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 (, or, , meaning "Snow Girl" or "Snow Maiden"), his granddaughter and helper, sometimes with influence of Slavic 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: 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, ) 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 and Tatar, 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 - ҠарһылыуWikisource, Ҡарһылыу (хикәйә) - Йыһат СолтановКар 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? Стрела; Дед Мороз и все-все-все
Central Asia Аяз Ата (Ayaz Ata) is the same term used in both Kazakh and Kyrgyz, 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 (, , , )
Notes
References
External links Russian Ded Moroz and Kyrgyz Ayaz Ata Grandfather Frost
az:Şaxta Baba cv:Хĕл Мучи hu:Télapó mhr:Йӱштӧ Кугыза uz:Ayoz Bobo tt:Кыш бабай azb:آیاز آتا