Already on the threshold of Maslenitsa in 2018, what date does the holiday week begin, how does it go. With which folk customs This event is connected with traditions. What Maslenitsa 2018 includes: we bake pancakes, burn an effigy of winter, perform funny ditties. Description of each day of Maslenitsa week, what it was called and how it happened.

This holiday has pagan roots; it symbolizes farewell to winter. For the ancient Slavs, winter was a difficult and harsh time, for which it was necessary to prepare in advance (“prepare the sleigh in the summer”... etc.). Firewood and food supplies gradually ran out, and hunting became much more difficult. Therefore, it is quite natural that, having survived another difficult test, our ancestors rejoiced at the warm sun and the arrival of spring.

What date is Maslenitsa in 2018

Get ready, people, to see off the winter! Dress up, people, call out spring! You are probably wondering what date is Maslenitsa 2018 in Russia and other CIS countries? IN this year Maslenitsa week falls on the period from February 12 to 18. Although the climax of the holiday falls on Sunday, 02/18/2018. By the way, immediately after the end of the “winter farewell” begins Lent- a time of spiritual and physical cleansing, according to tradition.

By the way, calculating when Maslenitsa begins in 2018 was not difficult. All it took was subtracting 56 days from the date Orthodox Easter. Of these, 48 days, as all Christians know, fall during Lent, and the remaining week during the Maslenitsa period itself.

Pancake week of Maslenitsa 2018: from Monday to Sunday

Monday- we are preparing for the holiday, because Maslenitsa is coming! All ceremonial preparations end in the evening, when it is time for festive gatherings with family and friends. The hostess sets the dough and bakes pancakes, the first of which, according to tradition, should be given to commemorate the dead. Residents of the village built a stuffed animal from straw in the form of a human figure and placed it on a stake in a visible place.

Tuesday- flirting. This is a kind of Slavic version of the bride. On this day, young boys flirted with girls, choosing a bride to their liking. The “entertainment program” of the day included ice slides, if the weather outside allowed. Well, if the winter was warm, then you could just chat and treat yourself to generously prepared pancakes.

Wednesday- gourmet. Do you remember the expression “go to your mother-in-law for pancakes”? It is connected specifically with the third day of Maslenitsa week! On Wednesday, the mother-in-law was supposed to pamper her son-in-law with pancakes to show him her affection. And the richer the table, the more varied the food on it, the more favorably the mother-in-law treats her son-in-law.

Thursday- take a walk, it’s wide Thursday. On this day, our ancestors lifted their spirits with any accessible ways. Festive festivities smoothly flowed into fist fights (fun worthy of a young daredevil). After all, almost every guy wanted to throw out the energy that had accumulated over the long winter. And those who were not inclined to such extreme sports could peacefully ride down the hills or on horseback. Fortunately, such an environmentally friendly “transport” will not stall even in the most severe frosts!

Friday- mother-in-law evenings. Harmony is important in everything, and now the mother-in-law must go on a visit to her beloved son-in-law. And the son-in-law had to treat her with... you'll never guess what! Yes, pancakes again. I wonder how our ancestors didn’t get tired of these pastries for a whole week? By the way, my mother-in-law usually came to visit not alone, but with her friends.

Saturday- sister-in-law meetings. According to tradition, the wife invites her husband's relatives to visit. He treats them to the ubiquitous pancakes and also gives them small gifts. Gifts could be given satin ribbons, toys, women's combs and similar trinkets.

Sunday- the culmination of Maslenitsa and the main day of the holiday week. Celebrations on Sunday were held on a special scale, and as a “final chord” a straw effigy prepared on Monday was burned. Well, since in a week on the “pancake diet” people managed to gain a lot extra pounds, then the Lent that followed Maslenitsa could not have come at a better time!

Ditties for Maslenitsa 2018

Now that we have found out what date Maslenitsa begins in Russia in 2018, it’s time to get ready to celebrate this wonderful holiday! If you want to follow the traditions of your ancestors, then you won’t be able to get away with just pancakes with caviar! The holiday scenario (both for children and adults or “folk”) necessarily includes the performance of ditties. The website "Valtasar ru" presents to your attention a collection of funny ditties for Maslenitsa.

click ditties!

Please your friends, acquaintances and children with funny ditties! With them, celebrating Maslenitsa will become even more interesting.

Straw effigy and other traditions

What is a straw effigy that is supposed to be burned exactly on Sunday? This is an anthropomorphic (humanoid) figure that symbolizes the passing winter. The effigy is supposed to be burned to help the coming spring overcome its icy “commodity” and come into this world. And then the cold will recede, the birds will fly in and sing, and the first rays of the spring sun will warm the earth.

By the way, pancakes are also one of the main symbols of Maslenitsa for a reason. Each of them symbolizes a round, ruddy sun. Agree, it’s nice to see a stack of such “symbols” on your plate!

Fairs are one of the long-standing traditions of Maslenitsa week. During the festive week, fairs were always set up near the ice slides. Trade of all kinds of goods was brisk here, including pancake pies and hot tea from samovars. At the fair, you could visit the booth theater, in which buffoons entertained the assembled guests.

Fist fights are a rather strange, but popular pastime. Young boys, and sometimes even adult men, lined up in two lines and fought “wall to wall.” Quite quickly these groups mixed up, and then the participants beat everyone in a row, not distinguishing either friends or relatives.

Make a wish for Maslenitsa 2018

The wishes that can be made for this holiday can be divided into “coming” and “going”. “Coming” are your dreams that you would like to make come true in your life (for example, getting married, purchasing something material value and so on.). “Leaving” are wishes to get rid of something: bad habits, bad luck, an annoying boyfriend, and so on.

You should make a “departing” wish on the last day of Maslenitsa. In 2018 it will be Sunday 18 February. A wish is made in a quiet whisper, looking at the burning straw effigy. It is very important that standing nearby people didn't hear what you were saying. By the way, if effigy burning is not carried out in your city, you can watch this video and make a “departing wish” for it:

To make a “coming” wish, you need to go to the market on Monday (February 12, 2018) and buy yourself a new outfit, for example, a dress. At home, dress up in it, go to the mirror and say:

“Spring is red, come and bring me gifts! Fulfill everything I wish, don’t deceive me!”

After this, say your plan out loud three times, and go drink tea with pancakes. We wish you and your loved ones a pleasant Maslenitsa!

Maslenitsa is considered the most satisfying and cheerful holiday, because it has a lot interesting traditions and customs. The main symbols of the holiday are pancakes, of which you need to eat a huge amount during the week of festivities. Also of particular importance on Maslenitsa is the effigy, which is burned at the very end of the holiday.

Maslenitsa for the Orthodox lasts seven days and falls on the last week before Lent. At this time, believers are actively preparing to enter a period of strict prohibitions and repentance, and therefore try to have fun and eat more.

The clergy frown a little on revelry, because preparing for fasting should not consist of filling your belly and forgetting about entertainment - the priests advise not to deny yourself food, but not to overdo it, because time should also be devoted to moral preparation and full awareness of the importance of the next seven weeks.

Lent traditionally lasts seven weeks, preceding the Easter holiday. In 2018, Easter is celebrated early, on April 8th. The fast will begin on February 19. Which means already from today, on February 12 and up to the 18th inclusive we celebrate a bright and satisfying Maslenitsa.

The holiday of seeing off winter and welcoming spring existed among our ancestors, the Slavs, and they celebrated it no less cheerfully. Rich treats and stuffed animals came to us precisely from ancient times - a time when people believed that they could turn their fate around. better side with the help of special rites and rituals.

Why did pancakes later become a symbol of Maslenitsa? The answer to the question is quite simple - round and golden, they evoke an association with the sun and warmth that spring will definitely bring. Nourishing and tasty - like nothing else, they symbolize the fertility of the earth and nature.

The preparation of pancakes is of particular importance in Orthodoxy. During Cheese Week, you should not eat meat, because this is a preparatory week for complete abstinence from animal products. Pancakes made from flour, milk and eggs are a kind of combination of those products that you can still eat this week.

There are many beliefs and signs associated with pancakes on Maslenitsa. It is believed that you need to eat as many of them as possible this week in order to recharge your health and strength for the whole next year. You can use pancakes to tell fortunes and cast spells to find out your lot and change it for the better.

It is believed that the more pancakes are baked on Maslenitsa, the richer and happier your family will be this spring.

According to custom, pancakes were generously treated to anyone who came to visit during Maslenitsa week. It is believed that by showing generosity and hospitality to a guest, you “appease” spring and invite happiness into your home.

If the pancake dough turns out to be too salty, the one who prepared it will cry a lot this year. To avoid the consequences of a bad omen, you need to pour the dough into running water, mentally sending with him your reasons for sadness.

Spilled dough - to unexpected events soon.

It is considered a bad omen to throw away burnt or simply unsuccessful pancakes. In order not to incur grief, it is better to give failed baked goods to birds or stray dogs.

Our ancestors believed that by baking pancakes for the first time on Maslenitsa, a person “bakes” his future destiny. Therefore, our grandparents advise us to be extremely careful when handling holiday treats.

Maslenitsa is usually celebrated for a whole week and each day has its own special meaning. On each day you need to bake pancakes, but with different purposes. On Monday, the first pancakes are distributed to family and pets. On Tuesday, “Flirting” is celebrated, when housewives practice filling pancakes with all kinds of additives, and young girls lure possible suitors with them.

On Wednesday, gourmet food, pancakes should be distributed to the poor and everyone you know, gather around a large table to once again taste the delicacy in friendly company. Be sure to invite your spouse’s parents to pancakes at this time.

On Thursday there is a general revelry - pancakes should be taken to the fair or bought at fairs. On this day, street entertainment begins, which is also worth taking part in.

On Friday, parents treat their children to pancakes. First of all, it was believed that the son-in-law should pay a return visit to his mother-in-law.

Saturday - a woman invites her mother-in-law and all her husband’s relatives to her house to treat them to cooked pancakes.

On Sunday - Forgiveness Sunday. The whole family needs to get together to ask each other for forgiveness and eat the last pancakes of the week in preparation for Lent. On this day, a ritual burning of an effigy takes place in squares and fairs, around which people should loudly sing, dance and have fun in order to awaken the sleeping spring with noise and din.

The Maslenitsa effigy is also burned for a reason: the fire symbolizes the heat of the earth awakening from sleep, and the effigy - cold winter deprived of its power. By burning winter at the stake, our ancestors called on spring to begin cultivating the land and growing crops again.

By popular belief, the fire must be made large and high: the higher the fire, the more successful the year will be.

Girls who want to win the love of their chosen one can take home two coals from the Maslenitsa fire: one to keep at home, and the other to leave at the house of their loved one. It is believed that the embers from this fire can melt a man’s heart and evoke a response.

Our ancestors often prepared two stuffed animals for Maslenitsa - in the form of a man and a woman. Their connection in the flame meant the future fertility of the earth and a rich harvest.

Maslenitsa effigies were dressed in old, shabby and torn costumes, and sometimes they used fur coats with fur inside out. Clothes were taken from different houses, and it was mainly women who dressed up the “beauty,” reports the portal rosregistr. Eyes, eyebrows and nose were drawn using charcoal, and beets were used for lips.

The effigy of winter should also be burned at the stake because it symbolizes annual renewal. Once upon a time, old things were thrown into the fire so that the fire would consume everything sad and sinful. It depended on the strength of the fire when he would come. early spring, and with the help of ashes they cultivated the fields so that there would be a good harvest.

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Maslenitsa is considered one of the most ancient holidays, because it existed in Rus' back in pagan times. It was from that time that some rituals were preserved, such as baking pancakes, burning an effigy on Maslenitsa and jumping over a fire.

Despite the fact that some of the rituals have some pagan overtones, the traditions of modern celebration are closely intertwined with religious canons. Why and when do they burn Maslenitsa, and what is the meaning of this ritual?

Origins of the tradition

Burning an effigy on Maslenitsa is a very important, semantic ritual, directly related to fertility. Many centuries ago they believed that through sacrifice one could get rid of any troubles and adversities. That is why the stuffed animal itself was made in the image and likeness of a person. In addition, people loved to dress Maslenitsa in a variety of women’s dresses, associating it with the passing winter.

For what specific reasons did the burning of effigy take place in ancient times?

1. People believed that with the death of the Maslenitsa scarecrow, all sorrows and hardships would disappear from life.
2. Also, such a ritual was a symbol of farewell to winter.
3. Burning the effigy had another important purpose: improving the fertility of the land, because through the ritual death of the Maslenitsa effigy, fertile lands returned to life.

The burning of a Maslenitsa effigy was indeed an important and meaningful ritual, but only in ancient times. Now he is treated with respect, but no more. People no longer believe in the need for ritual sacrifice to increase future harvests, turning the burning of Maslenitsa into a fun activity that directly signifies the beginning of Lent.

This tradition was first mentioned in the first written sources concerning ancient Russian state. Then the holiday lasted not 7, but 14 days, and sometimes during this time several ritual burnings of the straw effigy took place at once. For the ancient Slavs, it was important not only to burn the image of Maslenitsa, but also to carry out a ritual burial of the ashes. It was believed that ashes should definitely be buried in the ground, since this increased the yield of the fields and signaled the final arrival of spring. Nowadays, such ash burial practically does not occur anywhere.

Features of creating a Maslenitsa scarecrow

One of the most popular questions that arise on the eve of the holiday is why they burn a scarecrow at Maslenitsa. The features of the religious and pagan overtones of such a burning have already been described above; now it remains to find out what were the nuances of creating the effigy itself. This symbol of celebration has always been created according to the following rules:

Almost always, the symbol of the celebration was created on Monday, the first day of Maslenitsa celebration. Then they were just beginning to make it from straw, simultaneously dressing it in women's clothing. Similar figurines were made in almost every home, but only the most beautiful and largest ones were traditionally burned in the square. Production was completed either by Monday evening or Tuesday morning. Next, people loaded the scarecrow onto a sleigh and went with it to travel around the village.

The ritual removal of Maslenitsa continued throughout the holiday week until Sunday. The burning of the effigy took place not only in the central squares, but also in the courtyards of many houses.

Among some peoples, it was customary not to burn a ritual effigy, but to drown it in an ice hole. However, this version of the ritual rather quickly sank into oblivion due to its unspectacular nature.

When creating this figurine, unnecessary things were almost always used that a person would like to get rid of. By burning them along with the effigy, each family not only hoped for excellent harvest, but also cleared her own space, destroying everything unnecessary and interfering with family well-being.

Detailed scenario of the burning ritual

The history of the scarecrow at Maslenitsa dates back to pagan times, when this ritual had a clear religious overtones. Then it was customary to burn a huge figure early on Sunday morning.

In some provinces there was also a tradition of burning small straw figurines. Such figurines were made in several copies, and each of them meant something that a person wanted to say goodbye to. So, for example, by burning small effigies, a person could wish to get rid of illness or unhappiness in love.

Interesting rituals associated with the Maslenitsa effigy

Since the holiday was amazingly popular, its scenario was sometimes noticeably modified. So, for example, in some provinces they did not burn effigy, but people dressed up in the manner of straw figurines became a symbol of celebration. Usually a beautiful girl was made a symbol of the celebration, but they could also dress up an old woman or a local respected person.

After driving this man dressed in a special suit throughout the village, people threw him into the snow and dumped him there within a few minutes.

The ritual of burning the effigy itself also changed. They threw everything into the fire, from small figurines to wooden logs. What could go into such a fireplace along with a figure made of straw?

• In some provinces, a religious burning of a wheel made of wood, which was a symbol of the sun, was carried out.
• People could also throw pieces of paper with wishes and requests into the fire.
• Often old things, such as bast shoes or shirts, were also subjected to religious burning, and with their help people tried to get rid of misfortunes.

In Kostroma province there was a tradition of burning a “straw man”. Each village resident took a small bundle of straw and threw it into a common pile, under the feet of straw figures. When it was gaining sufficient quantity easily flammable material at the man’s feet, it was set on fire, thus symbolizing the farewell to frost and cold. also in Kostroma province many men went traveling on carts around the city wearing special straw caps. At the onset of evening, these caps were burned as a symbol of the onset of spring and farewell to winter.

Immediately after burning such an effigy, people went home or to church. With the last glimpses of the fire, the holiday ended, which means the time of Lent began. It was believed that ritual burning cleansed the soul of every person, and now people could live in anticipation of something bright and memorable.

Modern meaning of tradition

Why they burn Maslenitsa now is a completely different question, since the modern ritual has absolutely no religious overtones. For a whole week, people consume pancakes in abundance, and burning a straw effigy becomes more of an entertainment than a ritual with a special meaning.

The traditions of celebrating Maslenitsa were constantly changing and transformed due to the fact that church ministers advocated the abolition of the celebration. Both Catherine II and Peter I advocated for the abolition of the holiday, but for the common people Maslenitsa has long become not a symbol of pagan traditions, but an important part of future religious celebrations.

Anyone who is even remotely familiar with the rituals of the Slavs knows about the tradition of burning a stuffed doll on Maslenitsa. This is probably the most famous custom, which has survived virtually unchanged to this day and continues to be widely used during folk festivals. True, not all of us can explain in detail what is burned on Maslenitsa and, most importantly, why and why exactly this colorful ritual is performed. Most will answer about the symbolic burning of an effigy and saying goodbye to winter, but few are familiar with the history of this Slavic rite. In this article, we propose to analyze this ritual in more detail and find out the roots of the tradition of burning effigies on Maslenitsa.

What is burned on Maslenitsa: whose effigy and why is it set on fire on the last day of Maslenitsa

Let's start, perhaps, by answering the question, what is burned on Maslenitsa - whose effigy it is and why it is put on fire on the last day of the celebration. As you know, Maslenitsa is an ancient Slavic holiday associated with the change of seasons. Our pagan ancestors believed that behind the changing seasons there were deities who should be appeased with generous gifts. For example, the same pancakes that are traditionally baked during Maslenitsa week were originally dedicated to Slavic god The sun, or rather, its spring incarnation - Yaril. Precisely in order to appease Yarilo, who was supposed to awaken the earth from hibernation, the housewives had been baking pancakes all week. What does burning an effigy have to do with Maslenitsa? It's simple: fire was one of the symbols of the Sun God and this ritual signals his victory over winter.

What kind of scarecrow is it and why is it put on fire (burned at the stake) on the last day of Maslenitsa

Based on the above, it is easy to guess that the effigy that the Slavs burned on Maslenitsa symbolized winter. Consequently, the ritual itself was an action that conveyed the essence of the beliefs of the ancient Slavs regarding the surrounding world. Since in their mythology everything natural phenomena were personified by deities, then winter was not just a season, but a goddess - Mara. The Slavs believed that Mara is the embodiment of death. In addition, Mara represented winter itself with its difficult trials for all living beings in the form of cold, bad weather and hunger. At the beginning of winter, Mara looked like a young beautiful girl, and at the end of the season she turned into an old woman wearing rags. That is why the stuffed animal symbolizing her on Maslenitsa was dressed up in old things. By burning a stuffed doll at the stake, the Slavs believed that they were helping Yaril defeat Mara, awaken the earth from sleep and give rise to a new life.

What else is burned on Maslenitsa along with the effigy of winter according to ancient traditions?

In addition to the effigy of winter Mary, the ancient Slavs, according to tradition, burned other objects on Maslenitsa. Mostly, old things and clothes that were no longer in use were thrown into the fire. It was believed that such a ritual allows one to part with everything old and unnecessary, making room for the new and good. Also during this period, things of deceased relatives were burned. As a rule, separate fires were not created for this purpose. Things were simply put on a scarecrow or thrown into the flames of the main fire.

What else, according to ancient Slavic traditions, is burned along with the effigy of winter on Maslenitsa?

What else did the ancient Slavs burn on Maslenitsa along with the effigy of winter? In addition to Mary, the Slavs also made stuffed animals symbolizing the Maslenitsa holiday itself. This stuffed animal was male and was called Oil Dish. They also dressed Maslenka in old things, but tried to embellish his image. The burning of Maslenka was associated with the end of the week of celebrations and a kind of farewell to Maslenitsa. It is noteworthy that this tradition has also been preserved to this day in certain regions and countries.

What is burned on Maslenitsa in other countries - rituals and traditions

Many are sure that the celebration of Maslenitsa is an exclusively Slavic tradition. But in fact, many nations have rituals associated with seeing off winter and inviting spring. In most European countries, there are still fairs and festivals that are very reminiscent of Maslenitsa folk festivities here. Traditional entertainment for such events is also directly related to ancient pagan rituals. For example, pancakes, symbolizing the sun, are baked in the last week of winter and at the very beginning of spring in almost all European countries. It is noteworthy that they are not just eaten, but are often used in various games. For example, in England they organize races with frying pans containing pancakes. The participants' task is to flip the pancake in the air at least three times while running.

What is burned on Maslenitsa according to ancient traditions and rituals in other countries

So, what do they burn on Maslenitsa in other countries according to ancient traditions and rituals? In most countries where there are folk celebrations associated with farewell to winter, no dolls or stuffed animals are burned. If bonfires are lit during festivities, they are often used for jumping over the flames. It is believed that such an action can free one from all the negativity that has accumulated over a year of a person’s life. We hope that now you know exactly what is burned on Maslenitsa, whose effigy it is and why this ritual is performed. We are confident that this information will help you better understand the ancient traditions of our people.

Maslenitsa week is coming very soon. This means we need to prepare for winter farewell and fun festivities. What does the ritual of destroying a doll at the stake mean, that they burn on Maslenitsa along with a scarecrow in Russia and other countries, you will learn from our article.

Whose effigy is burned on Maslenitsa: Winter or Maslenitsa, and why is it traditionally burned?

During the times of paganism in Rus', the Maslenitsa holiday was not just fun. It had obvious religious overtones and was dedicated to seeing off the cold season. People believed in the power of sacrifices, therefore, according to tradition, to attract a rich harvest, they burned an effigy of Maslenitsa, which symbolized the passing winter. It was believed that the ritual brought fertility and brought the arrival of warmth closer. Maslenitsa festivities in those ancient times lasted for two whole weeks, and an effigy was burned in every yard. They made it from straw and rags: they added eyes and a mouth, and attached rag braids. It was made in the image of a girl who traveled, accompanied by Maslenitsa, throughout the village. The ritual ended with the ritual burning of the doll in the square, songs and dances that caused a religious trance. They threw everything old and unnecessary into the fire, leftover food from festive table, and the ashes were buried in the ground.

Why do they burn an effigy in the Maslenitsa ritual?

Over time, the ritual acquired a different meaning. Maslenitsa week preceded Lent, so the meaning of the holiday was a plentiful meal. Sunday is the last day on which the largest and most beautiful effigy is chosen and burned in front of everyone. Whose effigy is burned on Maslenitsa: Winter or Maslenitsa, and why is it traditionally burned these days? Maslenitsa is celebrated because it is fun. Folk festivals bring people together and provide an opportunity to get in touch with ancient traditions that are so close to the Slavic people.

What is burned on Maslenitsa along with the effigy of Winter and why is the doll burned?

These days, together with the effigy of Winter, nothing is burned on Maslenitsa, except the doll itself, which is made from improvised materials. And no one makes the symbol of the celebration on their own anymore: it is ordered in advance from professionals. Previously, the leftover food from the festive table was thrown into the fire along with the doll, so that there would be no temptations during strict fasting. They explained to small children that the pancakes were burned yesterday. Also subject to burning old clothes, which symbolized illness and troubles. They also made small dolls from scraps, which were called “homemade Maslenitsa.”

Maslenitsa rituals: which effigy is burned at the stake and why

Why do they burn a doll on Maslenitsa? What are they burning along with the effigy of Winter? Surely interests any person who has seen this colorful ritual at least once in his life.
To make a stuffed animal, they take old rags, which are tightly rolled up and impaled on a stake. You can use straw for these purposes. The head and arms are formed in a similar way. They dress the doll in a woman's sundress and tie a scarf on her head. Then they perform “makeup” using paints or women’s cosmetics. You can use beets and coal, as in ancient times. In some villages, old and unnecessary things are still thrown into the fire in order to bring renewal to the house with the coming spring. But this is done mainly for fun.

What and why they burn on Maslenitsa in other countries

Not only Ukraine, Russia and Belarus celebrate Maslenitsa. There are similar holidays in other countries. Only the traditions are different. In other countries, they don’t always burn something on Maslenitsa. For example, in Great Britain, on the first strike of the bell at the main town hall, you need to bake a pancake, on the second, run a short distance without dropping the treat from the frying pan. Whoever reaches the finish line first receives a kiss or a firm handshake from the bell ringer. In France, Mardi Gras is celebrated with carnivals and eating pancakes, which must end at midnight. In Iceland, when spring comes, it is customary to prepare special cakes and then go for a walk with the whole family. In Denmark they organize funny performances and concerts, and exchange anonymous notes.

How Maslenitsa is celebrated in other countries: whose effigy is burned and why

What and why do they burn on Maslenitsa in other countries? The Polish effigy is called Mazana. It is made in the image beautiful girl with braids and a sundress. All week Mazhana, like Maslenitsa, travels around the village, and then they create a mate for her - Mazhenyak, in a torn caftan and with a bottle of vodka. Mazhana and Mazhenyak are brought into every hut so that they take away drunkenness and troubles. Then they burn or drown.


In Switzerland, they build a snowman, stick fireworks into it and set it on fire at exactly 6 pm. The faster Bodge the snowman melts, the hotter the summer will be.

In Germany they also make a stuffed animal named Nubel. For this men's suit stuffed with straw. True, this is not done to attract a rich harvest, but in order to “burn off” sins after the November carnival.

Why do they burn a scarecrow at the stake during winter farewell and what do they burn on Maslenitsa in other countries interests cultural and religious scholars. Along with the doll, everything associated with old age and illness is destroyed on this day.