Barekendan means a good life and the joy of life. The Sundays preceding the primary fasts are called Barekendan. The Sundays preceding the primary fasts are called Barekendan, with Bun Barekendan (the Sunday before Great Lent) being especially significant. On this day, people take pleasure in preparing festive dishes and engaging in various celebrations.
Bun Barekendan is a holiday on the Eve of Great Lent, which can be seen akin to Shrove Tuesday in Western Christianity, as well as True Maslenitsa and Forgiveness Sunday in Eastern Christian tradition.
In the Orthodox tradition, the week before Great Lent is marked by True Maslenitsa, followed by Forgiveness Sunday. Maslenitsa emphasizes feasting and celebration before the fast, while Forgiveness Sunday and Shrove Tuesday focus on spiritual reflection, repentance, and purification in preparation for Great Lent.