The fifth day of Shrovetide - Mother-in-law Vespers: time to feed mother-in-law with pancakes

On Friday, February 28, comes the fifth day of Shrovetide. Traditionally at this time married men were supposed to receive their mother-in-law. Therefore, in Russia this day was called "Mother-in-law Vespers". About how in the old days celebrated the holiday, what traditions and omens are associated with it, tell "Izvestia".

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In Russia on the third day of Pancake Day (Lakomka) on pancakes to the mothers of their wives came men. On Friday, the mother-in-law and father-in-law made a return visit. The son-in-law was supposed to receive his wife's parents with all honors. For young spouses it was always an exciting and responsible moment.

It was impossible to be stingy. It was believed that the more varied the pancake fillings and the more sumptuous the table, the more the son-in-law loved and respected his mother-in-law. People used to say: "Though mother-in-law's pancakes are sweet, but today they treat the sons-in-law". From early morning, "messengers" were sent for the mother-in-law with an invitation to visit her. If there was no invitation on that day, it could indicate a dislike or quarrel between relatives.

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As a rule, the main holiday treat for the guests was baked by the mistress of the house. Thus she demonstrated her culinary skills and how caring wife and daughter she was. But often young married girls were helped by their mothers. The day before, they sent their daughters everything they needed to bake pancakes: pans for batter, ladles, frying pans, flour and butter.

Gathering around the family table, relatives not only ate and drank delicious food, but also had long conversations. The parents of the wife gave advice to the young people on how to run the household, take care of their spouse and children. They shared recipes of pancakes and other dishes.

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Following the ancient tradition, the fifth day of Maslenitsa should be devoted to your loved ones. You can go to each other to visit or take part in mass festivities. From Thursday began the Wide Maslenitsa, known as Razgulyai. From this time until the end of Shrovetide week in Russia visited fairs, went sledding, played snowballs, arranged various games and amusements.

These traditions have survived to our days. In many cities on Shrovetide there are craft rows, concerts, master classes. On them you can have fun, buy gifts for friends and relatives or master some ancient craft, for example, make a souvenir from clay on the potter's wheel.

On this day it is forbidden to indulge in gloom, to complain to other people about relatives and friends, as it will spoil the relationship until the next Pancake Day. Also do not throw away old things and sweep the floor near the threshold. Our ancestors believed that so you can sweep out the luck that settled in the house.

In addition, given that Shrovetide coincides with Meat-Lent Week, when there is preparation for Lent, believers should limit the consumption of meat and meat dishes, replacing them with fish, vegetables and dairy.

The fifth day of Shrovetide (Heifer's Vespers) in 2025 - folk omens

There are many omens and superstitions associated with Pancake Day. First of all, they concern the weather on the festive day. The Slavs believed that what will be the weather on February 28, the same expected summer. So, if the south wind blows, the summer season will be hot, but rainy. Snowfall on this day promises a prolonged spring and late summer. And if the sun shines brightly, the summer will be warm and productive.

Earlier "Izvestia" told about the omens and superstitions of Forgiven Sunday - the last day of Shrovetide.