Snegurochka is the Snow Maiden who serves as Ded Moroz’s granddaughter and helper in Russian New Year traditions. Her name comes from the Russian word for snow, and she is one of the most recognizable figures in Novy God celebrations.
The character originated in 19th-century Russian folklore rather than ancient Slavic mythology. Alexander Afanasyev published a Snow Maiden tale in 1869, and Aleksandr Ostrovsky later created the 1873 play The Snow Maiden. Rimsky-Korsakov adapted that play into an opera in 1882.
Her modern New Year role developed during the Soviet period, when Christmas customs were suppressed and New Year celebrations took their place as the major winter holiday. Snegurochka became Ded Moroz’s granddaughter and companion, often dressed in silver-blue clothing and a fur-trimmed cap. Earlier literary versions differ: some portray her as the daughter of Spring and Frost, so the granddaughter relationship belongs specifically to the modern holiday tradition.