"Old Man Frost" brought a winter tale to the National Centre RUSSIA

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The wise wizard Yushto Kugyza and his granddaughter Lumudyr introduced young guests of the National Centre RUSSIA to the New Year traditions of the Republic of Mari El and invited them to take part in ancient rituals meant to bring good luck and a rich harvest. The vibrant theatrical performance became part of the programme of the "Winter Wizards" festival, held at the National Centre RUSSIA with the support of the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives.

Yushto Kugyza, whose name translates from Mari as "Old Man Frost", is one of the most heartwarming winter folklore characters in the republic. Despite his "cold" name, he turned out to be a warm, kind, and slightly absent-minded grandfather who is afraid of forgetting something important in the pre-New Year bustle, so he always carries a long to-do list.

Yushto Kugyza brought to Moscow not only a frosty fairy tale, but also the unique traditions of the Mari people, which are meant to multiply happiness and well-being. He immediately introduced the audience to the ritual of "Shorykyol", which means "Sheep’s Foot".

"Knocking on the doors with a staff and shouting 'Shorykyol' is our tradition. It brings prosperity and happiness into homes, and ensures that many little lambs will be born in the sheds," the wizard explained, before rhythmically knocking out the beat of good fortune together with the children and calling out the cherished word.

The celebration was nearly disrupted when the stern seer Vasli Kugyza and his wife Vasli Kuva unexpectedly appeared on stage. They had come to check whether everything was ready for the New Year celebration, and, not finding Yushto Kugyza, were ready to leave in indignation. However, Lumudyr and the Wizard — already familiar to the National Centre RUSSIA audience from previous performances — together with the young spectators proved that everything was indeed prepared for the celebration. Together they tidied up the fairy-tale forest, built the traditional snowstack Lum Kavan and solved riddles about animals.

The colourful interactive performance ended with warm predictions for the coming year. Having appreciated the collective efforts in preparing the celebration, the seers promised joy and good fortune to everyone present.

"Now — everyone, listen to the prophecy! We foretell that this year will be special for each of you: happy, especially fortunate and especially abundant. May your hearts be filled with joy, and may your feet always be ready to dance. Happy holidays!" proclaimed the delighted Vasli Kugyza and Vasli Kuva.

The "Winter Wizards" festival continues to introduce guests of the National Centre RUSSIA to the cultural heritage of the peoples of the country, inspiring both children and adults to believe in kind magic. The festive pre-New Year performances will run until the end of December on weekends at the National Centre RUSSIA.

Next Sunday, 7 December, children will be introduced to the legends of the Cossack Ded Moroz from the Stavropol region and Mytyn Dada from the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania. Further meetings with regional winter wizards will take place according to the following schedule:

13.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legends of Pakkayne, Talvi Ukko and Halla from the Republic of Karelia;

14.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Yakshamo Atya from the Republic of Mordovia;

20.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Yamal Iri from the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area;

20.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Sook Irey from the Republic of Tuva;

21.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Ded Moroz from the Vologda region;

27.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Tol Babay from the Udmurt Republic;

27.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of the Ryazan Ded Moroz from the Ryazan region;

28.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Kysh Babay from the Republic of Tatarstan.

At the end of all performances, young guests will be invited on a tour of the exposition "Journey Across Russia". Those who listen to the entire tour and complete the quiz will receive sweet gifts.