Kostroma (deity)

Kostroma (Russian: Кострома́) is an East Slavic fertility goddess. Her name is derived from костёр (kosteor), Russian word for bonfire.

The rites of Semik were devoted to her. During this festival a disguised girl or a straw figure portrayed Kostroma. First, a scarecrow was honored and revered. Then, participants of the rite mourned the death of Kostroma, and burned or tore the scarecrow. Rituals with Kostroma were aimed at improving soil fertility.

The scarecrow of Kostroma is part of East Slavic folklore.