Do you use various “culinary” phrases in your speech? Probably yes. They have firmly entered our lives and in most cases are used on a hunch. About their true meaning, we sometimes do not even guess. For example, the well-known saying “the first pancake is lumpy” may not have the origin we are thinking about. Indeed, in Ancient Russia there were many pagan beliefs, which suggested the appealing of spirits with delicious food. What are we talking about? Yes, that the origin of the proverb “the first pancake is lumpy” can be very unusual and have a sacred meaning.
Pancake: the culinary tradition of Ancient Russia
All over the world, pancakes are considered to be an original Russian invention. They do not even have analogues in English and French, which confirms the theory of their origin. Historians believe that Russian pancakes are at least one thousand years old. Although the first mention of such a dish dates back to the ninth century. It is not known exactly who came up with the pancake recipe, but there is a legend about the randomness of this invention. Historians adhere to the theory that in the oven one of the housewives accidentally forgot the oatmeal jelly, and it was slightly fried. The result was a tasty and unusual dish, which eventually went into the daily menu.
In Russia, pancakes made of buckwheat and rye flour were very popular, they were often made with various fillings. Over time, pancakes began to be used as a funeral meal, they were baked in large quantities and distributed to the poor so that they remembered the deceased with a kind word.
Shrovetide: pagan tradition
Many of our contemporaries associate the origin of the saying "the first pancake is lumpy" with the holiday Maslenitsa. It was at this time that it was decided to bake pancakes every day and eat them, generously pouring oil, sour cream or berry jelly. In the original Russian meaning, Shrovetide was a pagan holiday of spring, our ancestors rejoiced at the first rays of the sun and prepared pancakes that resembled a solar circle in their appearance. It was considered important to eat pancakes from morning until late in the evening to appease the gods and accelerate the arrival of spring heat.
Many housewives left the first pancake to the main pagan god Perun, who was supposed to have mercy on the house from the death of cattle and thunderstorms, inspiring holy horror to all the ancient Slavs. Do you think you found the answer to the question of why the "first pancake is lumpy"? The origin of this phraseology is much more complex than it might seem the first time. Therefore, take your time, history does not like to quickly reveal its secrets.
The first pancake is lumpy: the meaning and origin of phraseology
Even if you do not like pancakes, you still pronounced this phrase more than once. So, you understand the meaning of the saying approximately. If you don’t succeed in the first attempt, then you, comforting yourself, say that the first pancake is lumpy. The origin of the expression in this sense is very transparent - it is not always a matter of debate on the first attempt, because in everything you need to have some experience. But the prehistory of the appearance of the proverb is associated with commonplace actions during baking pancakes.
Proverbial story
One of the secrets of delicious and thin pancakes is an extremely hot pan. It makes it easy to turn them over, as a result, the pancakes are baked and rosy. But the process of heating the pan requires some time, so inexperienced housewives could not calculate the heating time and pour the dough into the pan that did not reach the desired temperature. As a result, the pancake starts to stick and does not turn over, which leads to turning it into a sloppy lump, which is a shame to serve as a dish. This is what is called - the first pancake is lumpy, many see the origin of the phrase and its meaning in this story we have described. It seems that everything is simple, but, in addition to this, the most common version, there are many more unknown in wide circles variants of the origin of this phrase.
"The first pancake is lumpy" or the "first pancake is lumpy"? The origin of phraseology
Phrases from the past do not always reach us the way our ancestors conceived them. Some scholars of the Russian language believe that the famous phrase in its original form sounded like "the first pancake is lumpy," and not more familiar to the ear of a modern person - "the first pancake is lumpy." The origin of this phraseological unit in this case has a deep pagan meaning.
From the most ancient times in Russia, the cult of the bear was very revered. The powerful animal was considered not only the owner of the forest, but also the protector of the weak and needy. In a broader sense of the word, the bear was perceived not as an animal in the flesh, but as a fair forest spirit, taking under its protection people who know how to get along with the deity and respect him.
The word "bear" also had its own meaning, because it was formed from two characteristic words "honey" and "knowing". But where does the coma, you ask. This is just the most interesting part of the story. The ancient Slavs were treasured by the ability of the bears to spend the winter in hibernation. Our ancestors perceived this state as a kind of death, and the spring awakening of the bear’s spirit as the resurrection and victory of life over death. For hibernation, a special term was coined - Ma. It denoted the sacred dream of spirits, and the spirits themselves were often called lumps. To appease them, the housewives gave the very first pancake as an offering, and in the future they could count on the help of the forest owner in all matters.
A look deep into the ages: who are comas?
There are scientists who look much deeper into the meaning of the word "coma." They draw a clear parallel between the broad understanding of the word "cosmos" and the traditions of the ancient Slavs. According to numerous studies, our ancestors had an idea not only of the pantheon of pagan gods responsible for natural phenomena, but also of a more significant deity that was above all things. They called him lumpy. Later, the word "cosmos" appeared from here.
Lump was the creator of all things and could command the rest of the deities. Surprisingly, the ancient Slavs called the constellation Ursa Major the place of residence of this deity. It was with a huge bear that the pagan goddess Lada was portrayed nearby, which also brings us back to the version of the great importance of the bear cult in Ancient Russia.
Coma: bears or beggars?
Some historians categorically reject the version of identifying the spirit of the bear with the word "coma". But they agree with the original sound of the proverb. That's just coma, these scientists call a certain category of people. According to historical sources, in Russia, lumps often called beggars or cripples.
These people did not have their own housing and income, they moved from one district to another and existed due to alms. Often, comas were very talented people and took part in fair performances. They played the role of buffoons and dressed in bear skins, playing whole performances. No coma received money for their work, but they took food with pleasure.
Therefore, it is not surprising that the first pancake prepared for the holiday, the housewives were ready to donate to the poor and beggars in order to receive a blessing on their home and family. Indeed, at all times in Russia, charity was considered purifying for the soul, our ancestors of any wealth and social status were engaged in it to one degree or another.
Do we know the whole saying completely? New versions of the origin of phraseology
There are linguists who believe that the saying "the first pancake is lumpy," the origin of which we are trying to find out today, has not reached our days. The fact is that the hospitality of the Russian people was known far beyond the borders of our country. Mistresses considered it their duty to feed guests, friends and acquaintances. And only then proceed to the meal ourselves. Especially when it came to such a festive dish as pancakes. Historically, only the freshest and best products were used for pancake dough. Otherwise, it was believed that you shouldn’t even take up baking - the dough will not rise, the pancakes will turn out tasteless.
According to linguists, the proverb was invented by our ancestors in the following version - "the first pancake is coms, the second is familiar, the third is distant relatives, and the fourth is mine." In any case, the first of the pancakes goes to the lumps, and only the last to the hostess of the celebration. It was this approach that the Slavs considered the only true one.
Conclusion
It is amazing how closely modern concepts and ancient traditions intertwine in the world. Therefore, it is natural that a familiar proverb causes so many versions and disputes among scientists. Of all the above options for its origin, you can choose any that you like. But keep in mind that, starting to bake pancakes, you touch the ancient traditions of the Slavic peoples. Therefore, do not forget to leave the very first pancake to mysterious comas.