In Vlkolínec, the end of winter was marked by the ritual of bidding Muriena farewell.
Muriena was the ancient Slavic goddess of winter and death. Through this ritual, the villagers bid farewell to the harsh winter and welcomed the return of spring, a symbol of rebirth and new life. The tradition endured even into Christian times.
On a Sunday, the girls of Vlkolínec would craft an effigy of Muriena. They began by lashing together two wooden sticks into the shape of a cross and wrapping them in straw. They made arms and a head for the effigy, which was then dressed in a blouse, skirt, and apron, with a scarf tied around her head.
The girls carried Muriena through the village, singing and laughing as they went. At the stream, they set her alight while still singing, and finally threw her into the water. Everyone rejoiced that the long, cold winter was over, and spring was on its way to awaken the land and breathe new life into the countryside.
