Today in Poland and a few other slavic countries, the welcome Spring by celebrating the drowning (or burning) of Marzanna (the Frost Maiden)—topienie Marzanny in Polish. The customs vary from place to place but in general, young children make a straw or rag effigy of a figure called Marzanna, symbolizing winter. Since today is the vernal equinox, the first day of Spring, this custom celebrates the end of the dark and cold days of winter and a welcoming in of Spring with its flowers, warmer weather, and planting.
You can read more about this custom from the link above, or from this link: http://easteuropeanfood.about.com/od/holidaysfestivals/a/The-Drowning-Of-Marzanna-Or-Frost-Maiden-Topienie-Marzanny.htm?nl=1.
