Osyp Shabdar in his novel «Ӱдырамаш корно» (The Woman’s Fate) characterizes a historical situation of the first decades of the 20th century. Depicting in this environment Marina’s – the main heroine’s life, the author shows peculiar features of household, economic and cultural life of Mari people. Describing traditions, customs and habits of the Mari Osyp Shabdar pays special attention to the names of dishes and drinks which represent one of the richest lexical layers of the Mari language having its roots in the history of the people.