Pancakes for the Departed: A Russian Death Tradition

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The ringing of Orthodox Church bells, black bread and vodka galore – they’re the archetypal images of a Russian funeral. But there’s one element of the traditional ceremony that might surprise Americans: the Russian funeral pancake, otherwise known as “blini.”

But there’s one element of the traditional ceremony that might surprise Americans: the Russian funeral pancake, otherwise known as “blini.”

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Blini goes back to old Russia’s more pagan roots when it was prepared in anticipation of the Maslenitsa sun festival. The event is still prominent today, ringing in the end of winter and the imminence of spring in a country where arguably the worst winters reign. Blini was the perfect treat: light, warm and symbolic of the coming sun. The dish was meant to bookend every Russian’s life—it was offered to a child’s mother upon his or her birth and served at every funeral feast. Blini became a symbol of the life cycle due not only to the ceremony of its consumption but its circular shape.

The dish was meant to bookend every Russian’s life—it was offered to a child’s mother upon his or her birth and served at every funeral feast.

St.Peter & St.Paul Orthodox Church, where Russians reflect on loved ones lost. Blini, however, became an integrated Pagan funeral tradition.
(credit: stspp.org)

With a base of flour, milk, yeast and eggs, blini was also relatively affordable. At the funeral ceremony of a loved one with a large family, the meal could be just as easily made for the richest and poorest of the social spectrum. Plus, there’s something comforting about the simplicity of a plate stacked with the pancakes. It shows us that no matter how much we do or don’t have, all it takes is a simple, thoughtful gesture to ease our spirits.

Today, sweet and savory blinis are eaten on the go or with the family. Here’s a recipe for the pancake-like treat, which would make for a very special memorial meal – or perhaps just a nice weekend breakfast. Either way, you’ll be reflecting on mortality with each bite.

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Basic Blini Recipe

Ingredients
about 1.5 lbs. flour
4-5 cups milk
3 tblsp. butter
2 eggs
2 tblsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 pkg. dry yeast

Preparation

1. Dissolve yeast in 2 cups of warm water. Add half of the flour and mix until smooth. Cover with a cloth and set aside in a warm place for about an hour, or until the batter becomes bubbly.

2. Add salt, sugar, egg yolks, melted butter and mix thoroughly.

3. Add remaining flour a little at a time and beat until smooth. Gradually add milk, mixing batter completely.

4. Cover batter with a cloth, set aside in warm place and allow to rise. Beat batter back down, add whipped egg whites, let rise. Pour small portions on hot griddle and fry, turning once to cook on both sides.

Bon Appétit! Enjoy your blini and consider nibbling on them à la “Death Over Dinner.”

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