New Year's Round Dance of Russia: Getting to Know the Wizards of Winter | iLike

New Year's Round Dance of Russia: Getting to Know the Wizards of Winter

Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden are everyone's favorite symbols of the New Year holidays in Russia. But did you know that they have their own special incarnations in different parts of our country?

Let's go on a fabulous journey and meet some of these amazing characters!

And let's start with the most familiar characters. - 

Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden

It is believed that the image of Santa Claus has absorbed the features of the ancient Slavic spirits of winter, such as Treskun and Frost. Initially, the harsh lord of the cold eventually became a kind grandfather, bringing gifts.

The image of the Snow Maiden is associated with a folk tale about a girl made of snow. Unlike Santa Claus, she became popular in the 19th century and established herself as his granddaughter during the Soviet era.

Yamal Iri (Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District)

Yamal Santa Claus is dressed in national clothes, rides a reindeer sled and gives gifts with a northern flavor. He has a “magic tambourine" with which he controls the weather.

Tol Babai (Udmurtia):

A kind old man from the forest, the guardian of the wisdom of the Udmurt people. He is dressed in animal skins and has a wooden staff. He lives in a forest hut and is friends with forest spirits.

Ehee Dyyl (Yakutia):

Ehee Dyyl is the Yakut lord of the cold, dressed in blue robes and has a long beard, embodies the severity of the north. He commands the forces of nature and causes frosts.

Pakkine and Luminine (Karelia):

Pakkine is a young Frost that grew out of frosty breath, he is mischievous and agile, helps Santa Claus. May appear in plain clothes, often with a blush from the cold.

Luminaine the Snow Maiden: The Karelian Snow Maiden is dressed in a white or silver dress decorated with northern patterns. She is associated with the cult of the swan and is considered the guardian of Karelian nature.
Interesting fact: Pakkine and Lumi Snegurochka are a young couple who embody the vivacity and beauty of the Karelian winter.

Each of these characters is a unique embodiment of winter magic. They reflect the culture and traditions of their region, while remaining part of the overall Russian New Year's tale. They remind us that magic lives everywhere, and every corner of our country has its own special winter story!