Traditions in Slovakia: Morena as a Symbol of Winter and Renewal
Traditional customs in Slovakia have deep roots that trace back to pre-Christian Slavic rituals. One of the most iconic traditions is the ritual of “vynášanie Moreny” (carrying out Morena), a symbol of winter, death, and the cold season, which is celebrated every spring.
Who Was Morena?
Morena, also known as Mařena or Marmuriena (depending on the region), was the Slavic goddess of winter, death, and darkness. She represented the end of life and the cold season, but her “death” symbolized purification and rebirth, closely connected with the arrival of spring.
How Was the Ritual of Morena Performed?
The ritual of casting out Morena traditionally took place at the end of winter, usually during the spring equinox or just before Easter. Morena was made from available materials such as straw, wood, rags, or old clothes, crafted to resemble a female figure.
The ritual process included the following steps:
- Creating Morena – The figure of Morena was made by young people or women in the village. Her appearance was often designed to look frightening, embodying the dark and unpleasant traits of winter.
- Procession with Morena – Morena was carried through the village in a procession accompanied by folk songs. This procession symbolized bidding farewell to winter.
- Destroying Morena – Morena was burned or thrown into water, usually into a stream or river. This act symbolized the end of winter and its power over the land. After Morena’s destruction, a “spring” branch—a green twig decorated with ribbons and flowers—was brought into the village, symbolizing the arrival of spring.
Each region of Slovakia has its own unique elements tied to the ritual of casting out Morena.
Záhorie Region – In Záhorie, Morena was known as “Mařena,” and the ritual had a very song-filled character. During the procession, children were encouraged to dance and make noise, symbolically driving winter away.
Orava Region – In Orava, Morena was often more elaborately decorated, with added touches like ribbons and beads. When Morena was burned or thrown into the water, people lit small torches and tossed them into the water as well, symbolizing purification through fire.
Liptov Region -In Liptov, the ritual had two phases:
- First, Morena was carried through the village, and at every house, she was splashed with water to symbolize melting snow.
- After being thrown into the water, a large “circledance” was performed around the river or stream to invoke spring and a fruitful year.
Spiš Region – In Spiš, the custom included the addition of “Leto”—a branch or small tree decorated with flowers, colorful ribbons, and eggs. Morena and Leto were part of the same procession—Morena was destroyed, but Leto was brought back to the village, symbolizing the transition from winter to spring.
Gemer and Horehronie Regions – In these areas, processions were combined with traditional masks. Young boys dressed as “winter” in old white tags and symbolically fought with those representing “spring” in green clothing. Spring always had to win, marking the triumph of the new season.
Symbolism and Meaning
The ritual of casting out Morena is more than just a folkloric custom. It is a symbolic act of purification and renewal. Destroying Morena represents the removal of the old, negative, and dead, making way for something new—a new natural cycle, better harvest, and new life.
The casting out of Morena is one of many examples of how our ancestors understood and celebrated the cycles of nature. This ritual reminds us of the importance of connecting with nature, respecting it, and being grateful for the new beginning that comes every year with spring.
