List Members,
I got this from the vedica list. Notice that the writer mentions that
Northern Russia is the cradle of indo-europen culture. Northern Europe, of
course, is only a hop, skip and a jump from the opening.
DD
Grandfather Frost is a Vedic God
DADAN UPADHYAY
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MOSCOW, DECEMBER 30: A Russian scholar says red Russia's fairy tale
Grandfather Frost, or Ded Moroz, is none other than Varuna, the god
of seas in Hindu mythology.
Grandfather Frost, who is currently taking rest at his Moscow
residence,gives children presents just as Santa Claus does but is
associated with New Year's, the most universally observed Russian
holiday. He flew to the capital from the northern Vologda region town
of Veliky Ustyug, his official hometown, 800 kms east of Moscow,
along with his assistant Snegurochka, or the Snow Maiden, as the
festivities kicked off on the Christmas.
In the year 2003, which marks the beginning of the astrological age
ofAquarius, Grandfather Frost is expected to shed his dear-old-man
mask andallow the people of the world to see him as he truly is
Varuna, the supremeVedic god of water.
According to Vologda State University ethnologist, Svetlana
Zharnikova,the Frost legend originated in the Russian north, the
cradle ofIndo-European civilization.
``All the original paradigms of Indo-European culture grew out of
PolarEurope, and one of them is the image of Grandfather Frost,''
claims Zharnikova. ``Because the Indo-European peoples originated
within the Arctic circle, which was 30 degrees further south at the
end of the Stone Age,'' she said. Characters related to cold and
winter became an integral part of Vedic mythologies.
Varuna was both the source of life and death, and was described in
Vedicwritings as holding the tree of life, an image reminiscent of
GrandfatherFrost standing next to a Christmas tree, says the
ethnologist.
The mythical hero of Russian children's New Year celebrations is said
to emerge from the forest, deliver presents, then disappear to some
uncertaindestination.
Grandfather Frost's two homes, built last year in the traditional
Russianstyle, were subsidized by the influential Moscow mayor Yury
Luzhkov. Hisnew house at the Izmailovsky Park in Moscow, is expected
to serve a variety of purpose. According to the Moscow government
plans, it will be a venue of for children's parties, exhibitions, and
contests.
Also, it will house a cafe, and children's crafts shop and studio.
Future plans include the opening of a Grandfather Frost and Snow
Maiden Museumthat will display items highlighting the history.
Copyright � 2000 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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