First, starting with the word’s etymology (tsikn(a) + -o- + Thursday), it’s easy to see that this day takes its name from the smell of roasting meat. But why?
The Thursday of the second week of Triodion (Meatfare Week) is called Tsiknopempti, or “Smoky Thursday.” On this day, every household roasts meat or renders fat from pork, filling the air with fragrant smoke. That’s why the day takes its name from the smell of roasting meat! Thursday was clearly no random choice for a day of meat eating, since Wednesday and Friday are traditionally fasting days.
Unfortunately, we don’t know the exact origins of this custom, but it is thought to derive from the Bacchic festivals of the ancient Greeks and Romans, who considered feasting and revelry sacred rites to ensure the earth’s abundant fertility in spring.
Tsiknopempti heralds the start of Carnival celebrations, which culminate on Carnival Sunday and with Clean Monday’s Koulouma celebrations!
Similar meat-eating celebrations are held abroad, too. For example, in Germany there is Schmutziger Donnerstag, meaning “Fat Thursday,” while in New Orleans, USA, there is Mardi Gras, meaning “Fat Tuesday.” These celebrations are also usually accompanied by carnival festivities.
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