Despite the strong Catholic character of modern Poland, some pagan traditions have endured. One of the most blithely bizarre and eyebrow-raising is the spring equinox celebration known as the Drowning of Marzanna (Topienie Marzanny). Marzanna is the Polish incarnation of the old Slavic goddess of winter, plague and death. Fearing her icy grasp, the best way for superstitious Slavs to protect themselves, encourage the timely arrival of spring and ensure a good harvest was to partake in an old-fashioned witch-burning, followed by a drowning (just for good measure).
We skimmed through Instagram and here’s some of the best photos and videos we found.
For musical accompaniment click play. ❖❖❖ NSFW ❖❖❖ ▶︎
