In most Slavic languages (and even a few that are not--like Chechen which is a Caucasian language) his name very similar--Ded Moroz in Russian, most deviant is Djed Mraz. I am not going to call this guy a Creep, because he is pretty damn cool! Or I should say COLD! His name translates "Old Man Frost", the more popular English moniker is "Grandfather Frost." He has pre-Christain Slavic roots; and it's the pre-Christain stuff I think is awesome! Though now in the Christian era, with the Russian Orthodox church he has come to be associated with "Father Christmas;" though he distributes gifts on New Year's Eve, as the Orthodox Church there has a date in January to celebrate what they claim is the birth of Rabbi Jeshua (that's Jesus). Russia even has a place of residence for him. Vladamir Putin (who might just be a real Christmas Creep) has even visited... I love the idea of ice caves!! This dude is a hero--Ded Moroz...not Putin. Here's link that has more to say on the subject than I ever could! Click Here for more.
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| Yes, photo proves it! |
Here's what most Russians think of him now....
It is amazing how all our holy days are piggyback upon older traditions. Symbols and icons get borrowed, revamped and come up time and again. I have to laugh when Christians say "He's the reason for the season" or keep "Christ in Christmas" as Christ is just one of many players this time of the year.
ReplyDeleteYou and I are completely on the same page with this one!
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