Marena. A figure of Ukrainian folk mythology, identified by some scholars as a goddess of spring and of the waters. Marena plays a prominent role in March celebrations and the Kupalo festival. In the latter she was represented by a wood-and-straw figure decorated with wreaths, flowers, and candles and was either paraded with song or stationed in one spot to be entertained with dances and games. At the end of the festivities she was burned, thrown into the water, or buried in the ground.