The Snow Maiden

A bit of background….

The Snow Maiden is an old Russian Folktale. In Russian it is referred to as Snegurochka, which roughly translates to snow girl, or girl made of snow.

The Story

There are several variations of this story, but in the main one the story goes that there was once an old couple who had no children. Seeing that they would have no one to carry on their legacy or take care of them in their old age, they became very sad. One day, after a great snowstorm fell, the couple went outside and built a girl made out of snow. They decorated the top of her head with a crown made of ice. After they had done this, they made a wish that she was real. The next day, when the couple went outside again, they saw that their snow girl sculpture had become a real little girl! She had ice blue eyes and silver white hair that reflected the beauty and colors of the winter season. The couple took her into their home and treated her as their own daughter. And Snegurochka was also very happy.

However, when Spring arrived, the little snow girl became very sad. She wanted to go outside, but knew she could not, or she would not endure. In the end, hearing one of the village boys playing a flute outside, and being entranced by this music, she went outside to listen and join him. While she listened, the ice that surrounded her melted away and she did not survive. Her parents, though sad, were grateful that they had had the chance to have a child in some form.

Russian Folklore

This story is a popular Russian folktale and Snegurochka is a well-known figure in Russian culture. She is often associated with Father Frost, who in some variations of the story, was the one that brought her to life. In another variation, the couple’s deep faith, causes God to animate the snow maiden. During Christmas celebrations, the snow girl is also featured in parades alongside Santa Claus, as some people believe she is actually Santa Claus’s daughter.