The traditions of Maslenitsa celebration are rooted in ancient times. Initially, Maslenitsa was considered one of the main calendar pagan holidays. Its popularity among the people was so great that the Christian church kept the holiday practically unchanged.
Maslenitsa is traditionally celebrated during the week. The culmination of the holiday - the burning of a straw effigy - falls on its last day, the so-called "Forgiveness Sunday". In addition to straw, old clothes were used to make the stuffed animal. At the same time, they tried to make him funny and scary at the same time.
Traditions of burning a scarecrow of Maslenitsa
On Sunday, Maslenitsa week, the scarecrow was solemnly carried through the entire village, and then burned, drowned in an ice-hole, or torn to pieces and scattered straw over the fields. Sometimes, instead of a stuffed animal, a live Maslenitsa was taken around the village. Her role could be played by a smartly dressed girl, an old woman or an old drunkard man. Of course, in such cases, no one burned Shrovetide. She was taken out of the outskirts and dumped into the snow.
There was also such a rite. A large straw doll was named "Madam Shrovetide", then installed on a sleigh, into which three young people were harnessed. They took the scarecrow out of the outskirts, gave him a pancake, and then also burned it at the stake.
It was believed that together with the burnt effigy, people get rid of all the hardships and misfortunes that accompanied them in the past. Ashes were scattered across the fields to give life to a new crop that was supposed to bring revival of vitality.
Ritual bonfires
The burning of an effigy was perceived as a solemn, festive action and was accompanied by songs and round dances. In the ritual fire, they tried to burn all the old and unnecessary things, so that later they would return renewed and bring prosperity and prosperity to the house. Since people sincerely believed that better, prosperous and happy days awaited them, at least part of their hopes would certainly come true. Thus, the effigy of Maslenitsa was burned to get rid of misfortunes and troubles, for a good harvest and a prosperous life.
In some places, the tradition of making a straw stuffed animal did not spread. There, on the hills, they lit a fire, where they threw unnecessary things collected by children from all over the village. Sometimes a wheel was burned in it, which was considered a symbol of the sun. As a rule, it was put on a pole and installed in the very center of the fire.
In central Russia, the farewell to Maslenitsa was accompanied by the burning of mild food, which was also one of the symbols of the holiday. Remnants of pancakes and butter were burned in the fires, milk was poured into the same place. Sometimes the parents simply told the children that there was no light food left in the house, since all of it was burned in the fire.
