Масленица

Maslenitsa may be the oldest surviving Russian holiday. It is an east Slavic religious and folk holiday celebrated before Great Lent. During this week, people have celebrations featuring eggs, milk, and other dairy products. This is because these food items are forbidden during lent. It is for this reason that Maslenitsa is also referred to as Butter Week, Crepe Week, or Cheesefare week. I myself participated in a condensed version of this ritual this week in which blini (Russian crepes) were served with butter, jam, honey and tea. The tea was too hot, but the blini were good.