He is, however rooted in Slavic pagan mythology. The tradition of Ded Moroz is an important
part of Russian culture.
When I was growing up, any Christian or Communist propaganda was forgotten. To most of
us, New Year celebrations are the symbol of a good Fairy Tale and the best childhood
memories.
us, New Year celebrations are the symbol of a good Fairy Tale and the best childhood
memories.
To me, Ded Moroz is the best illustration of the differences of performance-oriented culture
and education from that of the self-esteem based norms. Four-year-old Russian children
learned nursery rhymes, dances and songs. Around January 1st they dressed up as snowflakes, clowns, princesses, horses, foxes, wolves, bunnies, and characters of their favorite books.
School and daycare holidays all had the similar premise and script.
and education from that of the self-esteem based norms. Four-year-old Russian children
learned nursery rhymes, dances and songs. Around January 1st they dressed up as snowflakes, clowns, princesses, horses, foxes, wolves, bunnies, and characters of their favorite books.
School and daycare holidays all had the similar premise and script.
The children gather around the tree. In retrospect, the ornaments contained some Soviet propaganda but they were often family air-looms. They depicted five pointed stars, astronauts, and people in national costumes. Some ornaments commemorated Olympic mascots of the past,
and so on. The lights on the tree were off at the beginning of the show.
and so on. The lights on the tree were off at the beginning of the show.
The host or the leader, often the teacher lead the kids in dances around the tree, singing
songs and calling Ded Moroz and Snegurochka. Snegurochka is Grand Father’s
granddaughter, his helper, and sometimes the host of the event. In Slavic mythology it is the daughter of winter and spring, who came alive from a frozen stature of a fair maiden.
songs and calling Ded Moroz and Snegurochka. Snegurochka is Grand Father’s
granddaughter, his helper, and sometimes the host of the event. In Slavic mythology it is the daughter of winter and spring, who came alive from a frozen stature of a fair maiden.
After Snegurochka is summoned to help light the tree, a heavy usually appears to ruin the
event. A Baba Yaga, a mean wolf, or some other mean forest creature appears to hide a
wand, a glove, or another magical object needed to light the tree.
event. A Baba Yaga, a mean wolf, or some other mean forest creature appears to hide a
wand, a glove, or another magical object needed to light the tree.
The children guess riddles, or solve some other problems to find it, usually shaming or
causing resource from the heavy by the end.
causing resource from the heavy by the end.
Ded Moroz is summoned again. He appears, sits under the tree and praises the kids as they exhibit. Teachers usually put the best kids forward to perform. Your poems, dances, musical performances were rewarded by a present from the big sack of toys and presents that
Ded Moroz brought with him.
Ded Moroz brought with him.
At the end of the event the tree was finally lit and every kid got a box or a bag of candy, fruit
and nuts.
and nuts.
A few old black and white and faded out photos remind me of my childhood. Based on them and a few other memories, I had no idea at 5 or even 12 that it wasn’t perfect.
My colander today has Jewish, American, and Russian holidays on it. I hear many pros and
cons about exposing children to the ways of the Goim, blending in, separating yourselves and
so on.
cons about exposing children to the ways of the Goim, blending in, separating yourselves and
so on.
My husband, however is fascinated with cultural diversity, my background, and every story I
have to tell. He also sees a photo opportunity for our daughter and a computer game
development challenge in most of it.
I decided to keep the tradition alive in my house and integrated as one of the best winter memories for my daughter. The story, after all can be modified, twigged, and
embellished, as long as the magic is intact.
have to tell. He also sees a photo opportunity for our daughter and a computer game
development challenge in most of it.
I decided to keep the tradition alive in my house and integrated as one of the best winter memories for my daughter. The story, after all can be modified, twigged, and
embellished, as long as the magic is intact.
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