We present the results of our polarimetric and spectropolarimetric monitoring of V838 Monocerotis, performed at Asiago and Crimean observatories during and after the multiple outbursts that occurred in January-March 2002. The polarization of the object is mainly due to interstellar polarization (P=2.48%). Intrinsic polarization up to 0.7% at 5000 A is present during the second maximum of the object (February 2002). This intrinsic component increases toward shorter wavelengths but our limited

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... ctral coverage (5000-7500 A) does not allow conclusive inferences about its origin. A strong depolarization across the Halpha profile is observed. The interstellar polarization gives a lower limit to the reddening of E(B-V)>0.28, with E(B-V)=0.5 being the most probable value. A normal ratio of total to selective absorption (R_V=3.22+-0.17) was derived from the wavelength of maximum interstellar polarization. This suggests a low (if any) contribution by circumstellar material with peculiar dust to gas ratio. A polarimetric map of a portion of the light echo shows a complex polarization distribution reaching P_max=45%.