The end of winter and the beginning of spring is a turning point in the year, which is celebrated by many people in a special way. For many years in Poland, the custom of drowning Marzanna has been very popular, both among children and adults. What is the origins and symbolism of this ritual? How has the approach to the indicated ritual changed over the years? What to make Marzanna out of? We give you a hint!
Where did Marzanna come from?
Marzanna is a puppet symbolizing all the negative characteristics typical of winter, and its name derives from the name of a Slavic goddess characteristic of this time of year, but also associated with death and rebirth. The custom of melting Marzanna in Polish lands dates back to the Middle Ages. In the old days, this ritual was usually held on the fourth Sunday of Lent.
What used to be the custom of melting Marzanna?
In the past, the custom of drowning Marzanna could be observed especially in smaller towns, where at the turn of winter and spring a procession marched from house to house, at the head of which went a puppet held in the hands of several-year-old girls and boys, also equipped with green juniper twigs. The purpose of such a walk was to carry it outside the village boundaries. In some regions, there was even a figure of the male counterpart of Marzanna, or Marzanioka. There are also many superstitions associated with the custom of melting Marzanna. One of the most popular proclaimed that looking behind one’s back on the way back after drowning the puppet in a pond, lake or river, or burning it in a bonfire, could bring misfortune in the form of illness in the family.
When is Marzanna drowned?
In Poland, the custom of melting Marzanna has survived to this day in many regions of our country. People who want to cultivate the characterized tradition perform a symbolic killing of this effigy on the first day of calendar spring, which is March 21 (in 2023 it will be Tuesday).
How to make a Marzanna?
Making a Marzanna yourself is not difficult. Various materials can be used for this purpose. The base for such a structure is usually two sticks (shorter and longer), attached to each other in the shape of a cross, on the top of which the „head” of the puppet is mounted. To such a skeleton, Marzanna’s „clothes” are attached, taking the form of pieces of cloth and rags, old newspapers, colorful ribbons, plastic objects, twigs, used bottles and packaging, tissue paper, straw, string, or decorations such as beads. In fact, the only limitation here is your imagination and your technical and artistic skills!
What does the melting of Marzanna look like today?
Nowadays, the custom of drowning Marzanna is treated as a pastime, combined with the Wagarowicz Day, which falls at the same time. Children and teenagers prepare such a dummy with their own hands, and then go on a short trip together and carry it to the nearest water reservoir to drown Marzanna there or perform a symbolic burning. Although sometimes this tradition is abandoned for ecological reasons, unless the whole effigy is made of biodegradable materials that will not negatively affect the environment.
The custom of melting Marzanna – summary
This year’s First Day of Spring is fast approaching. This is the perfect opportunity to finally say goodbye to winter (and especially to the snow and low temperatures associated with it) and pompously welcome the long-awaited, definitely warmer season. Find out in practice now what the custom of melting Marzanna is!
