Yes, about that very straw lady, whom we first dress up in all the best (and not so best 😅), and then burn to the joyful cries of the crowd. But why do we do this? And how to properly build this fiery lady? Let's figure it out!

The Maslenitsa Scarecrow is not just a doll! 🙅‍♀️ It is such a symbol of everything bad that has accumulated over the winter: grievances, illnesses, failures, dullness and, of course, cold! 🥶 We seem to be saying: “Goodbye, winter! Thank you for the experience, but it's time for us to move on! Spring is already on the doorstep!”

Therefore, you need to approach the creation of the Scarecrow with soul, even if this soul later burns to the ground! 🔥 Every year I try to come up with something new to make my Maslenitsa truly memorable. And here are some tips from my personal experience:

Find a suitable frame: Straw is a classic, of course. But you can also use old things, branches, cardboard... The main thing is that the structure is stable and does not fall apart at the most inopportune moment! 😬 Last year, I decided to make a frame out of an old mannequin... Don't repeat my mistakes! 🤣 It burned somehow... strangely.

Dress your Maslenitsa with taste: Don't spare old clothes! The brighter and more colorful the outfit, the better! You can use scarves, skirts, shirts, beads, ribbons... In general, anything that has been lying around in the closet and has not been worn for a long time. The main thing is that the clothes are made of natural materials so that they burn well! 😉 Synthetics are evil! They stink and smoke! 💨

Add some personality: The Maslenitsa Scarecrow is not just a faceless doll. It is a symbol! Therefore, you can add some personal details that will reflect your experiences and hopes. For example, I often attach notes with my problems and wishes to the Scarecrow. 📝 So that they burn with winter and make room for something new and good!

Don't forget about the face: The face is the most important thing! It should be expressive and memorable. You can paint it, embroider it with threads, glue buttons... The main thing is that it evokes emotions! 😊 I usually give my Maslenitsa a funny face so that it is not so sad to burn it. 🙈

And now comes the most important moment - burning! 🔥

There are rules here too:

Choose a safe place: Away from houses, trees and power lines! And make sure there is water or sand nearby to put out the fire if necessary. 🚒

Do it with soul: Prepare a short speech in which you say goodbye to winter and thank it for all the good things. And tell it what you expect from spring! 🗣️

Enjoy the spectacle: Burning the Scarecrow is a very beautiful and symbolic spectacle. Enjoy it! Feel how all your problems and sorrows go away with the fire. 🙏

In general, friends, do not be afraid to experiment and show your creativity! Create your own unique Maslenitsa Scarecrows and burn them with pleasure! 🎉 And remember: the main thing is to believe in the best and look to the future with optimism! 😊

Let all your dreams burn to the ground (in the good sense of the word)! 😉