No winter fun is complete without making a snowman or a snow woman. Interestingly, the name "snow woman" is used only in Russia. In European countries, the snowman belongs to the male sex, and initially the word itself came from Germany. In German, he is called schneeman, in English - snowman, which means "snow man".
Traditionally, a snowman is made from three snowballs. Instead of hands, he may have twigs. The nose is made of carrots or icicles, and a bucket is put on the head.
According to legend, the snowman was introduced into use by Francis of Assisi. It was he who believed that the creation of Bigfoot helps in the fight against evil spirits and demons. The broom in the "hand" of the snowman was a kind of weapon for the guard, with which he could disperse evil spirits.
The snowman was most often sculpted near the house and tried to decorate with garlands, vegetables or unnecessary household items. The carrot nose was intended for the spirits responsible for a good harvest. Likewise, it could be regarded as a kind of offering. In Romania, a garland of garlic was always hung around a snowman's neck. It was believed that this would bring health and save the family from vampires, werewolves and other beasts.
In Russia, snowmen have been revered since pagan times. They were believed to be winter spirits and could be asked for help. Mother Zima or the snow woman appeared thanks to Russian fairy tales and she, like the Snow Maiden, was made of snow.
Is a snowman always kind?
There are legends that the snowman may not be a cute little man at all, that he can pose a threat to anyone who meets him. According to these legends, making snowmen on a full moon was strictly forbidden. It was also impossible to give a snowman a broom during such a period. If this happened, then the snow man should have been immediately destroyed before midnight, otherwise he could come to the person in nightmares and deprive him of his strength and health, energy.
