In Russia, Maslenitsa is an annual festival that marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It's celebrated for seven days, starting from Sunday till Sunday evening. During this time, people eat pancakes, drink vodka, dance, sing, play games, dress up in costumes, and burn effigies to symbolically drive out winter. But Maslenitsa is also known for its unique customs related to sex and sexuality, which are rooted in religious teachings.
According to Russian Orthodox Christianity, sex is considered a sinful act unless it takes place within marriage between a man and a woman. This belief stems from the Bible verse "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14) and the teaching that sex outside of marriage disrupts the harmony between God, nature, and humanity. Therefore, premarital sex is forbidden and extra-marital affairs are frowned upon.
During Maslenitsa, these strict rules relax due to folkloric beliefs about the power of fertility and renewal. Men and women can engage in flirtatious behavior without judgment, such as dancing closely or exchanging glances. Women can even propose to men publicly, while married couples may have more intimate relations.
This change in attitude towards sex during Maslenitsa is supported by Russian mythology and folklore.
The goddess Vesna was born on Maslenitsa and represented fertility and new life. In ancient times, she was worshipped through rituals that involved wearing masks, singing, and dancing around fires. These traditions still exist today, with people putting on masks and performing erotic dances like khorovod, where participants hold hands and dance in circles. Some say that khorovod represents the union of masculine and feminine energies necessary for conception.
Maslenitsa's sexual teachings also influence relationships among Russians. The festival promotes monogamy and faithfulness within marriage, which is seen as a sacred bond that must be preserved. It's believed that couples who have frequent sex will produce healthy children and enjoy better marriages. Cheating is considered immoral and punishable by law, so it's rare in Russia compared to other countries. As a result, many Russians consider themselves satisfied with their partners and don't seek out casual encounters.
Some argue that these religious beliefs are outdated and harmful. They point out that sexual pleasure isn't sinful and should not be restricted only to marriage. Instead, they suggest a more modern approach based on communication, respect, and consent. They believe that open conversations about desires, boundaries, and limits can enhance intimacy and strengthen relationships, leading to better sex lives. They also advocate for safe sex practices and contraception, especially since STDs and unplanned pregnancies remain a problem in Russia.
Maslenitsa's sexual teachings reflect Russian Orthodox Christianity but are tempered by folkloric beliefs about fertility and renewal. These customs affect relationships by emphasizing monogamy and preserving the sanctity of marriage while encouraging erotic imagination and flirtatious behavior. While some people support the traditional values, others call for a more progressive attitude towards sex and relationships.
How are sexual ethics religiously justified in the cult of Maslenitsa, and how do these teachings affect erotic imagination, sexual behavior, and relational satisfaction?
Maslenitsa is a Slavic pagan festival that celebrates spring equinox and the coming of new crops. It involves rituals such as burning effigies, feasting on traditional foods, dancing around bonfires, and playing games. The festival's main purpose is to purify the world from winter spirits and welcome fertility and abundance for the upcoming season.