Razgulyai: prohibitions and omens of Broad Thursday, beautiful pictures
This week, one of the most delicious and joyful holidays is celebrated all over Russia — Maslenitsa. It started on Monday, February 24, and will last until Sunday, March 2. Thursday, February 25, is the day popularly known as Razgulyai, or Broad Thursday. This is the first day of Broad Carnival, the last four days of the festive week, and one of the most fun. For more information about the celebration of Razgulyai, its traditions and signs, see the Izvestia article.
February 27 is the fourth day of Shrovetide Week, Razgulyai
In 2025, the week from February 24 to March 2 falls on the ancient Slavic holiday Maslenitsa. Its roots go back to pagan times, for the ancient Slavs this celebration meant the transition from winter to spring, the awakening of nature after a long winter sleep.
There are several versions of where Maslenitsa originates from:
— initially, Maslenitsa was associated with the invocation of the pagan god Yarilo, symbolizing the sun, light and fertility. The Slavs also worshipped a deity named Veles, who was for them the patron saint of agriculture and fertility. At the end of winter, people held rituals and prepared various treats to honor the gods;
— Carnival is a symbol of the end of winter. The date of the holiday always falls on days close to the vernal equinox, when the warmth in most regions of the country overcomes the cold;
— it was in the spring that cows began to calf, and butter was made from milk, symbolizing prosperity in the family. Pancakes represented the sun and therefore became the main treat of the holiday.
Each day of the Carnival week got its own name, depending on the traditions that the Slavs observed. On Thursday, the so-called Broad Maslenitsa begins, when the preparatory homework for the holiday ends. We usually spent the whole day outside, walking, rolling down the slides, dancing and just having fun. In this regard, Thursday was named "Razgulyai" or "Wide revelry."
After the baptism of Russia, the meaning of Maslenitsa was transformed. This week has become preparatory for Lent, which in 2025 will begin on Monday, March 3, and has been called the Cheese or Meat Week. At this time, believers are no longer allowed to eat meat, but dairy products, including cheese, cottage cheese and sour cream, are allowed. They are considered the most popular toppings for pancakes.
In the 18th century, the holiday finally entered the Orthodox culture. At the same time, as the priests explain, there is nothing wrong with celebrating the holiday if Maslenitsa means the national celebration of the Russian winter, with the exception of the ritual burning of an effigy of Maslenitsa. Personal participation in any ritual that is not related to Christianity and has a mystical character is sinful for a believer.
What to do on the fourth day of Shrovetide in 2025
Shrovetide Thursday was a truly fun day and was accompanied by various activities in which both young and adults participated:
— "Carnival trains". Our ancestors harnessed horses to a cart, on which a pole was placed, and a wheel was attached to it. An accordion player was put on top, and a cheerful celebrating crowd followed the cart. All this was accompanied by carols (ritual songs);
— carols. It was on Thursday that people took various musical instruments and went home with carols. At the same time, it was necessary to treat the carolers with sweets, pancakes or wine. For such hospitality, the hosts received a song of thanks in return. The tradition of singing Carnival carols has been preserved to this day, especially in rural areas. Children do this, for which they dress up specially, go home and receive sweets or coins as a reward;
— fistfights. This entertainment was considered one of the main traditions of the fourth day of Shrovetide Week, especially among young men and boys. To do this, they gathered by the river, where they fought one-on-one, or "wall to wall." To keep the fun that way, there were prohibitions against hitting below the belt and on the back of the head. However, there were still injuries. There was a belief associated with them. If blood is shed in fist fights, it becomes a sacrifice to the deceased ancestors. Thus, the deceased do not get angry at the living and do not disturb them;
— capture of the fortress. Most often, a snow town was built on the river near the village or on the square, which was doused with water for strength. The young people were divided into two teams, the main task was to take this town. One group was on foot and defended their fortress with branches, brooms or snow. The second one on horseback was supposed to capture this town. Like fistfights, this sport was accompanied by various injuries and fractures, so it was often banned;
— horse riding. Since Maslenitsa historically symbolizes the victory of spring over winter and warmth over cold, special horse races were organized around their village. It was necessary to go clockwise. The Slavs believed that in this way they help the sun to drive away the frosts;
— Maslenitsa pillar. A tall pole was erected on the square, and gifts were hung on top of it. Young people in Rampant exerted all their strength and tried to get a so-called star from the sky for a girl or a wife.
There were other entertainment options. As on the other days of Maslenitsa, it was customary to ride down the slides, both adults and children did it. Many also participated in tug-of-war and jumping over a bonfire (it was believed that this was how purification from sins took place). The fairs also continued their work. An obligatory tradition of the day, of course, was a treat — pancakes with different fillings. They were served with honey, sour cream and jam. In the evening, everyone gathered in the main square, danced, sang and danced.
It is important to note that Maslenitsa in the church tradition has a different name. The week became known as the Cheese Week, or Meat Week. This is the preparatory week before Lent, when there are no strict restrictions on food yet, but it is already forbidden to eat meat. In this regard, believers choose only those products that are allowed this week as the filling for pancakes.
Nowadays, Maslenitsa no longer has its former scale and cult significance, but it has retained the spirit of a national holiday. Mass events are held in the main squares, parks or in the city center, which are accompanied by round dances, contests, master classes, roller coasters and many others.
It is considered important on this day to leave all work and participate in events. Rampant work was considered a bad omen, all work or household chores had to be completed in advance.
It was also believed that Thursday was the perfect time for a truce. Those people who were in a quarrel treated each other to pancakes and forgot old grudges. In particular, this was due to the imminent onset of Great Lent.
Razgulyai: prohibitions and omens today, February 27
Broad Razgulyai, or the middle of Shrovetide week, was one of the most fun days of the holiday. On this day, it was impossible to be sad and stay alone, so as not to spend the whole year alone. It was important to go outside and have fun with friends, relatives and neighbors. It was already impossible to work, however, to keep the house clean, it was important to finish the homework before Thursday.
With the advent of Orthodoxy, when instead of Maslenitsa they began to celebrate Meat Week, the main restrictions fell on products. Believers are actively preparing for Lent, which will come in just a few days, on March 3, and refuse meat. In addition, on Shrovetide Week, as at other times, it was especially important to help those in need with words and deeds, not only with money, but also with good deeds.
An example would be the parable of the good Samaritan. She talks about mercy and selfless help to a person in trouble from a passerby, a representative of a warring ethnic group.
Like other days of Shrovetide Week, in Razgulyai our ancestors observed the weather and other events to identify patterns. Thus, the signs of this day were formed, related to the weather and not only:
— don't forget to throw out the trash on Thursday — luck and wealth await the family;
— there are many icicles on the roof — a rich harvest awaits;
— if the wind blows from the south or southwest, the thaw will come very soon soon;
— it's snowing — the summer will be cold and rainy;
— the day turned out to be sunny — the spring will be warm.
The fourth day of Maslenitsa: pictures, gifs, greetings
How pancakes flew out of the oven during the Oil Week!
From the heat, from the heat, from the oven,
All blush, hot!
Carnival, treat me!
Serve pancakes to everyone.
From the heat, from the heat — take it apart!
Do not forget to praise.
Maslenitsa is a maiden, a sister of the snowy winter,
He'll come rushing to our yard to treat himself to pancakes!
The craftsmen will stand at the stove spinning,
They will think and guess how to please the girl.
Fragrant pancakes,
Dashing pies with red-feathered sides
Let's wake up the sun, Let's have fun carousing!
Oh, you, Maslenitsa is entering the courtyard,
A wide one is entering the courtyard.
And we, the girls, meet her,
And we, the reds, meet her.
Oh, you Carnival, spend a week,
Wide, spend another.
Maslenitsa, I'm fighting a fast,
Broad, I'm fighting a fast.
Oh, Maslena, the fast is still far away,
Wide, the fast is still far away.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
