Fun winter fun to sculpt a snowman came to us from ancient times. This pet of children and adults, which has become a symbol of winter and New Year, can be found in every yard, park, in almost every square. A snow man with a carrot nose and a funny bucket instead of a hat is able to easily lighten his mood with one look. Maybe that's why supernatural abilities are attributed to him.
According to ancient legends, the first snowman was molded by the famous sculptor Michelangelo Buonarroti in 1493. And references to this snow creation in literature first appeared in the XVIII century. The very word "snowman" was borrowed from the German language. Also in Germany, namely in Leipzig, a children's book was published, where for the first time an image of a snowman appeared.
Initially, they were depicted in the form of evil snow monsters of enormous size. The belief that snowmen are a threat arose at a time when winters, accompanied by ferocious frosts and blizzards, did quite a lot of harm. People avoided sculpting them on the full moon, believing that this would bring them setbacks, nightly fears and bad dreams. Residents of Norway did not dare to look at the snowman from the window in the late evening. It was also considered a bad sign to meet the figure of a snow giant at night.
A more peaceful image of a snowman appeared only in the 19th century. Having become a cheerful symbol of winter and New Year, cute creatures quickly won the love of children and their parents. In various parables and legends they were endowed with light and good qualities. For example, according to Christian legend, snowmen are angels who came from heaven. In ancient times, people, having blinded a snowman, quietly trusted him “in the ear” with their most cherished desires, believing that it would certainly reach heaven and come true.
In Europe, it was customary to install a snowman near the house. He was decorated with garlands, brooms, a scarf tied. Such robes were not accidental. Carrot instead of a nose was an offering to spirits, providing fertility and a large harvest. A bucket on his head was a symbol of wealth in the house. The inhabitants of Romania hung a necklace of garlic around the neck of a snow man, protecting household members from dark forces and diseases.
Russian custom to sculpt snowmen came from ancient pagan times. They were considered the spirits of winter and treated with great respect, asking for help or asking for an end to long frosts. It should be noted that the female images of the snowman (Snow Maiden, snow women) are truly Russian creatures. The ancestors also treated them with reverence, attributing to them the ability to manage winter snows, fogs and snowstorms.
Personalizing fun and celebration, the snowman has become a favorite of the kids and a popular character in New Year's tales. Children and adults around the world are happy to take part in various entertainment events and competitions for making snowmen.
