The drowning of Morena is a pagan custom in the Czech Republic and Slovakia that takes place two weeks before Easter. This holiday is the traditional Czech and Slovak way to say farewell to winter. If you're in either of these countries during this time, you may catch this ritual being practiced.
Morena Effigy
In order to say goodbye to the winter months, an effigy of Morena, the pagan goddess of death and winter, must first be made, usually by women of marriageable age. The effigy is fashioned out of twigs and straw and is then dressed in female clothing. It is given a face that represents the ugliness of winter and serves to represent the death, darkness, and cold weather that the Czechs and Slovaks typically endure with this season.
The effigy of Morena is then marched to the river, where her clothing is removed. Set aflame, Morena is then cast into the water to drown, and winter is symbolically drowned along with her.
Welcoming Springtime
Sometimes songs are sung or verses recited before or after the effigy is thrown into the water. In order to present a counterpoint to the death of Morena, decorated branches may be carried to announce the arrival of spring.
Related Springtime Rituals
In Poland, the drowning of
Marzanna symbolizes the farewell to winter. The Russian festival of
Maslenitsa, though observed before lent, also involves burning an effigy of a woman in order to welcome spring.
