Ayaz Ata (, , , , , , , ) is a winter god originating from Tengrism and a fictional tale character that serves as the Turkic counterpart to Santa Claus and Ded Moroz.
In mythology
The literal translation of the name would be
Frost Father, although the name is often translated as
Grandfather Frost. He is the winter god in Tengrism and according to
Turkic mythology is created of Moon light, caused by cold weather and associated with bringing snow, protecting people from too cold weather and "waking the nature up from its sleep".
Features
Literary depictions of Ayaz Ata commonly show him accompanied by
Kar Kız (Tatar:
Кар Кызы or
Qar Qızı means "Snow Girl" or "Snow Maiden"), his granddaughter and helper, sometimes with influence of
Slavic paganism Snegurochka,
who is often depicted in long silver-blue robes and a furry cap or a snowflake-like crown. She is a unique attribute of Ayaz Ata because no traditional gift-givers from other cultures, besides
Ded Moroz, are portrayed with a similar companion.
Versions
Azerbaijan
In Azerbaijani, Ayaz Ata is known as
Şaxta Baba (
English language:
Grandfather Frost) and his companion grandchild is known as
Qar Qızı, who Şaxta Baba brings gifts to children at New Year's Eve with together. Every December, actors playing Şaxta Baba and Qar Qızı stand next to a
Christmas tree ( or
Yeni il ağacı) at
Baku Boulevard and other attractions in Baku, giving away presents to and taking pictures with children. Since 2014 however, every actor needs a license costing up to $75.
[https://eurasianet.org/santa-claus-cousin-ded-moroz-needs-a-license-in-baku]
Bashkortostan and Tatarstan
In
Bashkir language and
Tatar language, Ayaz Ata is known as
Ҡыш бабай/
Кыш бабай (
Qïş babay/
Kïş babay, literally:
Winter Father), and his granddaughter is as
Ҡарһылыу (
Qarhïlïw,
Snow beauty).
[Wiktionary - Ҡарһылыу][Wikisource, Ҡарһылыу (хикәйә) - Йыһат Солтанов][Кар кызы (хикәя) Яңарыш газетасы (Yanarysh journal) , Ринат Батталов, 29 декабрь 2012 ел]
Yakutia
Chyskhaan () is known as the master of cold, accompanied by the snow maiden
Khaarchana () in
Yakutia. He is very similar to Ded Moroz, however a more "East Asian" version of him.
[Как зовут Деда Мороза в разных странах? Якутии – Чисхан ][Стрела; Дед Мороз и все-все-все Якутия - Чисхан]
Central Asia
Аяз Ата (Ayaz Ata) is the same term used in both
Kazakh language and
Kyrgyz language, while the
Uzbeks and
Turkmens use
Ayoz Bobo/
Aýaz Baba, replacing the word for father with grandfather. The term for Snow girl however is different in all 4 languages (, , , )
External links
