A straw effigy is burnt during a ceremony to welcome spring in Prague, the Czech Republic, on March 22, 2026. A traditional ceremony was held in Prague on Sunday, during which a straw effigy symbolizing winter and death was burnt and then cast into a river, marking the end of winter and the arrival of spring. This folk custom, passed down since ancient times, has become an important cultural symbol of the region. (Photo by Dana Kesnerova/Xinhua)
People in traditional costumes take part in a ceremony to welcome spring in Prague, the Czech Republic, on March 22, 2026. A traditional ceremony was held in Prague on Sunday, during which a straw effigy symbolizing winter and death was burnt and then cast into a river, marking the end of winter and the arrival of spring. This folk custom, passed down since ancient times, has become an important cultural symbol of the region. (Photo by Dana Kesnerova/Xinhua)
People in traditional costumes take part in a ceremony to welcome spring in Prague, the Czech Republic, on March 22, 2026. A traditional ceremony was held in Prague on Sunday, during which a straw effigy symbolizing winter and death was burnt and then cast into a river, marking the end of winter and the arrival of spring. This folk custom, passed down since ancient times, has become an important cultural symbol of the region. (Photo by Dana Kesnerova/Xinhua)
People take part in a ceremony to welcome spring in Prague, the Czech Republic, on March 22, 2026. A traditional ceremony was held in Prague on Sunday, during which a straw effigy symbolizing winter and death was burnt and then cast into a river, marking the end of winter and the arrival of spring. This folk custom, passed down since ancient times, has become an important cultural symbol of the region. (Photo by Dana Kesnerova/Xinhua)
A man in traditional costumes takes part in a ceremony to welcome spring in Prague, the Czech Republic, on March 22, 2026. A traditional ceremony was held in Prague on Sunday, during which a straw effigy symbolizing winter and death was burnt and then cast into a river, marking the end of winter and the arrival of spring. This folk custom, passed down since ancient times, has become an important cultural symbol of the region. (Photo by Dana Kesnerova/Xinhua)
