The Snow Maiden, or Snegurochka, is a core part of winter celebrations in Russia. She partners Russia's Santa – Father Frost – helping him with his New Year duties. Her image is familiar to everyone across the country. But her orig

The character of Snegurochka actually dates back to pagan Slavic religion. She symbolised the change of seasons, the transition from winter to spring.

In the 19th century Russian historians reconstructed the myth.  Later, the writer Aleksandr Ostrovsky wrote the first literary version. In his fairy tale, Snegurochka sacrifices her immortality to experience what love is.

And in the Soviet era, the pair of Snegurochka and her grandfather Frost became a necessary part of the New Year festivities.

Today, playing the role of Snegurochka at children's and corporate parties is quite a popular odd job for students in Russia.

The image is widely used both in advertising and in the entertainment industry, including strip clubs.  But for most Russians, the image of the icy princess evokes happy memories of childhood.