Straw bear

A straw bear is a figure made out of straw that is traditionally used during a winter festival in some parts of England. During the festival, people dress up like the straw bear and parade around the town while people sing and dance. At the end of the festivities, the straw bear is usually burned.
This is a traditional way of celebrating the beginning of a new season, when the days start getting longer and there is hope for the future. Burning a figure made of straw is believed to bring good luck and bring prosperity for the upcoming year.