Mass Media Overview
Ded Moroz, the Russian Santa
11.12.2017 12:23
https://www.tripsavvy.com/
By Kerry Kubilius
11/19/17
Like all countries in Eastern Europe, Russia has its own version of Santa Claus, who differs slightly from the jovial, round-bellied, red-suited gentleman who appears in Hollywood films and on American Christmas cards. The Russian Santa Claus is known as Ded Moroz, which translates to “Grandfather Frost” in English, but most English speakers simply call him “Father Frost.”
He is a figure associated with Russian Christmas traditions and New Year's traditions, and while Ded Moroz is the Russian equivalent of Santa Claus, he is unmistakably Russian in appearance and attitude, typically shown in a long, Russian-style coat in the colors of red, icy blue, silver, or gold, which is lined or trimmed with white fur.
Ded Moroz lacks the conical-style cap worn by the Western Santa and instead sports a rounded Russian cap generously trimmed with fur, and his clothing is sometimes richly decorated with embroidery. Traditionally shown as a tall and slender older gentleman, Ded Moroz cuts an elegant figure on Christmas cards wishing the receiver happy New Year.
More About the Ded Moroz Santa
Ded Moroz carries a staff and wears a long white beard. He protects his feet from the cold by tall valenki, felted boots popular in Russia, or leather boots. The three horses of the Russian troika offer enough power and speed to get Ded Moroz to where he needs to go - the Russian Santa has no need for eight reindeer!
Ded Moroz delivers gifts on New Year's Eve rather than on Christmas Eve due to the shifting of this tradition to the more secular holiday during Soviet times. Incidentally, the holiday tree is the New Year tree, rather than the Christmas tree, though it might appear early enough to mark both occasions, particularly due to Russia's Christmas being celebrated according to the Orthodox Church calendar, after the first of the year.
Ded Moroz is often accompanied by a figure from Russian fairy tales, Snegurochka, the Snow Maiden. In the legend of Ded Moroz, she is said to be his granddaughter and is typically portrayed as blonde, rosy-cheeked, and smiling, but this legendary figure also dresses in the wintry colors of the season to assist Father Frost in his efforts to distribute gifts.
Where to See Ded Moroz in Russia
Instead of the North Pole, the Russian Santa Claus officially makes his home at an estate in the Russian town of Veliky Ustyug, and children can write their letters to Ded Moroz and send them to Veliky Ustyug in hopes of having their holiday wishes granted. Those who visit Veliky Ustyug can have their photo take with Ded Moroz, ride in a troika, and enjoy wintertime activities.
During the holiday season, Ded Moroz makes appearances in major Russian cities, like Moscow, and he often takes part in festivals and parades, so if you're planning on visiting Russia this Christmas season, be sure to check ahead for where Ded Moroz will be making appearances, and be sure to prepare your children for a slightly different version of Santa Claus before your trip.