The days are visibly getting brighter and the carnival season is ending and spring is surely coming. But before that, it is good to think and understand, to keep quiet.

But while we put out the old fire that warmed us all winter, we clean the ashes of the hearth and start a new fire, also in the spiritual realm. It would be nice to have a good time one last time and perform a few important ceremonies along the way.

So here we have Turoň's day (approx. 12.2), just like during the entire carnival, it was a period of exuberant celebrations and processions in various masks, and at the end of them a parade was organized, where the mask of Turoň was at its head. The horned mask of Turoň apparently has its name derived from tur, that is, bull, and of course it embodied Veles himself.

The obvious and yet hidden purpose of this procession is to perform the ceremony of blessing the house, yard, farm. They shouted: "Turoň, come here, I will teach you!" Summoned Turoň, jumping as much as possible, ringing the bells hung on the corners, bumping into the participants of the procession, ran into the yard. There, another accompanying mask was already waiting for him, who ceremoniously shot Turoň and then Turoň was ceremoniously cut down on the dunghill. His lard, admittedly manure from a manure pit which acquired magical power through consecration, was placed in a bucket. He still got used to sticking a wand into the dung, flicking which Turoň revived again, this was also supposed to represent the upcoming rebirth of nature. Of course, it wasn't quite the end, there are still Ashes.

Ashes, but also the entire following period, culminating in the spring equinox, could be dedicated to Svarog, the heavenly blacksmith and creator of the universe. Ash Wednesday, which has been preserved for us as the Christian Ash Wednesday.

Of course, it wouldn't be possible without a dancer. During this last festivity in front of Popolac itself, in addition to the ceremonial dance, the pintar shaving ceremony was also performed. At midnight, however, with the arrival of the mask of death, the festivities were ceremoniously ended, as well as the entire carnival period. Originally, it was probably at this time that funeral rites were performed symbolically, connected with the lighting of a funeral pyre or bonfire.

And how does all this actually relate to Valentine's Day?

At this time, migratory birds are said to be preparing to fly home, that is, to us. In addition, the birds that are already here are starting to repair and build new nests. Simply time to get married. Of course 1+1 (man and woman or?). Well, here we have Valentine's Day.

In any case, this time is the last suitable time for contemplation, because every now and then the wheel will turn a little again, the bags will crackle and spring will come.

More in my book: CIRCLES OF OLD SLAVONS (https://www.weleslaw.com/knihy/kruhy-starych-slovnov/)