treats, the more successful the year would be for the hosts. It was also a great occasion to meet the parents of a potential bride or groom.

The second day of Pancake Day (Zaigrysh) in 2025 - what you can and can not do

According to the church statute, on all days of Pancake Day it is forbidden to eat meat food, since with the beginning of the celebration starts and preparation for Lent. However, there are no restrictions on dairy and fatty foods, so you can pamper yourself and loved ones with pancakes with sour cream, cottage cheese, yogurt and other non-meat fillings.

In addition, Zaigrysh is included in the so-called narrow Pancake Day, when it is allowed not only to celebrate, but also to put the house in order. During the wide Shrovetide, from Thursday to Sunday, it is not accepted to do household chores.

According to folk traditions, on the second day of Shrovetide week one should not be sad, lie, envy and quarrel with loved ones, as it can lead to prolonged conflicts and misfortunes. In the old days on Zaigrysh people tried not to stay alone and not to spend the whole day at home, so as not to miss their happiness. Also on this day they postponed all serious financial affairs and did not tell about their dreams. People believed that nightmares voiced at night would quickly come true, and good dreams, on the contrary, would never come true.

When you can bake pancakes on Maslenitsa in 2025

Pancakes are a traditional Shrovetide treat, without which it is impossible to imagine this holiday. In Russia, a circle of hot ruddy dough symbolized the sun and the imminent arrival of spring.

You can bake pancakes from the first day of Shrovetide until the end of the holiday. In this case, according to the belief, the first batch should be given to the poor or treat it to neighbors to commemorate the ancestors. Nevertheless, in the modern world it is not necessary to follow the old traditions. The main thing is to enjoy the atmosphere of the holiday and get a charge of positive emotions.

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