1. Legends & History:
See the note to Wood Carved Ded Moroz #1
2. Traditions & Customs
In Russia New Year's Day and Christmas are celebrated on a grand scale with fancy-dress balls, public merrymaking, and traditional New Year Tree parties hosted by Grandfather Frost and his granddaughter Snow-Maid. Grandfather Frost is the principal character of children's New Year Tree parties. The children call him in chorus and there he comes, usually when the party is half through, and the first thing he does is to illuminate the New Year Tree. Although the children do know that it's decorated with electric garlands, each time their hearts throb with delight as Grandfather Frost weaves his magic stick and switches the New Year lights on.
Nowadays, the official residence of Grandfather Frost is located in Veliky Ustyug, in the north of Russia. Each year he receives thousands of letters from children asking him to fulfill their cherished dreams. By recently established traditions, several days ago it was delivered and mounted inside the Moscow Kremlin a huge, 28 meters height, Christmas tree from this town and children in Moscow are waiting now the official visit of Ded Moroz from its residence.
3. Hot News:
Greetings with upcoming Winter Holidays
With BEST Regards,
Arthur Lookianov
Personal Guide & Driver in Moscow
Moscow Photo Gallery
Dec 22nd, 2006