alifeoffairytales:rusalke:Djed Mraz, Ded Moroz, Moroz, Morozko (Grandfather Frost, Old Man Frost)So

alifeoffairytales:rusalke:Djed Mraz, Ded Moroz, Moroz, Morozko (Grandfather Frost, Old Man Frost)So I’ve always been interested in who exactly Djed Mraz is, because his name is the same in all Slavic languages and just because of this fact I was sure he predated what is today known as Djed Mraz which is basically the western Santa Claus. I finally did some research today and altho I could not find much information this is what I was able to put together.Djed Mraz was not the goody-goody that brings presents to children like it is believed today, he was actually a giant snow demon whose very presence would freeze breath, rivers, lakes and seas and was fond of icing people. I found this Russian fairy tale (click for link) in which he appears and it reminded me of a German fairy tale I read as a child called Frau Holle (Gramdmother Holle,Mother Hulda) as it has very similar plot. Frau Holle is believed to bring snow in Germany by making her bed. (link for German fairy tale)So they are both creatures that represent winter.Djed Mraz also has  granddaughter Snegurochka and is a female counterpart unique for Slavic Mythology. She wears blue frock and furry hat or a snowflake crown. Altho I haven’t found this tale I have read that in one fairy tale she is the daughter of father Djed Mraz and goddess of Spring Vesna (Vesna-Krasna - Spring the Beauty) and she wishes for company of mortals so her mother gives her ability to love, but as soon as she falls in love her heart warms and she melts to her death.I’m not certain, because I don’t know who the artist is, but I believe the image above represents either Djed Mraz with Snegurochka or him and Vesna, but I reckon it’s Vesna because of the flower wraith in her hair and her dress.The second two images are by the artist Ruth Sanderson, I think from her book The Snow Princess (the link gives a description of the book). -- source link

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