Blessed Be :: Baby Rituals from Russia

 Today drink slowly, even if it's just tea;

Sing loudly, even if toddler songs (yes, I can't get them out of my head!);
Dance till you drop, invite your children;
And... Make pancakes!

Tomorrow is the last day from Maslenitsa week! And this is Russia joining the rest of the world celebrating the end of Winter (oh this is real, it's happening, Spring is coming soon!).

Pancakes (or crepes) are called bliny in Russia, and the round and golden shape and color are chosen to honor the Sun. They are made from butter (actually the name of the festival has its roots in the Russian word for butter, “maslo"), eggs and milk. And these are the rich foods still allowed by the Orthodox tradition this week before the upcoming Lenten celebrations, the time for fast.

In Russia during this time there is:
Sunday of forgiveness;
Burning of the winter;
And the forbidden foods...
Go ahead, take advantage and ‪#‎createnewfamilytraditions‬ around this.

I love the Sunday of forgiveness idea... Maybe share pancakes with the family, your own parents... Your inlaws... Add this to your ‪#‎sacredrituals‬ .
Did you know Russian Matryoska dolls are a symbol of our ancestors? Yes, the daughter inside the mother, inside the grandmother, inside the great grandmother... I just love the way it honors matriarchal lineage. And have you noticed Matryoska doll are more and more present like patterns in clothes and house items, as a trend? Yes, it is the return of the ancestors.

Happy Maslenitsa everyone!