The whole system of the national power in Russia until the revolution was based on the alternation of fasting and meat-eater. In the mid-19th century in cities with the beginning of lent was forbidden all plays: theatre plays, balls, masquerades. Closed baths, shops, traded meat and other modest products. In St. Petersburg lent not only in Russian, but also German restaurants served Lenten meals. In the "Stroganov Palace" restaurant on Nevsky Prospekt, the food on the first and Passion weeks did not differ from the monastery: preparing only dishes from mushrooms, peas and jelly. Drank tea with raisins and honey, sbiten was brewed.