All children, and indeed many adults, know and love fairy-tale characters. Especially such as Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden. These characters have long come out of fairy tales and meet children and their parents in Veliky Ustyug and Kostroma. And how much do you know about the Snow Maiden? Maybe one or two facts. Today we will replenish the piggy bank of your knowledge and tell you when and how Snegurochka celebrates her birthday.
A bit about the fairy helper
Few people thought about how the Snow Maiden appeared. But really, how? In 1873, A. Ostrovsky’s novel entitled “The Snow Maiden” saw the light of day. This date of birth is attributed to the girl officially. But A. Ostrovsky himself did not come up with an intricate plot. He read it in the legends and myths of the ancient northern peoples. It was there that, for many centuries, people believed that snow idols helped live. They were prayed, brought gifts and asked for help.
But the Snow Maiden did not immediately find fame. The story of A. Ostrovsky gained popularity after the production of the opera of the same name by Rimsky-Korsakov. That's when the whole country learned about the Snow Maiden.
Treasured date
April 8 is the birthday of the Snow Maiden. This holiday is widely celebrated and every year attracts more and more guests. Moreover, the granddaughter of the famous grandfather meets not only ordinary people, but also eminent guests who go to her as representatives of different cities. Recently, Snegurochka has a tradition of collecting kokoshniks made especially for her. In her Kostroma residence you can see the exhibits of the collection.
As the birthday of the Snow Maiden
The snowy beauty loves celebrating her birthday in a big way. But she often fails to celebrate exactly April 8th. We have to postpone the celebration so that as many guests as possible can attend the birthday of the Snow Maiden. The date may even move forward, although there is a sign that holidays are not celebrated in advance, the granddaughter of Santa Claus does not believe in this.
Both ordinary mortals and heroes of folk tales come to visit her. Ivan Tsarevich, Baba Yaga, Chicken Ryaba, Nightingale the Robber. Each of the fairy tale characters comes with a gift or a present.
The opening of the holiday begins with the annual fair. Here you can buy locally made handmade goods. Vases, cups, napkins, toys and jewelry - everyone can find something to their liking. And at 11:30 the parade begins. Fairy-tale characters line up in a column and march through the city streets. Everyone can join this fun procession. The procession ends with games, songs and dances. And already at 14:00 an exciting performance begins at the zoo. At 17:00 the Snow Maiden returns to her home to receive guests there. But she doesn’t sit at home on her birthday for a long time, drink tea with the guests and goes to a fabulous disco that starts at 18:30.
Birthday script
The festive celebration in Kostroma usually takes place according to a very similar scenario. Characters and contests are changing, and the canvas remains the same. The problems in writing the script for "The Snow Maiden's Birthday" is that all participants in the holiday will not be able to rehearse together. Therefore, it is necessary to compose, given this fact. Approximate holiday scenario:
The snow maiden leaves the palace, waves her guests and says: “Hello friends, I am glad to see you all at my holiday. I am glad that so many people have come to congratulate me on my birthday. It’s especially flattering to see those who have come from far away. Hello, Grandfather Frost, glad you could get."
Santa Claus comes to her granddaughter and hugs her and says: "Hello, granddaughter. Happy birthday to you, Snegurochka. I wish you happiness and long life, and now we went to the square, our friends are waiting for us there."
Fairy-tale characters sit in the sleigh and ride to the square. There they are met by Ivan Tsarevich, Baba Yaga, Koschey the Immortal and other fairy-tale characters.
Snow Maiden: "Glad to see you friends."
Everyone takes turns congratulating the birthday girl.
Snegurochka: "Now let's play. Become all in a trickle."
The brook game begins.
Snow Maiden: "Oh, how cool and fun, but now I would not mind listening to congratulations. Kids, who wants to read me poetry?"
Children go out, read poetry and receive sweet prizes.
Santa Claus: "Granddaughter, we have prepared a gift for you, the children become a round dance and let's sing a loaf."
All together lead a round dance around the Snow Maiden and congratulate her.
Ivan Tsarevich: "Boys who want to test their strength and dexterity. Let's come. You need to hit that target with a snowball."
A competition for accuracy is being held.
Baba Yaga: "And who wants to play with me? I am an elderly woman, I can’t run anymore, but I like passion when children are running."
The relay race is held, prizes are awarded to the winners.
Santa Claus: "Well, now the granddaughter, let's give residents and visitors the opportunity to congratulate you on the holiday."
The festive procession of fairy-tale characters in the city begins.
Do pets celebrate their birthday in other cities?
In most cities, April 8th is not celebrated. Children, of course, know the date of the birthday of the Snow Maiden, but this is rarely mentioned in kindergartens and schools. If parents want the child to plunge into a fairy tale, then they take him to Kostroma to enjoy a magical holiday, which is gaining more and more scope every year.
