Ded Morozes from Chuvashia and Mari El came to the RUSSIA EXPO
Heroes of
winter folklore from Chuvashia and Mari El - Hel Muchi and Yushto Kugyza
congratulated the guests of the exposition on the coming New Year.
Hel Muchi
is very similar to Ded Moroz from Veliky Ustyug. He wears a caftan, a fur hat
and leans on a large decorated staff, but he fulfills wishes in a special way -
with the help of several magical objects. Thus, his chest fulfills any dreams,
and his watch brings happiness.
Yushto
Kugyza from Mari El traditionally comes in a white outfit and wears unusual
mittens decorated with national patterns, and he is assisted by his
granddaughter Snow Maiden - Lumudyr, which means "snow girl" in Mari.
In addition to congratulations, guests of the RUSSIA EXPO were treated to a quiz with questions about the regions from which Ded Morozes came, as well as about special gifts from their native places.
The series of visits to the RUSSIA EXPO by winter wizards started on November 18 - with the celebration of the birthday of the most famous Ded Moroz, who lives in Veliky Ustyug. Earlier, three grandfathers from Karelia visited the exposition at once: Talvi Ukko, Halla and Pakkaine. Also, two Ded Morozes from the coldest region of the country - the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) met with the guests of the exposition. One of them is Chyskhaan, the Yakut spirit of cold, the great Bull of Winter, who sends frost to the earth. The second character is Ekhee Dyyl, a wizard, the Lord of Time, who helps those with a kind heart. Unlike the winter heroes of other nations, he is present in the lives of Yakuts throughout the year.
On 8 July, Russia celebrates the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity, a holiday timed to coincide with the feast day of the Russian Orthodox saints Peter and Fevronia of Murom.
Train managers from the Federal Passenger Company welcomed the festival participants on their journey toward married life and presented them with exclusive gifts.
Here are six of the most unusual wedding customs from across Russia, with traditions dating back centuries.
