Ded Moroz: Grandfather Frost and Snegurochka: Snow Maiden

Except for a preference for like blue robes, Ded Moroz looks a great deal like Santa Claus but he is secular figure who leads the winter festivities of Russia and other eastern European nations. Although some histories say that Ded Moroz preceded the Revolution of 1917, others say that he was created by the Communist government to lead a secular midwinter and New Year’s celebration. Snegurochka, a young woman typically shown with a light blue outfit and long blond braids and who acts as his assistant and traveling companion, was likely inspired by the Kolyada, another Russian Christmas figure.