At the moment we have an exhibition at the Royal Academy
entitled “Revolution: Russian Art 1917 – 1932” which is being widely marketed.
 |
| Shrovetide (1916) by Boris Kustodiev |
So seeing Wikipedia’s picture of the day 12th February
2017 caused me to take note more intently and look further than I might otherwise
have done.
This quick search gave me the content for this post … with a few
creative additions … who could not resist Boris Kustodiev’s (1878 – 1927) “Shrovetide”
painting and want to know more … ?
 |
| Maslenitsa (1878) by Leonid Solomatkin |
… I had never heard of ‘Maslenitsa’ or the last week of
Shrovetide … an Eastern Slavic (particularly Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian)
religious and folk holiday celebrated during the last week before Great Lent,
also known as Butter Week, Crepe Week, or Cheesefare Week … of as you might
expect pagan tradition.
Then the next link on Kustodiev’s art work is to Shrovetide –
hence the title of the post … here we learn more of the Christian pre-Lenten
Season.
 |
| Shrove Tuesday: Pieter Brueghel the Elder, "The Fight Between Carnival and Lent" (1559) |
To many of us this means pancake day … the last day before
Lent and Ash Wednesday (tomorrow) when we keep to a fast … in today’s age we
are meant to eat frugally … but in earlier times the extras were meant to be
used up: so having lots of pancakes helped the extra milk, butter, flour,
sugar, eggs to go down … the larder is now sparse … until Easter – six weeks
hence.
 |
| Kustodiev- a self-portrait (1912) |
So this one Wiki picture of the day introduced me to a Russian
artist – Kustodiev, who has a fascinating history (do read – positivity here
for all his challenges) … while his paintings totally enamour me, and I hope
you.
Gave me and you a post on folk traditions of Maslenitsa
(Butter Week) … also very well worth reading, with some other amazing artists
being shown.
 |
| A Polish priest sprinkling ashes on the heads of worshippers |
Then Shrovetide is our last day of feasting before Ash
Wednesday tomorrow … when fasting, abstinence from meat, and repentance are
followed at the beginning of Lent.
Many are not so disciplined now-a-days … but it is good to
remember the days of the past and the reasons for these religious seasonal
occasions.
 |
| English pancakes with sugar and lemon |
So if you are having pancakes – do enjoy them, remember our
ancestors with their practices, and perhaps learn a little more about some
artists, Ukrainian and Russian folklore …
… and if you are living in medieval times … then this is the
required day for confessing our sins … or if you live in the Netherlands it is
the Dutch tradition to eat salted herring on Ash Wednesday to conclude the
Carnival …
 |
| English scones with Cornish Cream and Strawberry Jam |
It is also a time to make us think … as well as to enjoy our English
pancakes, English scones, Scottish drop scones, latkes or boxty (in famine
times made very simply with raw grated potato) … different names for ‘similar’
items … per my previous post on Boxty ...
Happy Pancake Day and take time to appreciate Kustodiev's paintings ... this page will take you to the others mentioned.
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
65 comments:
Those last couple of pix made me feel like eating, Hilary. The pancakes are very thin, like crepes. I like my pancakes thin like those and have had them with icing sugar and lemon. Very good. I also am fond of scones, coming from the southern US where I grew up eating biscuits (like scones, not like the english biscuits/cookies) The detail in those images of paintings would make me want to know more. There's always something to learn. Enjoyed this!
My knowledge in Russian painters are rather limited ! In Germany too sour herrings are the meal on Ash Wednesday, still today, while in the Netherlands they don't even celebrate Carnival anymore. As a tradition in Belgium and France pancakes are made on Feb 2 (St. Chandeleur) you have to try to turn them by throwing them up in the air, therefore sometimes they get stuck at the ceiling, lol !
A good reason to eat pancakes, I say! That just might be for lunch today. Thank you for the reminder, Hilary.
I spent many Easters with my Ukrainian grandparents - including the beautiful and (to my younger self) long church services - but never thought much about the earlier celebrations/traditions.
Well, as you know, I am planning a pancake (English style) dish for this evening. I might make a dessert of the remaining pancake mix.
Interesting history - never heard of Maslenitsa either. Some wonderful paintings you have included. I have one complaint, you picture scones and cream and you know I can't get decent cream here, howl.
Fat Tuesday here, a prelenten pancake day. I had an egg and ham with mine.I always wonder why I crave pancakes today, seems many cultures partake. Think I will make some crepe batter for chicken crepes tonight.Mardi Gras has a Shrovetide and I never knew what it was about.
@ DG- I needed to clarify a scone and a pancake (a British one ... with lemon and sugar for pancake day!) ... as you say icing sugar is good too. Interesting 'biscuits' are like our scones - this etymology 'lark' is quite difficult to get around sometimes! But now I know.
The paintings are brilliant aren't they - couldn't resist posting them.
@ Gattina - my knowledge of Russian art is minimal too - still by elaborating here I add microscopic amounts to my knowledge! Ok - sour herrings in Germany, but the Dutch don't celebrate any more ... and St Chandeleur well the only explanation I can find is in French ... which stretches me a lot! But the whole event sounds similar ...
@ Lynn - yes, I agree, especially if you've a family to feed - suspect I won't get any pancakes today ... another day perhaps ...
@ Annalisa - oh yes the Church services are long aren't they - but how interesting you have Ukrainian origins ... I hope you'll start to add to your Ukrainian knowledge now? Fascinating to hear about ...
@ Jo - yes I saw that: so enjoy your pancake supper. I hadn't heard of much of this either ... but was delighted it was relatively easy to transfer into a post - and I so loved Kustodiev's art ... and thus finding out about the traditions around Maslenitsa ...
I'm sorry re the scone with Cornish cream ... I needed to show what our scones are like ... and our thin pancakes with lemon and sugar served on Pancake day ...
@ Karen - am happy to read the post was enjoyed .. and I know food always entices and makes the mouth water ...
@ Steve - Fat Tuesday - an easier name to remember perhaps. The egg and ham pancake sounds good ... I don't often eat ham and eggs ... but my mouth is now watering! Yes the religious element has crept across our countries and culture ... Mardi Gras too ... well I enlightened myself about Shrovetide ...
Cheers everyone enjoy your pancakes today ... Hilary
As I said elsewhere, definitely looking forward to pancakes tonight! Thanks for the interesting background info.
Pancake day, eh? Another thing I've never heard of. Ash Wednesday I'm familiar with, but it generally takes me by surprise. I'm a lapsed Catholic, so I don't really pay attention anymore.
Happy Pancake Day, Hilary! Your introduction of Kustodiev's art was such an enchanting treat - especially the Blue House and the portrait of his wife - that it eases the disappointment of not having pancakes ;-)
I learned something new today. Our pancakes are a little different but just as tasty.
I've always been fascinated by Shrove and Lent. When I was little, I would give something up for Lent for fun because my friend did. lol I knew I should've had pancakes this morning!
I agree, it's definitely good to remember the reasons for these traditions. Some wonderful paintings here - I really like "Shrovetide", it gives a warm feeling despite depicting a winter scene. I'm also more a fan of scones than pancakes, and the last picture made my mouth water!
No pancakes for me today sadly, but I did have one on Sunday instead! I plan to give up chocolate again for Lent this year.
My favorite is the self-portrait! Those famous big furry Russian hats are so cool. My brother in law has one from his travels.
Of course in New Orleans they are letting the good times roll today. I'm so used to thinking of carnevals and festivities around this time from New Orleans and Rio and other excotic places, so it is very interesting to learn about traditions from Eastern countries. And, of course, there's nothing better than scones. In Sweden we eat something called Fet tisdags (fat Tuesday) bullar (rolls), or semlor. Haven't thought of them for a long, long time.
I love the Shrovetide painting. When we lived in Western Maryland, instead of eating pancakes before Lent, they had "fastnachts," which were doughnuts without a hole in the middle.
Love,
Janie
Thank you for the history lesson about Shrovetide. I had heard of Shrove Tuesday and the pancake race. But I never heard of the week before Lent having a name. Again, I say thank you.
I love pancakes. Had I know, I would've made some this morning. We did have pancakes last Saturday.
Mmm. Pancakes. Wish I requested them for dinner tonight. Instead Ray is grilling. We are not religious at all, so shall not give up anything or repent. Heathens carry on. But good post!!
I don't know why, but I've never been a fan of pancakes. They taste kinda moldy to me. I'd like to think there is some negative experience in my childhood to explain this taste anomaly, but I can't remember one. However those scones, and IHop crepes, make me hungry for a midnight snack.
Those are awesome paintings. So homey actually. And I love how you present interesting information so much more intriguing than wikipedia or other sources. I am sorry I do not show up more frequently, but I always learn something fascinating when I read your posts.
Thank you Hilary.
@ Anabel – it is the day of the year when we expect pancakes isn’t it … glad you enjoyed the background info …
@ Liz – these are part of our calendar/Christian year … I’m not very religious … but these sorts of historical timings creep in and follow us around as the months and religious festivals ‘tell’ us the passing of the year … eg Easter.
@ Diedre – thank you … if I’d had pancakes it’d have been even better! But am delighted the art met with your approval – I thought his paintings are just beautiful – and the Blue House and his wife with their dog are lovely ones … good idea re the disappointment!
@ Alex – yes the pancakes, scones et al … all vary in name and look don’t they – but all are tasty!
@ Chrys – Shrove Tuesday and Lent come at a time of the year – when the weather is still dark and cold, but things are changing. Many people stop smoking, or drinking or eating chocolate over lent … it can help in that respect. Sorry about you missing out on the pancakes …
@ Nick – yes you’re English, like me, and we seem to remember these traditional times more easily. Aren’t the art works wonderful – amazing … considering his condition (paraplegic). I’m trying to get everyone to realise the differences in different countries re names of things … so keep showing the photos! Actually I could do with a pancake now!!
@ Suzanne – oh ok … you had your pancakes over the weekend – that makes sense … no more chocolate – good for you.
@ Betsy – Kustodiev’s self-portrait is wonderful isn’t it – and yes those hats and clothes are indicative of that part of the world in winter … Lucky b-in-law to have travelled so much …
@ Inger – yes New Orleans do let the good times roll – I’ve never been … one day perhaps! I’d never heard of your Swedish Fet-tisdags … but Steve here (Out on the Prairie) in the comments mentioned ‘Fat Tuesday’ … and another blogger posted about Semla – they sound very delicious … especially as they have marzipan in them!! The Eastern tradition … I still get muddled over – but a little bit more knowledge sinks in …
@ Janie – isn’t that Shrovetide painting beautiful … this post is a bit of a mixture of eastern Christian-Orthodox aspects. Your fastnachts – sound like the Fat Tuesdays mentioned above … and Semla – per Wiki …
@ Quietspirit – glad you enjoyed the post … this post covers some eastern religious traditions as well as our own Christian ones – a lot of change happened in history …
@ Diane – I know – pancakes would suit you … as they’re vegetarian. Glad you had them at the weekend though …
@Joanne – well another day for that request – a little late but still good to eat! Having a grill sounds good – even at this hour of the day … another coffee is due! We choose our own path now – don’t we …
@ Donna – it’s a pleasure giving you posts with different and interesting content – not following the formulaic way of presenting information … I’m not quite sure how I got to this decision … but it seems to suit one and all and me writing up the posts! Thank you.
Crepes would be good for a midnight snack … I love pancakes – perhaps I really should try and find myself one!
Thanks so much everyone for adding to the conversation ... so good to see you all – enjoy the rest of the week – cheers Hilary
I can't remember the last time I had pancakes - probably when the kids were small. Somehow, the traditional events that marked the passing year have slipped through our increasingly secular fingers...which is a pity. It is fascinating, comparing different customs, though - thanks, Hilary; great job, as usual!! PS I'd never heard of Kustodiev, I'm afraid; self-confessed art philistine.
I am not involved in any of these activities and I only see Easter as being a pseudo lunar festival, it being dated by the first full moon that comes after the Spring Equinox and held on the nearest Sunday.
Which when look at makes the dating look rather spurious or questionable...
looked
Ah, Lent! My religious practise has slipped somewhat so my Lenten resolution is to get back to Church regularly. I have enjoyed reading this post and I've discovered a new painter too.
I LOVE old paintings. They always make me wonder about the artist, their life, and why they chose to share that particular vision. I don't do lent, but I do fast. A true fast--no food or water for 24 hours. Once a month. That's enough for me. =)
What gorgeous painting. I love the colors across the snow. Happy Pancake Day to you too! (I now know what I'm making for dinner tonight. :) )
Thanks for this informative post, Hilary! I found you on Karen Lange's blog--so great to meet you! I am an American humor/inspirational writer.
Happy 1st Day of Lent,
Jen
In the picture, those English pancakes look a little like French crepes, and a LOT like something I'd like to eat! No pancakes for us last night, but I might have to consider that for next year.
Ohmygosh, Hilary! The paintings are beautiful. I always learn something wonderful when I visit your blog.
Unfortunately, today is Ash Wednesday and I'm supposed to be fasting...and my tongue is hanging out looking at the beautiful foods you have displayed here. Rats! I can't wait for my one meal today. I've also heard the day before Lent called "Fat Tuesday" because in older times, during Lent people were not supposed to have any meat products or fats. Yikes! I gave up cakes, cookies and candy for Lent. That's enough. All best to you, my dear!
@ Mike – have to say I don’t have pancakes that often – especially the delicious lemon and sugar ones – something I miss! Yes we do forget so much of the traditions that were so important as we grew up – you’re right about the secular aspects too.
No Mike – I didn’t know about Kustodiev but seeing the art work on 12th February I couldn’t resist using the painting in Shrovetide’s post … also reading Fermor’s books I’m ‘garnering in’ some more knowledge … I join you in as a self-confessed philistine – but if I can find something that’s easy to write about and increase my knowledge …
@ Mel – I appreciate your view … but most of us have grown up within the Church and so have some knowledge of the traditions … but know you think otherwise …
@ Maria – yes I think many of us fall in with you … and I still only go to Church on occasions … but hope you stick to your resolution. Glad you enjoyed the new painter … his story is fascinating …
@ Crystal – I hope you get a chance to see Kustodiev’s story on Wiki … a fascinating one. I’m afraid Lent went when I left school … but good for you for fasting once a month … I couldn’t do without my water. Impressive.
@ Christine – isn’t the painting just lovely … I didn’t get pancakes – next year perhaps. Glad I inspired your dinner selection today!
@ Jen – thank you so much for coming over and letting me know where you found me – always helpful. I hope you can be inspired by this blog … humour doesn’t abounding here … but some interactive type comments do. Just delighted you enjoyed the post.
@ Susan – they are similar to French crepes … but pancakes are our version … especially with lemon and sugar! I hope you remember for next year …
@ Victoria – so glad you appreciate Kustodiev’s art work and the others … and am delighted you enjoy being here …
I know I’m afraid I’m not being a very good Ash Wednesday proponent … enjoy that meal later on. I hadn’t come across the term ‘Fat Tuesday’ – or been aware of it … yes Lent is meant to be quite austere food wise. Well done for giving up those cakes, cookies and candies … it is enough, I agree.
Well done to you all – and thanks so much for visiting … take care … Hilary
Ooh I love that Shrovetide painting. I can see why it intrigued you so much. And now we all learned lots from your investigations! :D
I think I would like English pancakes more than I like our pancakes. I like our version, but the picture you shared of the English pancakes looks fantastic! Lemon and sugar? Yum.
I don't do Lent or Easter, but I don't feel that means I have to miss out on Pancake Day. I like making them, drizzling with lemon and sprinkling with sugar, the rolling them up before repeating the drizzling and sprinkling. The best bit though is definitely the eating.
Hi Hilary
Beautiful paintings. I didn't know any of that. The lemon and sugar pancakes look a lot like crepes to me. They also look mighty delicious.
Cheers,
Nancy
I love the sky in that first painting. There are many modern day things people do for lent. A lot of my students would give up something such as sweets, TV, or something they would miss.
hi grandblogmom!
i never heard of Shrovetide or Maslenitsa. more new info for me. for sure i know about pancakes. yum! i looked at Kustodiev's paintings and really like them. lots of color. his paintings are kind of like impressionism. it's amazing he became a paraplegic and still kept on painting. he was only 49 when he died of tuberulosis. sad. thanks for another interesting post.
...love and hugs
As a Russian Culture major in college, I love what you are posting. I got more into the books (i.e., Dostoevsky) and icons, but I have a full book of the artwork. It definitely portrays the soul of the Russian people.
I'm not strong on Russian painters but those pancakes remind me of the ones my Polish mum-in-law used to make. A little bit of heaven.
Well, Hilary, your post did two things: it made me appreciate Shrovetide and it also made me hungry. Have a great week!
I'm hungry now, Hilary, and it's all your fault :).
Left you a message on FB, please check!
Damyanti
I do enjoy a good pancake now and then. Yum.
Hey Hilary. Finally have some wifi but only tonight. Thanks for visiting my post. Your pics made me SO hungry as I'm due for dinner. Love pancakes. Can't wait for winter to enjoy one! Or several!
@ Julie – I certainly couldn’t resist posting the Shrovetide painting – it is beautiful isn’t it. Thin English pancakes with lemon and sugar – the advantage … they’re thin and therefore we can eat lots!! Well I used to years ago!
@ Patsy – I enjoy some of the symbolism and remembering our roots and then the history that brings in new stories and adds to our layers. Absolutely - you have the right way to eat them … so so good!
@ Nancy – I just found the artists interesting … while pancake day has always been ‘a thing’ since my youth … so combined the two … glad you enjoyed the post, though
@ Susan – isn’t the painting glorious; and yes we can all give up something for Lent … many do …
@ Lenny – once again you’re here – that’s lovely to see. Also you picked up the salient points re Kustodiev and his positivity to life, despite his paralysis … and he did die young – very sad. I’m happy you enjoyed the post and had a good look around at the other links …
@ Jacqui – did you study Russian – well then you certainly will understand more. I’m afraid I never got into Russian authors … War and Peace (Tolstoy), Dr Zhivago (Pasternak) yes via their ‘media’ links … geography and history mostly fails me too – but I pick up snippets of information and to add those to my limited knowledge base – as here. Dostoyevsky and his Crime and Punishment, and Brothers Karamazov.
The paintings must portray the peoples – and there was a lot of cultural exchange in the 1600s onwards …
@ LD – nor am I strong on Russian painters – but needed to post about this artwork. Fascinating you’ve got a Polish MIL – as you say definitely pancakes can be a little bit of heaven!
@ Elsie – that’s great: thank you. I’ve certainly come to appreciate a little more by writing up this post – and yes I’m even making myself hungry!
@ Damyanti – I’ll be over and will reply – thank you. Sorry about the hunger aspects of the post …
@ Lynda – we all seem to enjoy pancakes … good to go!
@ Denise – thanks for visiting while on your trip – hope your dinner matches up to the temptation of pancakes! Yes probably pancakes in winter are better than in summer …
Cheers to you all – wonderful sunny day here (at long last) – a change from the wind and rain … I now need to learn more about Russian culture … and thank you for your visits and comments - Hilary
Beautiful artwork! It's definitely an intriguing time period and at once so foreign and familiar:)
SO interesting and so many ways of celebrating Easter. My daughter made some pancakes on Tuesday. :-)
Greetings from London.
I didn't know about the using up of ingredients until earlier today when a friend mentioned it, and now you've told me again! As I write this your picture of scones jam and cream is looking at me. That's cruel! By the way, do you like yours the Cornish way or Devonian style where the jam goes on top!
thank you for opening the door on Russian artists Hilary, and for those mouth-watering pictures of pancakes & scones.
@ Mark - yes I loved the paintings ... and the time period: I add a little more to my knowledge - thankfully ...
@ ACIL - glad you enjoyed it ... and how lovely to have a daughter making you pancakes ... I'm sure I did that too - years ago!
@ Keith - yes they conformed to the religious festivals more than we do today - though some traditions stay on - even if only in memory.
Sorry about the scones and pancakes ... it's the pancakes that demand my attention I seem to be craving them ... but even though my allegiance is to Cornwall ... I conform to the Devonian way of eating my scones! Vagaries of life!
@ Juliet - glad you appreciated the Russian artists bit ... and of course the pancakes and scones - can never go wrong ...
Thanks for visiting and your comments - always good to see you all - cheers Hilary
I love your curiosity! Thanks for sharing what you learned with us. The reason pancakes are tradition is fascinating. And those scones look amazing...
I always enjoy learning about different food traditions (hence my own post!). I've never had pancakes with sugar and lemon, and am now feeling rather left out. I need to fix that! ;)
Interesting to know about Pancake Day. We don't have such a celebration in the United States (at least I'm not aware of one). We have "Fat Tuesday" and Mardi Gras. Which is basically the same idea. Feast before you fast. Those pancakes look delicious!
How I love my pancakes this time of year. The Russian paintings are so evocatively fascinating. I think I'll reread some Tolstoy this week...:)
@ Elizabeth - curiosity is good news and I desperately try not to get carried away with it! The necessity of following our religious/pagan seasons was just part of the lives of our ancients ... yes the scones look rather good!
@ Sara - I'm glad you posted your Semla 'fat tuesday' cakes .. they looked delicious - not something I'd have too often! But as you note the traditions are so interesting to find out about ... I think you should give pancakes with lemon and sugar a try .. they are delicious!
@ Sherry - You may have a pancake day ... but I expect it's been altered ... as we know "Fat Tuesday" and Mardi Gras ... similar, but as you say not the same. The pancakes are delicious!
@ Troutbirder - yes pancakes are a good winter food. I'm happy you enjoyed the paintings ... and that it's inspired you to re-read some Tolstoy ...
Cheers to you all - have happy weekends - Hilary
Lovely paintings. I think I'm going to make pancakes today:-)))
Hello, Hilary!! I love that Shrovetide painting because it looks like winter bliss :) and I love the snow.
I wish you a wonderful weekend :)
Always interesting to learn about the different traditions around the world before Lent starts. A lot of people eat donuts (Polish ones) around where I live. I think the tradition started for the same reason- to use up all of the ingredients. :)
Love seeing the paintings. Thanks for sharing!
~Jess
Lots of different traditions I've not heard about before. Thanks for sharing. Your posts always make me hungry. :)
Hi Hilary,
Yes, it's true, I'm actually leaving a comment. I knew that you would have another informative post. Once again, you haven't disappointed. Thank you and with that, I shall have a Canadian type pancake, dripping with maple syrup.
Thank you and have a wonderful weekend, Hilary.
Gary
@ Beste - thank you re the paintings ... hope you enjoy/ed your pancakes ...
@ Keith - good to see you ... and I know you love snow - the painting is exquisite isn't it ...
@ Jess - I was fascinated to learn a little more - I definitely know there's lots more to assimilate - but another tiny bit of history ...
Donuts always seem to be winners don't they - I desperately try not to eat them - an occasional one! Glad you enjoyed the paintings ...
@ Jean - good to see you ... yes there are so many traditions that are maintained still within people's culture ... sorry about the food aspect - but also good to remind ourselves sometimes?!
@ Gary - so glad you got here and that you enjoyed the post - thanks ... oh dear I'm not sure about the Canadian style of pancake ... dripping? and maple syrup ... not something that I've tried!
Lovely to see you all - have happy weekends - it is 'tipping' it down here! Cheers - Hilary
Happy Pancake Day. I love that first painting--the colors are outstanding.
I was was somewhat familiar with the practice of Shrovetide but not the particular name. I grew up hearing about Fastnacht Day, as my grandmother called it. It was also known as Fat Tuesday, happening right before Ash Wednesday, and she always told us we should have a donut that day. As a child, the significance was lost on me, but as an adult I came to appreciate it more. Thanks for sharing about your Pancake Day. Have a great week! :)
Hilary, I agree that the Shrovetide painting is lovely. Those lemon pancakes look like mouthwatering crepes or blintzes! I love eating breakfast for dinner! Hope you had a happy Pancake Day!
Julie
Hi Hilary long time no see. Being from Michigan I love the image of Shrovetide in the winter time. It's music to my ears, erm .... eyes. I really wish I would have paid better attention to historical art in high school. Thanks for the education.
@ Holly - I love Pancake Day too ... when I get pancakes! Kustodiev's painting is just beautiful isn't it ...
@ Karen - I too wasn't used to Shrovetide ... Fastnacht Day is an interesting addition to the American language ... as words travel. Fat Tuesday is not quite as good a description - a bit too 'rough'. We learn as we grow don't we - and continue on learning ...
@ Julie - thanks ... I love that painting ... and the lemon pancakes do look so good ... and yes other names for them - so many minor differences in language transference ...
@ Stephen - good to see you ... we learn once again as we get older ... and things we didn't enjoy as kids, come into their fore later in life - certainly applies to me. Am happy you enjoyed the post ... Chicago it is not!
Cheers everyone and thanks for your comments - Hilary
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