Introduction to Ded Moroz - the Santa Claus of the East…
Father Frost, Santa Claus or 'Sinterklaas'?

Who is the old man with the white beard and the big red thick cloak? Who is that gifts-giving person during december and january portrayed in handsculptered wood, handcrafted and -painted by talented artists? You may call him Ded Moroz which means something like 'Grandfather Frost'. He is a well known figure mostly known in the slavic european countries as well as a famous figure in russian traditions - as a figure similar known in western Europe under the name of 'Saint Nicholas', 'Father Christmas' or 'Santa Claus'. The tradition-celebration of Ded Moroz started during the beginning of the soviet era; communist authorities banned the figure of Ded Moroz. But nevertheless this seclusion; Ded Moroz survived in the hearts and minds of the common Russian people whatever the rule of government wanted…

1. The traditional Ded Moroz (a.k.a. Father Frost)

The origins of the character of Ded Moroz predates Christianity as a Slavic wizard of winter. He is often depicted (with his white beard and long blue or red coat) bringing presents to well-mannered children, often delivering them in person in the days of December and place them secretly under the New Year Tree.

Nevertheless, the image of Ded Moroz took its current form during Soviet times but then being promoted under the name of 'Father Frost'; becoming the main symbol of the New Year's holiday (Novi God) that had to replace the Christianity feast of Christmas…

Ded Moroz is accompanied by Snegurochka (roughly translated as 'Snow Maiden’) and she represent his granddaughter and helper, who also wears long (silver-blue) robes and a furry cap or a snowflake-like crown. She is quite an unique figure since similar characters in other cultures do not have a female companion!

The western image of Santa Claus made its introduction in the Russian Federation during the 'turbulent' 1990-s when western culture increased its penetration into the post-Soviet Russia. The resurgence of Russia in the early 21st century brought about a renewed emphasis on the basic slavic character of Ded Moroz. This included the Russian Federation sponsoring courses about Ded Moroz every December, with the aim of establishing appropriate Slavic norms for Ded Moroz and Snegurochka roles for the New Year holiday. People playing Ded Moroz and Snegurochka now typically make appearances at children's parties during the winter holiday season, distributing presents and fighting off the wicked witch, Baba Yaga, who children are told wants to steal the gifts….

2. The Dutch 'Sinterklaas' the inspiration for Santa Claus…?

Sinterklaas is the base for the north-american image of Santa Claus. Back in the day it is often claimed that during the american war of Independence, the inhabitants of the former Dutch colonial town of New Amsterdam (now the city of New York) reinvented their 'Sinterklaas'-tradition, as Saint Nicholas was a symbol of the city's non-English past… 

In the 1770s the New York Gazetteer noted that the feast day of 'St. a Claus' was celebrated 'by the descendants of the ancient dutch families with their usual festivities'.

The tradition of celebrating Sinterklaas in New York existed in the early settlement of the Hudson Valley. In his 1812 revisions to A History of New York, author Washington Irving (‘Knickerbocker’s perspective’) inserted a dream sequence featuring St. Nicholas soaring over treetops in a flying wagon – a creation others would later dress up to Santa Claus.

In New York, two years earlier John Pintard published a pamphlet with illustrations of Alexander Anderson in which he calls for making Saint Nicholas the patron Saint of New York and starting a Sinterklaas tradition.

He was apparently assisted by the Dutch because in his pamphlet he included an old Dutch Sinterklaas poem with an English translation. In the Dutch poem, Saint Nicholas is referred to as 'Sancta Claus'. 

The Dutch 'Sinterklaas' is a legendary figure based on Saint Nicholas, patron saint of children. The feast of Sinterklaas celebrates the name day of Saint Nicholas on each 6th of December. The feast is celebrated annually with the giving of gifts on St. Nicholas' Eve (5 december) in The Netherlands and on the morning of 6 December, Saint Nicholas Day, Belgium, Luxembourg, western Germany, northern France (French Flanders, Lorraine, Alsace and Artois) and Hungary. 
Sinterklaas is now one of the sources of the popular Christmas icon of Santa Claus…

3. Santa Claus - the U.S. / English style

Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas or Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, or simply Santa; is a legendary figure originating in Western Christian culture who is said to bring gifts during the late evening and overnight hours on Christmas Eve to 'nice' children, and either coal or nothing to 'naughty' children. He is said to accomplish this with the aid of Christmas elves of who make the toys in his North Pole workshop and with the aid of flying reindeer who pull his sleigh through the air…

The modern figure of Santa is based on folklore traditions surrounding Saint Nicholas, the English figure of Father Christmas and the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas. Santa is generally depicted as a portly, jolly, white-bearded man often with spectacles, wearing a red coat with white fur collar and cuffs, white-fur-cuffed red trousers, red hat with white fur, and black leather belt and boots, carrying a bag full of gifts for children. He is commonly portrayed as laughing in a way that sounds like "Ho Ho Ho". This image became popular in the United States and Canada in the 19th century due to the significant influence of the 1823 poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas'.

In the end it is all about celebrating and feasting with one's family and friends during the dark winternights of December (or January) and giving to each of your loved ones lots of gifts… In other words you express your thougths and feelings crisp clear that you value the other person(s) by giving wonderfull gifts and give the attention he or she deserves… Happy Holidays to you all…!