Inventing the Future

Opening hours:
Tue-Sun from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m
14 Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment, Moscow

White Elder from the Sayan Mountains arrived at the RUSSIA EXPO

White Elder from the Sayan Mountains arrived at the RUSSIA EXPO
Photo: Alexey Filippov/RIA News
12.24.2023

Ded Moroz from Buryatia — Sagaan Ubgen — resembles our usual winter wizard only in appearance. The same white beard, white hat, long white robe with ornaments, belted with a sash, and a staff in his hands.

However, the White Elder, i.e. Sagaan Ubgen, is actually a Buddhist deity — the guardian of life and longevity. He is considered a symbol of the New Year and has been worshipped for 2.5 thousand years.

Photo: Alexey Filippov/RIA News

One of the elements of the wizard’s unusual attire, in addition to the magical staff with the dragon-shaped tip, are rosary beads, which the elder wears around his neck. Grandfather shared the secret of their magical meaning with the visitors of the holiday: "There are 108 rosaries in total. For Buddhists the number 108 is a sacral number!".

The series of the winter wizards' visits to the Exposition started on November 18 with the birthday celebration of the most famous Ded Moroz, who lives in Veliky Ustyug. On December 23, guests of the RUSSIA EXPO were greeted by winter folklore heroes from Chuvashia and Mari El — Hel Muchi and Yushto Kugyza.

Photo: Alexey Filippov/RIA News
Possibly interesting
08.23
Ambassador of Victory from Samara visited the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the "Routes of Victory" project

On 23 August the National Centre RUSSIA welcomed special guests — Alexander Nikitin from Samara and his mother Yulia.

08.23
From ancient fortresses to modern achievements: the National Centre RUSSIA congratulates the Pskov region on its 81st anniversary

The National Centre RUSSIA congratulates the Pskov region on the 81st anniversary of its establishment.

08.23
"Winged Swings": lines of poet Yury Entin will come to life at the National Centre RUSSIA

The National Centre RUSSIA invites you to the interactive event "World of Poetry: Speak like Entin".

login to your Personal Account
Please, sign in to be able to save interesting materials and latest news.
Log in via social media
Or
Log in via email
Forgot your password?
Network account? Register
Пожалуйста, авторизуйтесь
Необходимо зарегистрироваться или войти в аккаунт
Назад
Recover
password
Please enter the email address you used when registering