Filling a role similar to that of Santa Claus in the United States or Pere Noel in France,
Filling a role similar to that of Santa Claus in the United States or Pere Noel in France, the Russian figure of Ded Moroztranslated in English as Father Frosthas been an important part of eastern Slavic Christmas celebrations since the 19th century. With his long white beard and full-length red coat, he often resembles Santa Claus, but Father Frost usually delivers his presents in person at New Year parties.
Just as the image of Santa Claus was very much informed by Clement Moores poem Twas the Night Before Christmas, Father Frosts recognizable attire really came into being with 19th century the fairy tale play Snegurochka by Russian playwright Alexander Ostrovsky. Father Frosts home is in Veliky Ustyug in northern Russia.