Russia’s New Year demands Snow Maidens – and to ensure only the best are available more than 20 would be Snegurochkas are heading to Kostroma to learn how to be the perfect companion for Ded Moroz.
It’s no easy task to become Russia’s top Snegurochka, apparently. The 20 candidates will have to show off the calibre of their New Year’s handicrafts, demonstrate a rapport with children, sing, dance and show off their erudition, RIA Novosti reported.
And preparation for the contest will last for four days at the Regional House of Folk Art in the historic golden ring city.
The snow factor
A special Snow Maiden school, including guidance from choreographers and vocal coaches, will give the contestants the best chance to show off their charms before they compete for the title of Kostroma maiden.
And the honour has attracted entrants from Moscow, Yaroslavl, Vladimir and Kirov as well as the host venue.
“The title of Kostroma Snegurochka traditionally goes to the most beautiful, kind, intelligent and sociable girl,” said competition organiser Lyudmila Tarabrina.
Meanwhile the training will help the winner cope with a rigorous festive season of charity events, balls and fairs.
The Snegurochka legend
Tradition has it that Snegurochka is the grand-daughter of Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost), the bearded, blue-robed Russian Santa Claus.
While Ded Moroz is said to live in Veliky Ustyug, Vologda Region, Snegurochka’s homeland is traditionally said to be the Kostroma Region community of Schelikovo.
An alternative version of the legend has her as the daughter of spring and frost, whose heart melts after she falls in love for the first time.
This tale has been made into a play by Alexander Ostrovsky – who owned an estate near Kostroma – and an opera by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.
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