Maslenitsa Burning 1

Maslenitsa effigy is a traditional Slavic symbol of Maslenitsa, an analogue of Carnival celebrated before Lent. Traditionally it was built out of straw and clothed in rags on Monday, the start of Maslenitsa week. After being paraded and 'welcomed', it was put on a sledding hill, where it remained throughout the week. On the last day Maslenitsa was again paraded through town and transported to the fields to be burned in a bonfire. It's ashes were spread on the fields to ensure a good harvest.

 

This photo was taken 26.02.2017 at Maslenitsa celebration in Yusupov gardens, Saint-Petersburg.

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