Ded Moroz
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Ded Moroz, meaning "Grandfather Frost," is a legendary winter figure in Slavic folklore who brings gifts to children during the New Year celebration, similar to Santa Claus in Western traditions. He remains an important cultural symbol in Russia and other Slavic countries, representing winter magic and the festive season in their holiday customs.
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Ded Moroz, or Morozko (Russian: Морозко, romanized: Morozko), is a legendary figure similar to Father Christmas and Santa Claus, who has his roots in Slavic mythology. The tradition of Ded Moroz is mostly spread in East Slavic countries and is a significant part of Russian culture. At the beginning of the Soviet era, communist authorities banned Ded Moroz. However, the ban was lifted and he soon became a significant part of Soviet culture. The literal translation of Ded Moroz is Grandfather Frost or Old Man Frost, but traditionally the name is translated as Father Frost. Morozko by Ivan Bilibin Viktor Vasnetsov: Ded Moroz 1885. A sketch of the costume for "The Snow Maiden"
Ded Moroz wears a heel-length fur coat, in red or blue, a semi-round fur hat, and valenki on his feet. He has a long white beard. He walks with a long magic stick and often rides a troika. He is often depicted bringing presents to well-mannered children, often delivering them in person in the days of December and secretly under the New Year Tree over night on New Year's Eve.