Yes, this Ded Moroz is an actual thing.
I am taking this, the last week of the year, off. BUT WHAT HO! I would never leave you without comics. I drew this one (and Monday’s) in the Truckee library, a grin on my face. Happy holidays to you all. <3
-Christopher
Cute!
As I recall, things got off to a slow start between Devyat and Mauricio: Flirting. Is this a sign (or warning) that they could heat up?
You always add interesting tidbits for us in your stories, Chris! At first, I wondered if Ded Moroz was a play on dead Mauricio (Maurice) but when I came to the Russian “Snegurochka”, I figured there was more to it. I was about to Google “Ded Moroz” but you already kindly provided a link.
I use Google Translate a lot as I learn a great deal about other cultures from translating different webpages and/or different words. Ded Moroz (??? ?????) translates as Grandfather Frost and Snegurochka is the diminutive or endearing form of Snow Maiden.
Ded Moroz pre-dates Christianity and many centuries back, he was a Slavic winter wizard or snow demon! Over time under the influence of the Russian Orthodox religion, he became much friendlier. It’s since the 19th century that he’s become popular (like Santa Claus).
Snegurochka, on the other hand, is a 19th century addition taken from the not-so-nice stories of illegitimate children (usually male) born from snow or ice. Folktales from further back in time can often be unpleasant since they were meant as cautionary tales.
All in all, a fascinating bit of research for me from a thoroughly enjoyable strip of yours. Thanks, Chris.
The pronunciation (according to my Russian-born wife, may God keep her close) is closer to “d’yed”. You should try to find the Mystery Science Theater 3000 version of Morozko (Frosty), a variation on this story.
I bet it would be hilarious with their commentary. Too bad I only get a couple of select (my selection) channels but I rarely watch TV. Now if I could find it on YouTube…
The original film (HD in Russian) is on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwmzehaLLqM
A English dubbed version of the film is on YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAsCujfg7VU
The MST3K episode containing the film seems to have been copyright blocked in the US, which means it’s probably available elsewhere. I don’t see it currently on the Shout! Factory TV site, but they do rotate a number of episodes to watch available without a paywall here: http://www.shoutfactorytv.com/film/mst3k
Leave it to Russia to have a dead morose Santa.
Grandfather Frost, how nosy you are.
Now you know how Jewish Mothers developed their child disciplining techniques.