New Post (91) : Merry Christmas from Ded Moroz & Snegurochka in Veliky Ustyug
In Russia---The traditional character Ded Moroz plays a role similar to that of Santa Claus.
Santa Claus***[Santa Claus is a folklore figure in various cultures who distributes gifts to children, normally on Christmas Eve. The name is a variation of Saint Nicholas, but refers to Santa Claus...]
The literal translation of the name Ded Moroz would be Grandfather Frost, although the name is often translated as Father Frost.
Ded Moroz brings presents to children. However, unlike the secretive ways of Santa Claus, he often brings them in person, at the celebrations.
The "in-person" gifts usually occur at organized celebrations at kindergartens, schools, circus performances around New Year time where the gifts may be "standardized."
Various agencies provide Ded Moroz visits to families and offices. In such cases specific gifts can be chosen for particular members at the parties. The clandestine operations of placing the gifts under the New Year tree still occur when a Ded Moroz visit is not arranged for some reason.
Ded Moroz is commonly accompanied by Snegurochka, or The Snow Maiden, a character in Russian fairy tales. In one story, she is the daughter of Spring and Frost, who yearns for the companionship of mortal humans.
Snegurochka, or 'Snow Maiden,' is his granddaughter. She is a unique attribute of the image of Father Frost – none of his foreign counterparts has a similar companion.
The traditional appearance of Ded Moroz has a resemblance to that of Santa Claus, with his coat, boots and long white beard. Specifically, Ded Moroz wears a heel-long fur coat
The official residence of Ded Moroz in Russia is the town of Veliky Ustyug.
IN RUSSIA CHRISTMAS IS CELEBRATED ON THE 7thJANUARY.
Footnote:
The Slavic Peoples are an ethnic and linguistic branch of Indo-European peoples, living mainly in central and eastern Europe. From the early 6th century they spread to inhabit most of the Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Many settled later in Siberia and Central Asia.
Charlie Brown
