Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the fact that in this period of time - the last week before Lent, permitted the eating of butter, dairy products and fish (akin to "Fat Tuesday", see Analogs Carnival in other countries). In the calendar, the Russian Orthodox Church, this period is called Cheese Week, - a week (Week), following the Speckled week. It continued Charter prescribes abstain from meat (but not other perilous products), and usually post on Wednesdays and Fridays is canceled, Wednesday and Friday Cheese Week, no liturgy. In the Orthodox Church is that the meaning of Cheese Week - reconciliation with others, forgiveness of injuries, preparation for Lent - the time needed to devote good communication with neighbors, family, friends, charity will.
Date of start of Carnival each year varies depending on when Lent begins. The main attributes of the traditional folk Maslenitsa celebrations in Russia - pancakes, stuffed Carnival, fun, sledding, caroling. In 2013, Carnival will be celebrated from 11 to 17 March.