{

NEW YEAR IN RUSSIA

General characters and traditions

By Katya Divak

{ { The general characters of New Year in Russia areDed Moroz ( Grandfather Frost) and his granddaughter Snegurochka (Snowy Girl). They live in a small town Velikiy Ustyug in the North of Russia. Ded Moroz brings gifts for good children in his magic sack, and Snegurochka plays with the children near the New Year Fir Tree, decorated with beautiful balls, garlands and other toys.

DED MOROZ AND SNEGUROCHKA

Hwo is Ded Moroz?

Ded Moroz is not a real man. He is a magic symbol of the New Year. Usually, he is a tall man, who wears long red gown decorated with white fluffy fur and a red hat. He has a long white beard and friendly blue eyes. His magic sack is full of gifts and presents.

Hwo is Snegurochka?

Snegurochka is considered to be Ded Moroz’s granddaughter. She wears a long light dress decorated with fur. As a rule she has a long plait.

About holiday New Year

Ded Moroz and Snegurochka are very popular, especially with children. The presents are supposed to be sent by them. Ded Moroz with granddautgher comes to very good children in troika (three-horses open sleigh) with a big sack of presents.

How people celebrate New Year

On the 31th of December all people are sitting round a festive table seeing the New Year in. They are raising their wine glasses filled with sparkling champagne. At midnight people think of wishes and congratulate each other.

{Thank you for attention!