Maslenitsa is considered one of the most ancient holidays, because it existed in Rus' back in pagan times. It was from that time that some rituals were preserved, such as baking pancakes, burning an effigy on Maslenitsa and jumping over a fire.
Despite the fact that some of the rituals have some pagan overtones, the traditions of modern celebration are closely intertwined with religious canons. Why and when do they burn Maslenitsa, and what is the meaning of this ritual?
Origins of the tradition
Burning an effigy on Maslenitsa is a very important, semantic ritual, directly related to fertility. Many centuries ago they believed that through sacrifice one could get rid of any troubles and adversities. That is why the stuffed animal itself was made in the image and likeness of a person. In addition, people loved to dress Maslenitsa in a variety of women’s dresses, associating it with the passing winter.
For what specific reasons did the burning of effigy take place in ancient times?
- People believed that with the death of the Maslenitsa scarecrow, all sorrows and hardships would disappear from life.
- Also, such a ritual was a symbol of farewell to winter.
- Burning the effigy had another important purpose: improving the fertility of the land, because through the ritual death of the Maslenitsa effigy, fertile lands returned to life.
The burning of a Maslenitsa effigy was indeed an important and meaningful ritual, but only in ancient times. Now he is treated with respect, but no more. People no longer believe in the need for ritual sacrifice to increase future harvests, turning the burning of Maslenitsa into a fun activity that directly signifies the beginning of Lent.
This tradition was first mentioned in the first written sources relating to the ancient Russian state. Then the holiday lasted not 7, but 14 days, and sometimes during this time several ritual burnings of the straw effigy took place at once. For the ancient Slavs, it was important not only to burn the image of Maslenitsa, but also to carry out a ritual burial of the ashes. It was believed that ashes should definitely be buried in the ground, since this increased the yield of the fields and signaled the final arrival of spring. Nowadays, such ash burial practically does not occur anywhere.
Features of creating a Maslenitsa scarecrow
One of the most popular questions that arise on the eve of the holiday is why they burn a scarecrow at Maslenitsa. The features of the religious and pagan overtones of such a burning have already been described above; now it remains to find out what were the nuances of creating the effigy itself. This symbol of celebration has always been created according to the following rules:
Almost always, the symbol of the celebration was created on Monday, the first day of Maslenitsa celebration. Then they were just starting to make it from straw, simultaneously dressing it in women's clothing. Similar figurines were made in almost every home, but only the most beautiful and largest ones were traditionally burned in the square. Production was completed either by Monday evening or Tuesday morning. Next, people loaded the scarecrow onto a sleigh and went with it to travel around the village.
The ritual removal of Maslenitsa continued throughout the holiday week until Sunday. The burning of the effigy took place not only in the central squares, but also in the courtyards of many houses.
Among some peoples, it was customary not to burn a ritual effigy, but to drown it in an ice hole. However, this version of the ritual rather quickly sank into oblivion due to its unspectacular nature.
When creating this figurine, unnecessary things were almost always used that a person would like to get rid of. By burning them along with the effigy, each family not only hoped for an excellent harvest, but also cleared their own space, destroying everything unnecessary and interfering with family well-being.
Detailed scenario of the burning ritual
The history of the scarecrow at Maslenitsa dates back to pagan times, when this ritual had a clear religious overtones. Then it was customary to burn a huge figure early on Sunday morning.
In some provinces there was also a tradition of burning small straw figurines. Such figurines were made in several copies, and each of them meant something that a person wanted to say goodbye to. So, for example, by burning small effigies, a person could wish to get rid of illness or unhappiness in love.
Interesting rituals associated with the Maslenitsa effigy
Since the holiday was amazingly popular, its scenario was sometimes noticeably modified. So, for example, in some provinces they did not burn effigy, but people dressed up in the manner of straw figurines became a symbol of celebration. Usually a beautiful girl was made a symbol of the celebration, but they could also dress up an old woman or a local respected person.
After driving this man dressed in a special suit throughout the village, people threw him into the snow and dumped him there within a few minutes.
The ritual of burning the effigy itself also changed. They threw everything into the fire, from small figurines to wooden logs. What could go into such a fireplace along with a figure made of straw?
- In some provinces, a religious burning of a wheel made of wood, which was a symbol of the sun, was carried out.
- People could also throw pieces of paper with wishes and requests into the fire.
- Often old things, such as bast shoes or shirts, were also subjected to religious burning, and with their help people tried to get rid of misfortunes.
In Kostroma 
province there was a tradition of burning a “straw man”. Each village resident took a small bundle of straw and threw it into a common pile, under the feet of straw figures. When a sufficient amount of flammable material was collected at the man’s feet, it was set on fire, thus symbolizing the farewell to frost and cold. Also in the Kostroma province, many men went to travel on carts around the city in special straw caps. At the onset of evening, these caps were burned as a symbol of the onset of spring and farewell to winter.
Immediately after burning such an effigy, people went home or to church. With the last glimpses of the fire, the holiday ended, which means the time of Lent began. It was believed that ritual burning cleansed the soul of every person, and now people could live in anticipation of something bright and memorable.
Modern meaning of tradition
Why they burn Maslenitsa now is a completely different question, since the modern ritual has absolutely no religious overtones. For a whole week, people consume pancakes in abundance, and burning a straw effigy becomes more of an entertainment than a ritual with a special meaning.
The traditions of celebrating Maslenitsa were constantly changing and transformed due to the fact that church ministers advocated the abolition of the celebration. Both Catherine II and Peter I advocated for the abolition of the holiday, but for the common people Maslenitsa has long become not a symbol of pagan traditions, but an important part of future religious celebrations.
Maslenitsa week is coming very soon. This means we need to prepare for winter farewell and fun festivities. What does the ritual of destroying a doll at the stake mean, what is burned at Maslenitsa along with a scarecrow in Russia and other countries, you will learn from our article.
Whose effigy is burned on Maslenitsa: Winter or Maslenitsa, and why is it traditionally burned?
During the times of paganism in Rus', the Maslenitsa holiday was not just fun. It had obvious religious overtones and was dedicated to seeing off the cold season. People believed in the power of sacrifices, therefore, according to tradition, to attract a rich harvest, they burned an effigy of Maslenitsa, which symbolized the passing winter. It was believed that the ritual brought fertility and brought the arrival of warmth closer. Maslenitsa festivities in those ancient times lasted for two whole weeks, and an effigy was burned in every yard. They made it from straw and rags: they added eyes and a mouth, and attached rag braids. It was made in the image of a girl who traveled, accompanied by Maslenitsa, throughout the village. The ritual ended with the ritual burning of the doll in the square, songs and dances that caused a religious trance. Everything old and unnecessary was thrown into the fire, the remains of food from the festive table, and the ashes were buried in the ground. 
Why do they burn an effigy in the Maslenitsa ritual?
Over time, the ritual acquired a different meaning. Maslenitsa week preceded Lent, therefore, the meaning of the holiday was abundant food. Sunday is the last day on which the largest and most beautiful effigy is chosen and burned in front of everyone. Whose effigy is burned on Maslenitsa: Winter or Maslenitsa, and why is it traditionally burned these days? Maslenitsa is celebrated because it is fun. Folk festivals bring people together and provide an opportunity to get in touch with ancient traditions that are so close to the Slavic people. 
What is burned on Maslenitsa along with the effigy of Winter and why is the doll burned?
These days, together with the effigy of Winter, nothing is burned on Maslenitsa, except the doll itself, which is made from improvised materials. And no one makes the symbol of the celebration on their own anymore: it is ordered in advance from professionals. Previously, the leftover food from the festive table was thrown into the fire along with the doll, so that there would be no temptations during strict fasting. They explained to small children that the pancakes were burned yesterday. Old clothes, which symbolized illness and misfortune, were also subject to burning. They also made small dolls from scraps, which were called “homemade Maslenitsa.”
Maslenitsa rituals: which effigy is burned at the stake and why
Why do they burn a doll on Maslenitsa? What are they burning along with the effigy of Winter? Surely interests any person who has seen this colorful ritual at least once in his life.
To make a stuffed animal, they take old rags, which are tightly rolled up and impaled on a stake. You can use straw for these purposes. The head and arms are formed in a similar way. They dress the doll in a woman's sundress and tie a scarf on her head. Then they perform “makeup” using paints or women’s cosmetics. You can use beets and coal, as in ancient times. In some villages, old and unnecessary things are still thrown into the fire in order to bring renewal to the house with the coming spring. But this is done mainly for fun. 
What and why they burn on Maslenitsa in other countries
Not only Ukraine, Russia and Belarus celebrate Maslenitsa. There are similar holidays in other countries. Only the traditions are different. In other countries, they don’t always burn something on Maslenitsa. For example, in Great Britain, on the first strike of the bell at the main town hall, you need to bake a pancake, on the second, run a short distance without dropping the treat from the frying pan. Whoever reaches the finish line first receives a kiss or a firm handshake from the bell ringer. In France, Mardi Gras is celebrated with carnivals and eating pancakes, which must end at midnight. In Iceland, when spring comes, it is customary to prepare special cakes and then go for a walk with the whole family. In Denmark they organize funny performances and concerts, and exchange anonymous notes.
How Maslenitsa is celebrated in other countries: whose effigy is burned and why
What and why do people burn Maslenitsa in other countries? The Polish effigy is called Mazana. It is made in the image of a beautiful girl with braids and a sundress. All week, Mazhana, like Maslenitsa, travels around the village, and then they create a mate for her - Mazhenyak, in a torn caftan and with a bottle of vodka. Mazhana and Mazhenyak are brought into every hut so that they take away drunkenness and troubles. Then they burn or drown. 
In Switzerland, they build a snowman, stick fireworks into it and set it on fire at exactly 6 pm. The faster Bodge the snowman melts, the hotter the summer will be. 
In Germany they also make a stuffed animal named Nubel. To do this, a man's suit is stuffed with straw. True, this is not done to attract a rich harvest, but in order to “burn off” sins after the November carnival. 
Why do they burn a scarecrow at the stake during winter farewell and what do they burn on Maslenitsa in other countries interests cultural and religious scholars. Along with the doll, everything associated with old age and illness is destroyed on this day.
Maslenitsa is considered the most satisfying and fun holiday, because it has a lot of interesting traditions and customs. The main symbols of the holiday are pancakes, of which you need to eat a huge amount during the week of festivities. Also of particular importance on Maslenitsa is the effigy, which is burned at the very end of the holiday.
Maslenitsa for the Orthodox lasts seven days and falls on last week before Lent. At this time, believers are actively preparing to enter a period of strict prohibitions and repentance, and therefore try to have fun and eat more.
The clergy frown a little on revelry, because preparing for fasting should not consist of filling your belly and forgetting about entertainment - the priests advise not to deny yourself food, but not to overdo it, because time should also be devoted to moral preparation and full awareness of the importance of the next seven weeks.
Lent traditionally lasts seven weeks, preceding the Easter holiday. In 2018, Easter is celebrated early, on April 8th. The fast will begin on February 19. This means that from today, February 12th until the 18th inclusive, we celebrate the bright and hearty Maslenitsa.
The holiday of seeing off winter and welcoming spring existed among our ancestors, the Slavs, and they celebrated it no less cheerfully. Rich treats and stuffed animals came to us precisely from ancient times - a time when people believed that they could turn their fate for the better with the help of special rites and rituals.
Why did pancakes later become a symbol of Maslenitsa? The answer to the question is quite simple - round and golden, they evoke an association with the sun and warmth that spring will definitely bring. Nourishing and tasty - like nothing else, they symbolize the fertility of the earth and nature.
The preparation of pancakes is of particular importance in Orthodoxy. During Cheese Week, you should not eat meat, because this is a preparatory week for complete abstinence from animal products. Pancakes made from flour, milk and eggs are a kind of combination of those products that you can still eat this week.
There are many beliefs and signs associated with pancakes on Maslenitsa. It is believed that you need to eat as many of them as possible this week in order to recharge your health and strength for the whole next year. You can use pancakes to tell fortunes and cast spells to find out your lot and change it for the better.
It is believed that the more pancakes are baked on Maslenitsa, the richer and happier your family will be this spring.
According to custom, pancakes were generously treated to anyone who came to visit during Maslenitsa week. It is believed that by showing generosity and hospitality to a guest, you “appease” spring and invite happiness into your home.
If the pancake dough turns out to be too salty, the one who prepared it will cry a lot this year. To avoid the consequences of a bad omen, you need to pour the dough into running water, mentally sending with it your reasons for sadness.
Spilled dough - to unexpected events soon.
It is considered a bad omen to throw away burnt or simply unsuccessful pancakes. In order not to incur grief, it is better to give failed baked goods to birds or stray dogs.
Our ancestors believed that by baking pancakes for the first time on Maslenitsa, a person “bakes” his future destiny. Therefore, our grandparents advise us to be extremely careful when handling holiday treats.
Maslenitsa is usually celebrated for a whole week and each day has its own special meaning. On each day you need to bake pancakes, but for a different purpose. On Monday, the first pancakes are distributed to family and pets. On Tuesday, “Flirting” is celebrated, when housewives practice filling pancakes with all kinds of additives, and young girls lure possible suitors with them.
On Wednesday, gourmet food, pancakes should be distributed to the poor and everyone you know, gather around a large table to once again taste the delicacy in friendly company. Be sure to invite your spouse’s parents to pancakes at this time.
On Thursday there is a general revelry - pancakes should be taken to the fair or bought at fairs. On this day, street entertainment begins, which is also worth taking part in.
On Friday, parents treat their children to pancakes. First of all, it was believed that the son-in-law should pay a return visit to his mother-in-law.
Saturday - a woman invites her mother-in-law and all her husband’s relatives to her house to treat them to cooked pancakes.
On Sunday - Forgiveness Sunday. The whole family needs to get together to ask each other for forgiveness and eat the last pancakes of the week in preparation for Lent. On this day, a ritual burning of an effigy takes place in squares and fairs, around which people should loudly sing, dance and have fun in order to awaken the sleeping spring with noise and din.
The Maslenitsa effigy is also burned for a reason: the fire symbolizes the heat of the earth awakening from sleep, and the effigy symbolizes the cold winter, deprived of its power. By burning winter at the stake, our ancestors called on spring to begin cultivating the land and growing crops again.
According to popular belief, the fire must be made large and high: the higher the fire, the more successful the year will be.
Girls who want to win the love of their chosen one can take home two coals from the Maslenitsa fire: one to keep at home, and the other to leave at the house of their loved one. It is believed that the embers from this fire can melt a man’s heart and evoke a response.
Our ancestors often prepared two stuffed animals for Maslenitsa - in the form of a man and a woman. Their connection in the flame meant the future fertility of the earth and a rich harvest.
Maslenitsa effigies were dressed in old, shabby and torn costumes, and sometimes they used fur coats with fur inside out. Clothes were taken from different houses, and it was mainly women who dressed up the “beauty,” the portal rosregistr reports. Eyes, eyebrows and nose were drawn using charcoal, and beets were used for lips.
The effigy of winter should also be burned at the stake because it symbolizes annual renewal. Once upon a time, old things were thrown into the fire so that the fire would consume everything sad and sinful. It depended on the strength of the fire when early spring would come, and with the help of the ashes they cultivated the fields so that there would be a good harvest.
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Anyone who is even remotely familiar with the rituals of the Slavs knows about the tradition of burning a stuffed doll on Maslenitsa. This is probably the most famous custom, which has survived virtually unchanged to this day and continues to be widely used during folk festivals. True, not all of us can explain in detail what is burned on Maslenitsa and, most importantly, why and why exactly this colorful ritual is performed. Most will answer about the symbolic burning of an effigy and saying goodbye to winter, but few are familiar with the history of this Slavic rite. In this article, we propose to analyze this ritual in more detail and find out the roots of the tradition of burning effigies on Maslenitsa.
What is burned on Maslenitsa: whose effigy and why is it set on fire on the last day of Maslenitsa
Let's start, perhaps, by answering the question, what is burned on Maslenitsa - whose effigy it is and why it is put on fire on the last day of the celebration. As you know, Maslenitsa is an ancient Slavic holiday associated with the change of seasons. Our pagan ancestors believed that behind the changing seasons there were deities who should be appeased with generous gifts. For example, the same pancakes that are traditionally baked during Maslenitsa week, were originally dedicated to the Slavic god of the Sun, or rather, his spring form - Yaril. It was in order to appease Yarilo, who was supposed to awaken the earth from winter hibernation, that the housewives baked pancakes all week. What does burning an effigy have to do with Maslenitsa? It's simple: fire was one of the symbols of the Sun God and this ritual signals his victory over winter.
What kind of scarecrow is it and why is it put on fire (burned at the stake) on the last day of Maslenitsa
Based on the above, it is easy to guess that the effigy that the Slavs burned on Maslenitsa symbolized winter. Consequently, the ritual itself was an action that conveyed the essence of the beliefs of the ancient Slavs regarding the surrounding world. Since in their mythology all natural phenomena were personified by deities, winter was not just a season, but a goddess - Mara. The Slavs believed that Mara is the embodiment of death. In addition, Mara represented winter itself with its difficult trials for all living beings in the form of cold, bad weather and hunger. At the beginning of winter, Mara looked young beautiful girl, and at the end of the season she turned into an old woman wearing rags. That is why the stuffed animal symbolizing her on Maslenitsa was dressed up in old things. By burning a stuffed doll at the stake, the Slavs believed that they were helping Yaril defeat Mara, awaken the earth from sleep and give rise to a new life.
What else is burned on Maslenitsa along with the effigy of winter according to ancient traditions?
In addition to the effigy of winter Mary, the ancient Slavs, according to tradition, burned other objects on Maslenitsa. Mostly, old things and clothes that were no longer in use were thrown into the fire. It was believed that such a ritual allows one to part with everything old and unnecessary, making room for the new and good. Also during this period, things of deceased relatives were burned. As a rule, separate fires were not created for this purpose. Things were simply put on a scarecrow or thrown into the flames of the main fire.
What else, according to ancient Slavic traditions, is burned along with the effigy of winter on Maslenitsa?
What else did the ancient Slavs burn on Maslenitsa along with the effigy of winter? In addition to Mary, the Slavs also made stuffed animals symbolizing the Maslenitsa holiday itself. This stuffed animal was male and was called Oil Dish. They also dressed Maslenka in old things, but tried to embellish his image. The burning of Maslenka was associated with the end of the week of celebrations and a kind of farewell to Maslenitsa. It is noteworthy that this tradition has also been preserved to this day in certain regions and countries.
What is burned on Maslenitsa in other countries - rituals and traditions
Many are sure that the celebration of Maslenitsa is an exclusively Slavic tradition. But in fact, many nations have rituals associated with seeing off winter and inviting spring. In most European countries, there are still fairs and festivals that are very reminiscent of Maslenitsa folk festivities here. Traditional entertainment for such events is also directly related to ancient pagan rituals. For example, pancakes, symbolizing the sun, are baked in the last week of winter and at the very beginning of spring in almost all European countries. It is noteworthy that they are not just eaten, but are often used in various games. For example, in England they organize races with frying pans containing pancakes. The participants' task is to flip the pancake in the air at least three times while running.
What is burned on Maslenitsa according to ancient traditions and rituals in other countries
So, what do they burn on Maslenitsa in other countries according to ancient traditions and rituals? In most countries where there are folk celebrations associated with farewell to winter, no dolls or stuffed animals are burned. If bonfires are lit during festivities, they are often used for jumping over the flames. It is believed that such an action can free one from all the negativity that has accumulated over a year of a person’s life. We hope that now you know exactly what is burned on Maslenitsa, whose effigy it is and why this ritual is performed. We are confident that this information will help you better understand the ancient traditions of our people.
Maslenitsa is one of the most ancient and main pagan calendar holidays, which after the adoption of Christianity was preserved almost unchanged.
According to the custom that has developed in Rus', on these days it is customary to eat deliciously and have fun, organizing fairs, sleigh rides and festivities. Mummers in animal costumes, with tambourines, balalaikas and other folk instruments, go around their neighbors and friends, congratulate them on the holiday and sing funny songs, for which they receive refreshments.
Another custom of this holiday - burning an effigy of Maslenitsa - has also survived to this day.
When is the effigy burned for Maslenitsa in 2020?
The start date of the holiday varies from year to year depending on the date of Easter and, accordingly, the beginning of Lent. In 2020, Maslenitsa will begin on February 24 and will last a week until Forgiveness Sunday - March 1.
This holiday in Rus' has always been celebrated on a grand scale. It was believed that the more magnificent it is, the richer the harvest will be in the coming year, and whoever skimps on treats on these days will go broke in a year.
During the week, you can forget about your problems, hang out with friends and family, eat delicious food, because during the celebration the tables are bursting with all kinds of treats. On Maslenitsa, dishes are traditionally prepared from eggs, dairy and fermented milk products, including cream, butter, cottage cheese, and bake pancakes.
They symbolize the warm spring sun, giving people hope for happy life and a good harvest in the future. It is believed that the more pancakes are baked on Maslenitsa, the richer and more prosperous the next year will be.
Other baked goods are also served at the table: shanezhki, cheesecakes, pretzels, buns, cookies, gingerbreads, pies, pies, gingerbreads.
Maslenitsa is celebrated for seven days, each of which has its own name:
- Monday - " Meeting»,
- Tuesday - " Flirting»,
- Wednesday - " Gourmand»,
- Thursday - " Revelry" or " Wide Thursday»,
- on Friday are held " Mother-in-law's evenings»,
- on Saturday are arranged " Sister-in-law's get-togethers».
The week ends Forgiveness Sunday, when believers eat fast food for the last time before Lent, albeit without meat.
It is no coincidence that until the 16th century this holiday was called Meat Empty. And the last day of Maslenitsa is called Orthodox calendar“Cheese week”, since it is at this time that the consumption of dairy products ends before fasting.
On the last day of Maslenitsa week, believers visit churches and do good deeds. At this time, it is not recommended to do household chores: cleaning, washing, sewing, knitting, embroidery, etc.
Also, according to established tradition, people ask each other for forgiveness for past grievances. On this day you cannot quarrel, swear, and if you have a difficult relationship with someone, you must make peace with this person.
On what day do they burn an effigy on Maslenitsa?
This ritual is performed at the end of the holiday week. According to tradition, the burning of effigy on Maslenitsa takes place on Forgiveness Sunday.
When will they burn the Maslenitsa effigy? In 2020, this ceremony will take place on March 1. We will tell you what it means, what it is accompanied by, and what time the Maslenitsa effigy is burned.
If in former times they burned female and male effigies, then nowadays it is customary to burn only female effigies, which began to bear the same name as the holiday itself - Maslenitsa. This action becomes the culmination and its most striking event.
Usually they destroy a large figure of Maslenitsa - no smaller than human height, but small figures are also made. They are made from different materials: birch sticks, brooms, straw, bast, old clothes and rags. The nose and mouth are made from beads (buttons) or the doll’s face is painted with bright colors. The eyes of Maslenitsa, according to tradition, are usually depicted closed.
In the old days, a scarecrow was made from the last bunch of straw that was left after the fall harvest. Similar figurines were made in almost every home, but only the most beautiful and largest Maslenitsa was burned.
It was carried through the village, and then, impaled on a stake, it was installed on the highest hill, from where it could be seen from everywhere. Sometimes a scarecrow was carried in a sleigh, and a beautiful girl, dressed approximately the same as the symbol of Maslenitsa, sat next to him.
After that, he was burned, sometimes drowned in an ice hole or torn into pieces. It was believed that together with the destroyed effigy, which personified the passing winter, people would get rid of the hardships and misfortunes that accompanied them in the past.
Old things were thrown into the fire in which Maslenitsa was burned so that everything bad would be left behind. The fire also symbolized the heat of the earth awakening from sleep. According to popular belief, it should be large and tall: the taller it is, the more successful the year is expected to be.
The Slavs held round dances around the fire, singing loudly and having fun in order to awaken the sleeping spring.
And so that higher powers would be favorable to the peasants and send them a good harvest, the ashes after burning the effigies were scattered across the fields.
Leaving it was a bad omen, because it was believed that then the harvest would be bad, and the sudden onset of cold weather could destroy new crops. However, among some peoples it was customary to scatter ashes into the air. This ritual was a symbolic sacrifice to higher powers.
It is noteworthy that in the old days, when the holiday lasted not 7, but 14 days, during this time several ritual burnings of a straw effigy were arranged. This ancient custom, albeit in a modified form, has survived to this day.
For our ancestors, this action was important, because they believed that with the help of certain rituals they could change their destiny for the better. Nowadays, burning effigy on Maslenitsa is mostly just for entertainment. Over time, the ritual of sacrifice turned into a spectacular entertainment that symbolizes the end of winter and the arrival of real spring.
What time will the effigy be burned on Maslenitsa in 2020?
Many people are interested in: what time do they burn an effigy on Maslenitsa? This ritual is usually carried out at the end of the festival, in the evening, at sunset, although in some cities and villages it is held during the day. The exact time of burning the effigy on Maslenitsa in 2020 in each locality is determined at its own discretion.
