This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Molobo (talk | contribs) at 19:32, 8 November 2005 (added more examples and a link. I actually know this from first hand :D). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 19:32, 8 November 2005 by Molobo (talk | contribs) (added more examples and a link. I actually know this from first hand :D)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Ded Moroz is the name of the person who plays the role of Santa Claus for Eastern Slavs. The literal translation of the name would be Grandfather Frost, however English-speakers traditionally translate it as Father Frost.
Ded Moroz brings presents to kids, however unlike the clandestine ways of Santa Claus, he brings them in person, at the celebrations of the New Year, at New Year parties for kids by the fir tree. Traditionally, he also does not bring toys or coal for the good or bad, but instead brings bread for the good or dried fish strung together for the bad. Ded Moroz is accompanied by Snegurochka, or Snow Maiden, his granddaughter.
The traditional appearance of Ded Moroz differs from that of Santa Claus. Ded Moroz wears a heel-long red fur coat, a semi-round fur hat, white valenki or high boots (sapogi), silver or red with silver ornament. He has a long white, even silverish-white beard, walks with a long magical staff, doesn't say "Ho, ho, ho", and drives no reindeer.
The official residence of Ded Moroz in Russia is the town of Veliky Ustyug. The residence of the Belarusian Dzied Maroz is in Belavezhskaya Pushcha.
History
His roots are in Pagan beliefs, but since 19th century under the literary influence he, together with Snegurochka "fleshed out" from a kind of a winter sprite into what he is now. The fairy tale play Snegurochka by the famous Russian playwright Alexander Ostrovsky was influential in this respect, followed by Rimsky-Korsakov's Snegurochka with libretto based on the play.
Only by the end of the 19th century Ded Moroz has won a competition of "persons" who were in charge of New Year presents: Grandfather Nicholas, Santa Claus, Morozko, simply Moroz, etc. He perfectly fits the Russian traditions, so that there was a widespread opinion that he has been known for Russians for centuries.
After the Russian Revolution, when in 1920s Bolsheviks started to wage a campaign against religion and superstitions, Ded Moroz and the New Year Fir Tree were banned. Joseph Stalin restored the tradition in 1935. In 1937, Ded Moroz for the first time arrived to the Moscow Palace of Unions. Since this time an invitation to the Fir Tree at the Palace of Unions became a matter of honor for Soviet children. Several times the coat of Ded Moroz was changed to be not confused with Santa Claus to a long blue coat. Joseph Stalin ordered Palace of Unions' Ded Morozes to wear only blue coats.
Ded Moroz in Soviet Propaganda
During Soviet occupation of Poland, his figure was used in propaganda, as Santa Claus was determined to be "ideologically hostile". Often communist officials insisted on using the figure in Polish schools and preschools during celebrations and events for Polish children, instead of Santa Claus in order to give impression of traditional cultural links with Soviet Russia. It was also an example of using Eastern Slavic symbols and ideology by Soviets, despite the fact that culturaly Poles originated from West Slavs. Stories of his adventures for children included founding of communist commune in forest, fight against rich people, he even knew Lenin. One of the common stories that Ded Morozes told to Polish children was Lenin among Children
Quote
Among the decorated tree a dancing circle was made. Lenin alone amongst children enjoys himself fascinated, stops a cat, and helps a mouse escape. Children understood that Lenin, whom they saw for the first time, is their greatest friend and companion. Children went away from adults and went for a tea with Lenin, gave him jelly, everybody wanted him to feel good. And he gave them nuts, poured tea, and cared for them as if they were his own children. Lenin loved children honestly and greatly, and they felt the same and rewarded this with their own great love for him.
A overview of story told by Ded Moroz to Polish children under Soviet occupation.
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