What can you eat on Cheese Maslenitsa? What food is allowed for Maslenitsa and what is not. – What can you say about the custom of jumping over a fire?

Maslenitsa is a favorite and long-awaited holiday in many families. It has long been the custom that Maslenitsa is celebrated for seven whole days. This period is called “Maslenitsa week”. Moreover, the start and end date of Maslenitsa week varies from year to year.

In 2018, Maslenitsa will last from February 12 to 18. Each of the seven days of Maslenitsa week has its own name and its own celebration traditions.

In the old days, Maslenitsa week was entirely devoted to folk festivities. However, in the realities of the modern world, we cannot arrange a week of vacation for ourselves.

And yet it is very important to know: what is possible and what is categorically can’t be done on Maslenitsa. The Church dictates its own rules, which should be especially taken into account if you are preparing for Lent.

Carrying out Maslenitsa

Here's some useful information about what is allowed and what is strictly prohibited do it during Maslenitsa week. Eating baked goods is not the only way to pay tribute to traditions and have fun!

Maslenitsa, like many other customs, appeared long before the baptism of Rus'. In ancient times, farmers tried to appease higher powers in order to get a good harvest. Maslenitsa, also called Maslenitsa and Pancake Week, used to fall on the spring equinox, the moment in the year when warming was about to begin. Therefore, the ancient Slavs laid several meanings into the holiday.

Firstly, this is the line that separates winter from spring, frost from heat. And since future harvests depended on the weather, the second meaning of the celebration follows from this. Maslenitsa was identified with Mother Earth. The rituals were accompanied by generous offerings, so that in return the gifts would be returned a hundredfold.

In the modern Orthodox calendar, Maslenitsa is mentioned in the context of continuous cheese week (the last week before the long Lent), the holiday is considered a national church holiday.

What you can’t and can’t do on Maslenitsa

Each day of Maslenitsa week has its own rituals and signs.

Maslenitsa is the last week before Lent. What can and cannot be done this week? What can be Orthodox, and what is a relic of paganism? Orthodox priests answer questions about Maslenitsa.

For believers, the beginning of Cheese Week, or Maslenitsa, reminds that the ritual for meat has already passed, but there is still a time ahead when it is allowed to eat milk, sour cream, eggs, i.e. everything except meat.

Since this week is a preparatory week before, I would like to remind you that the fun that usually accompanies it should not exceed acceptable limits, and the celebration itself should not turn into abuse or serve as a reason for sin.

In the pagan ideas of our distant, distant ancestors, it was a holiday of seeing off winter and welcoming spring. Winter was leaving irrevocably, spring was coming, a new season, a time of renewal of nature, renewal of feelings.

In the pagan world of the Slavs, this holiday was especially vividly celebrated among the people: wide celebrations were held, round dances were held, an effigy of “Maslenitsa” was burned, and rituals directly related to paganism were performed. After the Christianization of Rus' from the 10th century, the Church constantly fought against these manifestations. Centuries have passed since then, but folk ideas about Maslenitsa have retained some elements of pre-Christian beliefs.

In many places they still burn a straw effigy on Maslenitsa. Although the participants in this action do not treat it as a pagan rite, I would like to warn Orthodox people against participating in such “fun.”

It is necessary to remember what prepares us for Lent - a time of repentance, reflection on human life, what we still have to do for our spiritual improvement, in order to rejuvenate our souls... Lent is a time of exerting spiritual strength, acquiring virtues. Therefore, during widespread festivities on Maslenitsa, one must be wary of how they might interfere with preparations for fasting. Any abuse distances a person from God and from acquiring those qualities of the soul that a Christian strives for.

– The authorities promise numerous celebrations for Maslenitsa. Is it possible for Orthodox Christians to participate in them?

– Nobody says that you should not attend these festivities at all, or go there, but with a fast face. For a Christian, fun is acceptable. It is another matter that the proposed entertainment industry does not harm the human soul. We know what kind of entertainment can be that goes beyond all limits: a large amount of alcohol is consumed, which leads to unseemly and often immoral actions and sin.

–In “The Barber of Siberia” by Nikita Mikhalkov, a memorable scene of the Maslenitsa folk celebration is depicted; the Russian proverb “if you don’t sin, you don’t repent” immediately comes to mind. Does a Russian person need to go to extremes and only then repent?

– If a person does not have the spiritual and moral bonds that hold him back, then he easily falls into such unacceptable extremes, which he subsequently begins to repent and regret.

However, people change, and the mentality of our compatriots, it seems to me, is different from what was the case even a hundred years ago. Previously, people worked until they sweated, and did not get tired during the festivities. Today, many city residents are more pragmatic about everything, and especially now, during the financial crisis, they will think several times before deciding to spend part of the family budget on a holiday.

Our society is losing elements of folk tradition. This has its negative and positive sides, because folk culture and spirituality are not the same thing. The Church does its best to resist the loss or weakening of traditional spirituality, but if pagan remnants are becoming a thing of the past, that’s a completely different matter.

– What in the modern celebration of Maslenitsa reminds us of paganism? Baking pancakes?

– The attitude towards pancakes in pagan times was, of course, a reflection of the pagan worldview. The pancake even in appearance, with its golden color and shape, resembled the sun, so on the holiday of meeting the sun, on Maslenitsa, pancakes were baked.

Another thing was during the Christian period - this custom was carefully churched, one might say, “digested” by the Church in order to give it a new Christian impulse. Over time, the consumption of pancakes, pies and everything associated with Maslenitsa treats lost its pagan background. Today we can no longer say that it is unacceptable for an Orthodox Christian to eat pancakes just because this kind of treat was originally pagan.

– What can you say about the custom of jumping over a fire?

– This custom has not been preserved in all corners of our country, but it, of course, is directly related to paganism. The fact is that in the pagan world it was believed that jumping over a fire contributed to cleansing by fire from some lawlessness, sins, and misdeeds. For a pagan, in order to cleanse himself, it is enough to jump over a fire, which symbolically burns away sins. But we know very well that repentance is possible only in God, that only God can forgive sins. Therefore, the Church insists on the need to resort to the Sacrament of repentance.

The Church called on people to go to churches and repent to God, and not jump over fires, in order to receive forgiveness of their sins and be cleansed. The fact that this custom has almost disappeared speaks of the success of church preaching.

Today this tradition is not found everywhere and is preserved only as some kind of folk fun, a demonstration of daring, bravery.

– But people still burn the straw man with pleasure?

– Yes, this is the best preserved tradition, but today it is not dangerous for the Church, because for our contemporaries it has also lost its connection to paganism. The Church asks Orthodox people not to participate in the burning of the Maslenitsa effigy, so as not to support the further development of this pagan rite in its deepest content. However, among those who are present at this action, no one believes that he is participating in a pagan ritual. This is a tribute to tradition, to the past, which today has nothing to do with religion and spirituality. Rus' experienced this many centuries ago.

Burning an effigy is attractive due to its unusual nature. In real life, we don’t encounter anything like this, and suddenly, once a year, they start burning some kind of straw effigy in the squares. People are generally attracted to everything unusual. After all, pancakes can be eaten at other times of the year, but in memory of our folk traditions, we do this specifically on Maslenitsa.

– Perhaps this tradition can be churched and, as it were, translated into the channel of mercy?

- Certainly. Moreover, it would be great if our authorities thought about dedicating this holiday to helping the poor.

Let us recall the example of Saint Prince Vladimir, popularly nicknamed the “Red Sun”. He specially sent carts with food and treats around Kyiv to distribute them to poor people. Why don’t the authorities today, especially the municipal ones, organize pancake baking throughout the whole of Maslya Week to distribute them primarily where people simply need food - at train stations, at heating stations, at metro crossings. Where there are always a lot of people without a fixed place of residence, vagrants.

The moral effect and public response from this kind of help would be much higher than from all the efforts to organize a wide Maslenitsa and festivities. Participants in these festivities are already able to buy themselves not only pancakes, but also more serious things. But to help those in need...

A mobile pancake bakery is not something incredibly expensive; it does not require huge capital investments. And if such a pancake bakery were brought to an orphanage and the children were treated to pancakes with delicious filling, what a mark this treat and attention would leave in the souls of the children!

Pancake recipes for Maslenitsa 2013

Don't burn the effigy

Maslenitsa, which is called Cheese Week in the church calendar, tells us that Lent is very close and introduces us to it. There is already a ban on meat food, the sacrament of Marriage is no longer performed. In churches it is read with kneeling.

On Sunday evening it is performed in churches to enter into fasting, having made peace with everyone. It's worth preparing for all week. After all, the tradition of going to relatives for pancakes (with whom, perhaps, you didn’t really communicate) is an opportunity to get closer, to forget the grievances and discontent that have accumulated over the year.

Not only residents of Usad, but also guests from other cities and even regions come to the Maslenitsa holiday, which is organized by our parish. I think that people are attracted not only by a fun concert, a treat with pancakes, sweets, and porridge in a field kitchen, but also by something else: the opportunity to become closer to each other...

Archpriest Fyodor Krechetov

Stock up on calcium and make peace

, rector of the Church of the Great Martyr. St. George the Victorious Patriarchal Metochion in Gruziny:

Maslenitsa for an Orthodox Christian is a wise institution of the holy fathers, preparation for fasting, including in the physical plane. For example, the fact that in the last week before fasting a person consumes a lot of dairy and fish food allows his body to “stock up” on the calcium and phosphorus it needs in order to endure the upcoming feat without harm to health.

And speaking in a spiritual context: in my parents’ family there was a tradition at the end of Maslenitsa to meet with relatives and ask each other for forgiveness, bowing to the ground. Now this is not always possible: we serve in different churches... But if it is not possible to do this on Forgiveness Sunday itself (although this is very desirable), then you can meet a little earlier and make peace before fasting.

Those. The meaning of Maslenitsa is reconciliation with people, which is why there was a custom of visiting each other during this period, so that later during Lent they would repent and be reconciled with God.

Priest Sergius Zvonarev

Do not abuse

Cleric of the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity in Khoroshev, employee of the Secretariat for Relations between the Church and Society of the DECR:

Since this week is a preparatory week before Lent, I would like to remind you that the fun that usually accompanies it should not exceed acceptable limits and the celebration itself should not turn into abuse or serve as a reason for sin.

During large celebrations, one must be careful that they interfere with preparations for fasting. Any abuse distances a person from God and from acquiring those qualities of the soul that a Christian strives for.

Nobody says that you should not attend festivities at all, or go there, but with a fast face. For a Christian, fun is acceptable. It is important that the proposed entertainment industry does not harm the human soul.

Are there any regulations regulating work and labor during fasting days, and if so, what are they connected to? Can I do household chores, etc.? The question applies to both long-term and one-day fasts.

The rules of Christian piety presuppose a reverent attitude towards revered holidays, which is expressed, among other things, in the refusal of everyday work. The word “holiday” itself comes from the adjective “idle,” that is, free from any care. However, such reverence should not be excessive and should not extend to matters that cannot be done without. The Lord Jesus Christ more than once pointed out to the Jews, for whom the veneration of the Sabbath implied the renunciation of even such innocent activities as plucking ears of corn or walking a considerable distance, that such an attitude towards the holiday was not pleasing to God.

An Orthodox person, honoring a holiday, should give up only those things that he can do on another day, but not those that need to be done today. Household chores that are not a sin to perform on holidays include, for example, cooking, caring for the sick, feeding pets, and correcting emergency situations. But washing clothes, repairs, cleaning the home, and punishing children should be rescheduled for another day. At the same time, the time freed from work should not be spent on activities that are not good for the soul: drinking, card games, gossip and watching television series, but, on the contrary, should be used for prayer, spiritual communication, and reading books.

Days of fasting, with the exception of those that are holidays (Exaltation, Palm Sunday, sometimes the Annunciation, the Beheading of John the Baptist, etc.), on the contrary, should be filled with work, which at the same time acquires a special ascetic value.

Is it possible to eat soy products during Lent?

Answered by priest Mikhail Vorobiev, rector of the temple in honor of the Exaltation of the Honest
and the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord in Volsk:

Since soybean is a legume, then, of course, there is no reason to refuse to eat those foods on fasting days where it is present in its natural form. However, the taste characteristics of soy allow it to be used to imitate products of animal origin, from soy mayonnaise and “milk” to soy cutlets and “sausages.” As you know, the meaning of fasting is not the formal exclusion of animal products from the diet, but the renunciation of sensual pleasures. Therefore, eating soy goulash during Lent means not understanding the meaning of Lent or, even worse, trying, like the ancient Pharisees, to deceive yourself and God.

I always thought that Maslenitsa is when they eat pancakes and have fun. What is Maslenitsa from the point of view of Orthodoxy?

Answered by priest Mikhail Vorobiev, rector of the temple in honor of the Exaltation of the Honest
and the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord in Volsk:

Maslenitsa is the colloquial name for Cheese Week, the last week before Lent. In its continuation, they do not eat meat, but they can eat fish and dairy products. This week is continuous, fasting is canceled on Wednesday and Friday.

This preparatory week for Lent is dedicated in the Christian sense to one goal - reconciliation with neighbors, forgiveness of offenses, preparation for the repentant path to God - this is the Christian component of Maslenitsa. Maslenitsa is a time that should be devoted to good communication with loved ones, family, and friends.

The Church calls to remember that at no time should you have fun while losing your head and conscience.

“Of course, Maslenitsa is a time when, traditionally, people go to visit and socialize over a meal. But you should not destroy yourself by drunkenness or dangerous games at any time, especially during this penitential week, which prepares a person for Lent,” notes Archpriest Vsevolod Chaplin, deputy chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate.

Lenten services begin to be held in churches. On Wednesday and Friday the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated, the Lenten prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian is read: “Lord and Master of my life, do not give me the spirit of idleness, despondency, covetousness and idle talk! Grant me the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to your servant. To her, Lord the King, grant me to see my sins and not condemn my brother, for blessed are you forever and ever. Amen". This prayer is repeated many times during all Lenten services.

The last Sunday before the start of Lent is called the Church Week of Cheese (since it is on this day that the consumption of dairy products ends), or Forgiveness Sunday.

On this day, after the evening service, a special rite of forgiveness is performed in churches, when clergy and parishioners mutually ask each other for forgiveness in order to enter Lent with a pure soul, reconciling with all their neighbors.

Why, when we fast, do we not eat, for example, meat, eggs, milk, etc.? Did the Lord command to abstain from these particular foods, or did the Holy Fathers establish it?

Protodeacon Mikhail Belikov, clergyman of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, answers:

Fasting is a time of spiritual cleansing and sanctification, a time of abstinence from passions and sins and exercise in virtues, changing oneself for the better, a time of spiritual improvement. One of the important means to achieve these goals since ancient times has been abstinence in food. Fasting was established back in Eden: the Lord forbids the first people to eat certain fruits. There are many indications of fasting in the Old Testament: Moses fasted on Sinai for 40 days, Elijah, the prophets, David, and the mother of the prophet Samuel fasted. The Israelis fasted on days of national disaster. Christian fasts were established primarily in imitation of Jesus Christ, who fasted for 40 days, and the holy apostles (Acts. 10 , 9, 30; Rome. 13 , 14; 1 Cor. 9 , 27; 2 Cor. 6 , 4-5; Col. 3 , 5).

There are no direct instructions in the Holy Scriptures regarding the prohibition of eating meat during fasting, but the fact that in the Old Testament they abstained from meat during fasting can be seen from indirect instructions: Moses, for example, during his fast I didn’t eat bread or drink water(Ex. 34 , 28), not to mention meat. The ancient agricultural peoples rarely ate meat, mainly on holidays, so, naturally, eating meat could not be permissible during fasting. The first Christians adopted Jewish Lenten customs. Until approximately the 4th-5th centuries, the main criterion for fasting was not so much the type of food as the frequency and time of eating. During fasting, they ate food once a day in the evening, and on some days they did not eat at all and did not even drink water.

The commandment about not eating meat, eggs and milk during fasting is based on the ancient tradition of the Church and is formalized as a law in the rules of the holy apostles, holy fathers and in the decrees of the Ecumenical and Local Councils.

Through fasting, we strive to achieve the state of bliss and perfection in which our forefathers lived in Eden, and the Creator originally blessed Adam and Eve in Eden to eat tree fruits and plants (Gen. 1 , 29). Meat food is inappropriate during fasting because it is heavy, leads to heated blood and satiety, which contributes to the arousal of sinful passions.

During Lent, we mourn and try to overcome our sins and realize that it was human sins that brought the Lord to Golgotha, where he, as the Lamb of God, accepted the slaughter on the Cross, and therefore, in a symbolic sense, we refuse to eat the food of “the slain”, that is, animals that have undergone violent death, and we also do not eat the derivatives of “hardened” ones - eggs and milk.

We read that on Athos it is blessed to eat seafood (squid, shrimp, etc.) during Lent, since they are not meat or fish. Can they really be eaten during fasting?

Hieromonk Bartholomew (Denisov), cleric of the Bishop's Compound-Church in honor of the Icon of the Mother of God “Quench My Sorrows” answers:

That’s right, in most Athonite monasteries, on Saturdays and Sundays it is allowed to eat the seafood you listed during Lent. A similar tradition exists in some of our Russian monasteries. I think that even more so this permission can extend to the laity. However, it is always worth remembering that the first and Holy Weeks of Great Lent, as well as Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, are days of strict abstinence, on which it is not allowed to eat not only seafood, but even vegetable oil.

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Myasopust, Zvonchaty, Wedding with a pine tree, Carnival - all these are the names of one holiday among different peoples. We used to call it simply Maslenitsa. This is the border between winter and spring. After Maslenitsa ends, Lent begins. The main task of which is to prepare people for Easter.

A little bit of history

Maslenitsa is the usual popular name that we usually use, but in reality this period is called Cheese Week. The origins of this celebration go back to pagan times. In pre-Christian Rus', this holiday was dedicated to the day of Fun lasted for 14 days. In those days, Maslenitsa was distinguished by its special freedom: booths were held, village residents gathered together to greet each other and have a noisy time. Women, children, teenagers chose high slides and organized sledding, all this was accompanied by cheerful laughter. Men preferred to compete with their relatives and neighbors, and organized sports competitions and fist fights.

Every housewife considered it her duty to prepare as much delicious food as possible. Particular attention was paid to pancakes; they were prepared with different fillings. It was not for nothing that this dish was chosen as the symbol of the holiday.

In anticipation of spring, people wanted to attract as much sunlight as possible. The pancake fits the role of a heavenly body - just as yellow and hot. With the adoption of Christianity, many pagan holidays were abolished. But they still decided to leave Maslenitsa, although the time of fun shifted and became smaller. This was done in order not to violate the rules of Lent.

According to church canons

Answering the question: “Cheese week - what is it?” - we can say that this is a major Christian holiday, which is considered a harbinger of Lent. It is celebrated seven weeks before Easter. People called this period - Meat Empty. This is because it was forbidden to eat meat products. During this period, the diet consisted of eggs, butter and dairy products. For believers and church ministers, Cheese Week is especially important; it is the starting point for preparation for Lent. Christians, in addition to abstaining from meat, must observe special strictness in their behavior. You cannot give in to fun, entertainment and revelry.

Modern celebration

Today many do not adhere to church canons. They believe that Cheese Week (Maslenitsa) is just another reason for fun and relaxation from everyday work.

Maslenitsa week

It was believed that Maslenitsa should be celebrated cheerfully and on a grand scale. It was believed that in this way one could attract good luck for the next year. It is worth noting that each day of Cheese Week has its own role. During the week it was necessary to perform special rituals.

The seven days are divided into narrow and wide Maslenitsa.

First half

Monday. On this day, in the morning, all housewives began to work; it was also special for young girls preparing to get married. We met the matchmakers, discussed the wedding menu and made a guest list. Married women went to their parents, and the next morning the husband came to visit them along with his relatives.

The pancakes that were baked first were distributed to the poor and homeless, and they, in turn, had to pray for their deceased relatives. Residents of several settlements met, chose especially snowy places, and brought pancakes and tea with them. During the festivities, they built a scarecrow that personified the passing winter. They dressed him up in old clothes and rode him on a sleigh. In this way they paid tribute to the winter months. Closer to night, the scarecrow was installed in a prominent place - near the village or in the city center. This day is called the Meeting.

Tuesday. On this day, fairs and visiting trips were organized. Brides were held among young people, and after Lent it was possible to have a wedding. The future husband and wife were supposed to spend all this time together. The guys made their girls laugh, rode on snow slides and sang songs of praise. They tried to show their skills in preparing various dishes that they treated to the future grooms.

Wednesday. This day of the week was dedicated to family. The housewives were setting a large table. If a son-in-law came to visit, he had to be carefully looked after, shown signs of special attention, so that he felt like a dear guest. If there had been disagreements before, this was the best day to make up. Large tables were also set on the street; this united village residents and helped settle previous disagreements.

Second half of Maslenitsa

Thursday. It was the noisiest and most fun of Maslenitsa. The housewives completed all the housework. Cheese Week was an indicator of how cheerful and friendly the Slavic people were. They came up with all sorts of games and ideas: dizzying slides, swings, carousels. Pancake eating competition. Men could show their strength, courage and resourcefulness - during comic defenses and captures of snow castles. People believed that by jumping over the fire, they helped the sun gain strength and quickly drive away the cold winter.

On Thursday they had fist fights and revered Veles - this is the god who protects domestic animals. That is why the first pancakes of this day were fed to horses and cows.

Friday. This day was dedicated to my mother-in-law. The sons-in-law invited them to visit them, treated them and showed all their respect. On the eve of Friday, the mother-in-law handed over food and dishes so that pancakes could be prepared. It was cow butter, a ladle and a frying pan. If one of the parties did not fulfill its part of the responsibilities, this caused hostility and quarrels.

Saturday. This day was called Sister-in-law's gatherings. The bride gathered all her husband's relatives, but special attention was paid to her sister-in-law, her husband's sister. She had to get ready and present a gift to the hostess. The young wife treated the guests to various dishes, once again proving her skills. If the girl was unmarried, she invited her friends to visit. Representatives of the fair sex who were engaged gave gifts to their relatives.

Last day of Cheese Week

Sunday. On this day, Cheese Week ended. The celebrations were coming to an end as well. One of the traditions of this day is whistling. For this purpose, whistles made in the shape of birds were used. Thus, people called on the birds to return to their native lands.

When meeting, people bowed low to each other and for all the insults and omissions. They lit fires, driving away winter and inviting spring. The central event of the day was the burning of the effigy. The remains of holiday food were thrown to him. After the fire, only ashes remained, which people collected and scattered in their fields or rivers. They believed that this would help awaken the sleeping earth.

They cleaned houses and prepared for the main holiday - Easter. During the whole evening we could approach the table seven times. And finally, gather together with the whole family to live in harmony for the next year.

Then it was not removed, it was covered with a tablecloth and sheep fur. Before sunset it was necessary to visit the cemetery to pay tribute to the dead. Pancakes were left on the graves. On Sunday they drank very little and went to bed before midnight.

Keeping the fast

Cheese week: what can you eat? In the Christian Church this week is also called Meat Week. For the reason that the presence of meat in food is completely excluded. Eating pancakes with cheese during this fast is encouraged, and therefore it is called Cheese Week. The diet these days is simple: dairy products, fish, eggs.

Marital duty during Maslenitsa

Many married couples who observe fasting have a question about whether it is allowed by the church on Cheese Week. The week of Maslenitsa itself is not a strict fast. On the one hand, meat is not allowed, but on the other, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, butter are allowed. Then it follows that the absence of a married couple getting married in a church does not imply the need for abstinence on these days. If a man and woman are Orthodox Christians, then they can make a decision here after consulting with a spiritual mentor.

Maslenitsa in 2015

Cheese Week in 2015 fell from February 16 to February 22. Preparations for Maslenitsa must begin in advance. They clean all rooms.

If there is a stove in the house, it must be completely put in order, cleaned, and whitened. Also, every housewife should stock up on flour, butter, eggs and various sweets during the holiday.

In March, fasting begins after Maslenitsa, which is reckless and cheerful. It will last, and during all these 7 weeks the canons of the Church prescribe fairly strict abstinence from food. The meaning of Fasting, however, is not to limit oneself in food: it is, first of all, cleansing the body, physical and spiritual, humbling one’s own passions, desires and thoughts.

Not everyone can, and everyone does not need to, fast as the Church Charter commands: this is for priests and monks. Eating once a day, after sunset, is not for the laity. But even loose observance of Lent is quite a strong test for the body, especially one that is not accustomed to denying itself anything. And if a person is firmly determined to observe fasting, then one should concentrate not on thoughts about food, but on the fact that this is a time for improving one’s own spirit.

How to eat during fasting?

Essentially, the rules are simple: you can eat everything healthy and you can’t eat anything harmful, that is, heavy food, mainly animal food. Today the situation is made easier by the fact that many cafes and even restaurants have appeared around offering Lenten dishes. The question, however, is whether they can be trusted: it’s not that they are deceiving, but this food may contain, due to the ignorance of those who prepared it, various additives, the so-called food “chemicals,” and these are also prohibited. It's better to rely on yourself.

So what can you eat? Many things, for example:

Of course, the list is not complete. This is, of course, a post, but with even minimal imagination, the daily menu can be made interesting and varied, not to mention useful.

But even with the obvious benefits of lean foods, fasting is highly discouraged for pregnant women and children under 14 years of age. This also includes patients and those recovering from serious illnesses. In principle, it is recommended to prepare even a healthy body during the year so that when Maslenitsa ends, fasting does not cause harm.

Train the body

Such training is not much different from medical advice. Arrange fasting days for yourself, distributed more or less evenly throughout the year: on these days it is advisable to become a vegetarian. Reduce alcohol consumption in general, and try not even drinking beer with vegetarian food. Preparation is very necessary, because an immediate refusal of the usual animal food can aggravate the sores lurking inside the body and give rise to new ones.

Reduce your coffee consumption, especially instant coffee, but there is no need to give up altogether. If there is not enough fish on the daily menu, try to add it. And any kind, even canned. Seafood, in the form of lobsters, crayfish and all kinds of oysters, is also welcome, especially if the family budget allows it. In general, if a person is fasting for the first time, then it is better to give up only meat, leaving, for example, eggs.