Bilibin’s (one of my favorite Russian artists) portrayal of the fairy tale Morozko
So this week we have been talking about an article I read which you can find here about the origins of Дед Мороз, Dyed Moroz, literally “Grandfather Frost” the Russian version of Santa Claus.
Yesterday we talked about an ancient supposed ancestor of Dyed Moroz who you don’t want coming anywhere near your family because he represented not only frost and winter but also death.
This article explains the transition for the wintry grim reaper to just a spirit that brings winter:
“Постепенно в народном сознании Карачун сблизился с Морозом, который сковывает стужей землю, как бы погружая ее в смертный сон. Это более безобидный образ, чем суровый Карачун. Мороз — просто повелитель зимних холодов.”
“Gradually in the folk consciousness Karachun grew closer to Frost, who covers the land with hard frost as if putting her in a deadly dream. This is a much less intimidating portrayal than the ominous Karachun. Moroz is just the sovereign of the winter cold.” (Yikes, sorry that was a bad translation)
But when I hear the word moroz the thing I think of is this song. It’s an especially popular drinking song. I don’t drink but I even just hear or read the word ‘moroz’ I walk around singing this song to myself all day. So I invite you to listen and to have an earbug for the rest of the day along with me!
June 22, 2013 at 9:40 am
In Russia, Nicholas has always been considered one of the most revered saints. Nicholas – patron second after God.
In Russia was Christmas or Studenetz – the master of the cold winter weather. He was represented in the form of a short, grandfather, with a long white beard who walks through the fields and forests, along the streets and knocking with his staff, from start banging hard frost. It covers the window frosty patterns, freezing snow slides, ice shackles lakes and rivers, the people rejoice winter holidays. Frost bright and cheerful people gave fortress of body, and he did not like whiners.
In the old days, in Russian villages, it was on the eve of Christmas, fed Claus. Eldest in the family out on the doorstep with a spoon kuti or jelly and “treated” Lord winter cold.
As for the Snow Maiden. Only in Russia on New Year’s Day Santa Claus does not come alone, but with the Snow Maiden.