The children from “number three” know perfectly well that burning or drowning a Marzanna pollutes the environment, so they made their Marzanna from recyclable materials (paper, tissue paper, cardboard, old shopping bags and plastic bottles). After returning to preschool, the Marzanna was neither drowned nor burned, but ended its life in the rubbish bins. Chanting: “Marzanna, Marzanna – you winter maiden
today we’ll throw you away, because we don’t want winter!” the preschoolers began taking it apart. They put the materials from which it had been made into the appropriate containers for separated waste, reinforcing the principles of waste sorting in the process.
Preparations for the celebration lasted several days. The preschoolers learned songs, poems and rhymes. The older children’s group made the Marzanna, while the younger children, with the help of their teachers, made a beautiful, colourful little grove. There were also wonderful costumes. The children dressed up as ladybirds, bees, frogs, storks, larks, flowers and butterflies.
The celebration began at the preschool, where the children, during their performances, tried to persuade winter to leave and never return. They solved riddles and rebuses and competed in several physical challenges. There was also a welcoming concert for Lady Spring.
After forming a colourful procession, the older children marched through the neighbourhood streets, shouting “Goodbye winter! Welcome spring!” The procession was led by the Marzanna, while at the back, accompanied by ladybirds and frogs and carrying a large basket of crocuses, Lady Spring marched proudly.
The rituals took place in beautiful, sunny weather and fairly high temperatures. Walking in the procession, the preschoolers noticed signs of spring in the home gardens and the preschool garden. They unanimously concluded that spring had already arrived, and we hope that it will stay with us for good.
Branch of MPP No. 3/Dorota Berestecka