Hello to all! Today the Russian and Ukrainian people celebrate the second day of Maslenitsa. According to the old tradition, this day was called “zaigrysh” and considered to be a day of outdoor winter activities, a game day for young and old. The motto of Maslenitsa Tuesday is “Be Active This Day!” Say “yes” to long winter walks, sledding, skating or making a bizarre snowman. Delicious hot crepes are highly recommended to be eaten after all these activities!

The second Maslenitsa day was believed a day for youths, that is why Maslenitsa Tuesday is also called “Be Young Again”. From the old days people celebrated this day by having a fun. The word “zaigrysh” is closely connected to the Russian word “igry” that means “games” in English, so the connotation of “zaigrysh” is rather “flirty” or “making advances”. Yes, Russian brides were flirty and men were making advances and courted them by inviting to sleigh riding or different shows. By the way, Maslenitsa Tuesday was also famous as the official beginning of such shows – there were bear shows, puppet shows and, of course, well-known skomorokh plays. Bear shows were no doubt considered to be one of the most authentic Russian pastimes. This was all segments of Russian populations’ favorite fun – bears could dance to the sounds of music, perform many tricks as well as bear-fighting and bear-baiting. There were bear shows when bear acted like people imitating housewives or soldiers.

Puppet plays and skomorokh shows are also to be mentioned. The huge entertainment pavilions offered traditional Russian hand puppet shows with Petrushka the marionette, Punch and Judy analogue. The medieval harlequins called skomorokhs, also entertained the people by dancing, playing various musical instruments, singing and performing short comical plays. The custom to have a good time on Maslenitsa Tuesday was rather popular: people weared carnival masks and costumes, travelled from house to house and organized concerts, sledding and riding troikas. Oh, by the way – Maslenitsa Tuesday was especially appreciated by men – they could kiss any passing lady during this day. What a wonderful custom, isn’t it?