In late February and early March, Russia celebrate Shrovetide, the most ancient festival of the Slavonic people. In the old days, Slavs believed that the change of seasons was the struggle between Yarilo, god of the sun, and the evil spirits of cold and darkness. People believed that they had to help Yarilo fight against winter and bring in the spring. So, for the whole week, ancient Russian villagers had fun and games. The built a straw dummy of the Shrovetide Maid, then put it on a sledge and pulled it around the village laughing and playing. On the last day of the festival, they burnt it and chanted, 'We are seeing off Shrovetide and waiting for the sun to come! Come to us, spring, with your jay and kindness!'
