Ded Moroz and Snegurochka in the sleigh.
© Goodfon.ruDed Moroz and Snegurochka in the sleigh.
Ded Moroz, translated to (Grand)father Frost, or Old Man Frost, is a legendary Slavic character that makes his rounds every New Year's Eve. Along with his companion, Snegurochka, he brings delight to children as the two provide the little ones with gifts.

Although there are undoubtedly similarities between the character of Ded Moroz and another jolly man dressed in red who delivers presents, there are certain traits of this famous icon that differ from his western counterpart as well.

Origins and Characteristics of Ded Moroz

Ded Moroz
Postcard of Ded Moroz by Matorin Nikolay Vasilyevich from 1917.
Ded Moroz is a holiday character that has been transformed over the years. Pre-dating Christianity, Ded Moroz was a Slavic wizard, or demon, of winter. As legends show, the modern Ded Moroz favors the kind, gentle, and hardworking, but also is ready to punish any who are mean or lazy.

He was not always this way however, and today's Father Frost, was once the ancient Morozko who, according to Russia Info Centre, was "a powerful hero and smith who chains water with his "iron" frosts." Russian folk tales told of people "feeding" Morozko oatmeal kissel or kutya (boiled rice with raisins and honey) so he would not freeze their plants.

The darker side of Ded Moroz is also made apparent in Nikolai Nekrasov's poem "Moroz - Red Nose;" a tale telling of Ded Moroz killing a peasant widow and orphaning her children. This cruel wizard of winter was also capable in the past of kidnapping children, and only returning them when their parents provided him with gifts.

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