Russian Pancake Eating Contest Winner, Loses In Death
by Joel Hendon(564)
During the last days of February in Russia, there is a celebration held for the end of winter. It is called Maslenitsa, or ‘Butter Week'. There are various modes of celebration throughout Russia during this week. In the town of Chernyakhovsk, the Kaliningrad enclave, there is held an annual pancake eating contest as the week is about to expire.
Maslenitsa originated from an ancient pagan celebration of the ending of winter which, as many religious holidays became "Christianized" and attached to their celebration of Great Lent. This was done primarily because the week of "Great Lent" placed a fast upon meat, fish, dairy products and eggs. Also forbidden are parties, secular music, dancing or any other activities which might detract from the spiritual atmosphere of Lent
So during this week immediately preceding Lent, participants relished in the consumption of those products, especially in dairy products, thus the secondary name of "Butter Week". Observance of the celebration is not restricted to pagans and Christians, since all Russians participate.
Many town groups cook bliny (pancakes) and hold outdoor festivities with concerts and contests. Such was the occasion in Chernyakhovsk two weeks ago. Each contestant was given an allotment of bliny with the goal of trying to eat as much of it as they could. Forty-eight year old Boris Isayev, was the only contestant to consume the entire offering allotted to him.
At the closing of the time allowed for consuming the food, Isayev was declared the winner and as he was ascending the steps to accept the winner's prize, he collapsed to his knees gasping, choking and foaming about the mouth.
Several people came to his aid and performed artificial respiration and heart massage procedures until paramedics arrived. The paramedics continued all efforts to resuscitate him but he did not respond and was pronounced dead. The exact cause of death to be determined by autopsy.
Although this was a tragic event, those participants in the celebrations returned to their festivities as soon as the body was taken away by the paramedics.
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Article submitted Wednesday, March 11, 2009 & read 209 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Ben Morrish (1 year 174 days ago.)
Good article!Eating competitions can be very dangerous. We had one at work a few years back, where people had to eat as many Cadbury's Cream Eggs as possible in two minutes. One of the guys was bright red,shaking all over and even threw up... but was still trying to force more into their mouth, thanks to the pressure of the crowd loudly egging them on (no pun intended!).It really was quite disturbing to watch, like some kind of bloody gladiatorial death match with the crowd baying for blood!Luckily in that case he was alright after a few minutes, although he was quite shaken up by the experience.All things in moderation folks!Respond to this comment
» left by Joel Hendon (1 year 174 days ago.)
Thanks Ben and I agree with you completely. There are things more entertaining than this and also safer.Respond to this comment
» left by Ken McCreless (1 year 174 days ago.)
Very interesting article, Joel. I cannot imagine why anyone would want to watch, or participate in, an eating contest. After reading your article I have to wonder how many others die, or are injured. At the same time, I am curious about the ingredients and cooking procedure involved with a Russian "pancake." Great article, fascinating stuff.Respond to this comment
» left by Joel Hendon(564)
Thanks for reading and commenting Ken. I agree, it is a foolish thing to place your life in jeopardy just to prove how much you can eat! I really don't know what ingredients are in the Russian bliny. There was a picture with the article which showed a stack of them and they did resemble our pancakes, only ultra thin appearing in that picture.Respond to this comment
» left by Dianne Lehmann (1 year 173 days ago.)
Hi Joel.We do so many silly things. We're just lucky that most of them don't get us killed.Interesting article.DianneRespond to this comment
» left by Joel Hendon(564)
Thanks for reading and commenting Dianne.Respond to this comment
» left by Linda DeWitt from Oregon (1 year 173 days ago.)
I watched the little guy from Japan gorge himself in the hot dog eating contest and I thought it was disgusting. I can't believe that is entertaining to someone. Oh well, I too think it is dangerous and sends the wrong message to our young people. Thanks for sharing.Linda DRespond to this comment
» left by Joel Hendon(564)
Thanks for reading Linda, I appreciate your comments.Respond to this comment
» left by Gary W. Halsey Sr.(2) (1 year 169 days ago.)
Joel, again I learned something from you!! There is always something for this ole cowboy to learn when I read your articles. I enjoy them so. I never knew there was such a celebration in Russia, but I am sorry to hear about the fella that died because of this consumption. Isn't that something, but you know, I love the moral of your story, and boy is that true!!!! Loved the article, and the read, Your friend in pen, Gary .....oh, by the way, I wrote another article about who I would like to write like, and your name is in it, it is a part two of a series of comments that I am making about my favorite writers.....I hope you enjoy, as it is from the heart, I also provided hotlinks to some of your articles....Your pal, GaryRespond to this comment
» left by Joel Hendon(564)
Thanks Gary, for your encouraging comments. I always look forward to reading your comments because they make me feel better. I will surely read your article, and thank you for remembering.Respond to this comment