Photos

Due upcoming Christmas and New 2007 Year, I decided to post couple of pictures with wood carved Ded Moroz (Russian Santa Claus) and send "Merry Christmas" to all photographers on TE and TL websites. I think that the theme of Christmas gifts is very actual nowadays and everybody trying to get something special for his relatives, friends and co-workers. Of course, the negatives from these customer's activity is the terrible traffic in big cities, crowds in shops, but be patient - at the beginning of January will be pretty quietly... :-)

On these picture, which I took inside a huge craft market in the Kremlin of Izmailovo (Art City), you can see very nice examples of wood carved Ded Morozes and even one small Snegurochka (Snow-Maid) between them. By preserved tradition from Middle Ages, these masterpieces are carved with a hand in wood of lime. The average price for these gifts (if they are hand carved and painted by good artists with the fine details) can vary from $50 to $300 and depends of the size of the subject.

1. Legends & History:
From Slav legends and tales we know that he freezes the water in rivers and lakes, sends winter snowstorms and wraps tree-branches in hoarfrost. Gradually the severe giant who used to freeze lonely travelers to death transformed into a kind grandfather and king of winter forests sparkling with "diamonds, silver and pearls". He lives in an ice palace and sleeps on a bed of snowflakes. Always wearing his traditional round hat embroidered in silver and his long coat trimmed with white fur, white-haired and white-bearded, he came to symbolize wisdom, justice, wealth and happiness. His miracle-working, crystal-silver stick is a symbol of power.
Another unique New Year's character existing only in Russian culture is Snow-Maid, Grandfather Frost's granddaughter and first aide. A Russian fairy tale says once, during a holiday, as she jumps over a fire along with other children, Snow-Maid melts and turns into cloud. Normally, Snow-Maid wears a blue coat trimmed with white fur and a crown decorated with silver and pearls. She helps her grandfather entertain children at New Year Tree parties.

2. Traditions & Customs
See the note to Wood Carved Ded Moroz #2

With BEST Regards,
Arthur Lookianov
Personal Guide & Driver in Moscow
Pictures of Russia