THE PROBLEM OF CHRISTIAN AND PAGAN CORRELATIONS IN THE PERCEPTION OF RUSSIAN TRADITIONAL CULTURE FOR EXAMPLE OF SHROVETIDE RITUALS
The analysis of Maslenitsa (Shrovetide) rites and festivities, the identifica- tion of the celebration mythologema through folklore, and its time connection with Easter do not support the common belief that Maslenitsa is an absolutely pagan heritage. Despite the fact that Maslenitsa traditions trace back to the all- European past, there are obvious reasons to reveal deep Christian symbols in this celebration that are seen through different verbal, visual and dramatic patterns. In the conditions of the recurring Christianization (churching) of Russia and the search for fundamental basis for the development of modern social and cultural practices the conceptual analysis of Maslenitsa and other traditional celebrations can give effective tools for identity construction.