As in many European countries, Russian children eagerly awaited the arrival of St. Nicholas on his feast day, December 6.  The Communist revolution replaced that tradition with a more secular one.  Ded Moroz replaced kindly St. Nicholas.  Ded Moroz, also known as Grandfather Frost, embodied the Russian spirit of winter and the sub-zero weather.  Swathed in full-length fur from head to toe, Grandfather Frost traveled from his north woods home on December 31.  Traveling by sleigh and accompanied by Snegourochka, his granddaughter, Grandfather Frost visits homes when children are sound asleep, placing gifts under each New Year’s tree.

Skilled carvers from Bororodskoe village meticulously craft Grandfather Frost figures from Linden wood.  However, the carver rarely paints the figure.  That task falls upon skilled artists from nearby Sergiev Posad.  Purchasing the carved “blanks”, the artist takes the figure to his workshop and begins creating his own depiction of Grandfather Frost.  It’s not unusual for more than one artist to be involved in the painting and finishing process.  Some artists specialize in creating faces, others eyes and still others create the intricate clothing patterns.  Sometimes the figures are embellished with glitters.  Other times the muted or lacquered paints serve as the final decorating step.

Turn your figure over and look at the base.  You’ll be able to see the wood grain and, if you are fortunate, you will also find the signature of the artist who created your holiday treasure.