Yusht Kugyza: the legend of the winter wizard
Yusht Kugyza, or “Cold Grandfather,” is a unique image of the Mari Father Frost, who not only personifies winter, but is also part of the rich mythological tradition of the Mari people. His residence is located in the village of Kuknur, Sernur district, where the legend found new life thanks to the efforts of local historian Ruslan Bushkov.****
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The Mari use the word “kugyza” to designate various spirits. In their pantheon there is the spirit of frost, the spirit of home, the spirit of the mountains. Yusht Kugyza became one of these characters, personifying the winter element. According to legend, he lived in a large stone house with his wife Yӱshtӧ Kuva, son Poran (Blizzard) and daughter Tele (Winter).****
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The modern image of the Cold Grandfather appeared in 2012, when Ruslan Bushkov, having studied the myths and legends of the region, proposed the concept of a fairy-tale winter character. It was since then that Kuknur became the historical homeland of the Mari winter wizard.****
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The image of Yusht Kugyz absorbed elements of national culture: a long white sheepskin coat with a Mari ornament, a red sash, a fur hat and a wooden staff. His granddaughter Lumodyr (Snow Maiden) accompanies him at all events, creating a traditional family duet of winter heroes.****
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In November 2021, a two-story Yusht Kugyza tower was opened in the village of Kuknur. This is not just a house, but a whole cultural center, where visitors can see the wizard’s office, a museum of traditional Mari utensils and a hall for master classes. The tower has become a symbol of the revival and preservation of the cultural heritage of the Mari people.****
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The birthday of Yusht Kugyz coincides with the beginning of the Shorykyol holiday, which is celebrated on December 22. This day is considered an important date in Mari culture, symbolizing the winter solstice. The holiday is based on ancient rituals aimed at attracting good luck and prosperity.****
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Today Yusht Kugyza is not just a fairy-tale character, but part of modern Mari identity. His image unites the past and the present, recalling the rich cultural heritage and the importance of traditions for the Mari people.
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The Mari use the word “kugyza” to designate various spirits. In their pantheon there is the spirit of frost, the spirit of home, the spirit of the mountains. Yusht Kugyza became one of these characters, personifying the winter element. According to legend, he lived in a large stone house with his wife Yӱshtӧ Kuva, son Poran (Blizzard) and daughter Tele (Winter).****
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The modern image of the Cold Grandfather appeared in 2012, when Ruslan Bushkov, having studied the myths and legends of the region, proposed the concept of a fairy-tale winter character. It was since then that Kuknur became the historical homeland of the Mari winter wizard.****
****
The image of Yusht Kugyz absorbed elements of national culture: a long white sheepskin coat with a Mari ornament, a red sash, a fur hat and a wooden staff. His granddaughter Lumodyr (Snow Maiden) accompanies him at all events, creating a traditional family duet of winter heroes.****
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In November 2021, a two-story Yusht Kugyza tower was opened in the village of Kuknur. This is not just a house, but a whole cultural center, where visitors can see the wizard’s office, a museum of traditional Mari utensils and a hall for master classes. The tower has become a symbol of the revival and preservation of the cultural heritage of the Mari people.****
****
The birthday of Yusht Kugyz coincides with the beginning of the Shorykyol holiday, which is celebrated on December 22. This day is considered an important date in Mari culture, symbolizing the winter solstice. The holiday is based on ancient rituals aimed at attracting good luck and prosperity.****
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Today Yusht Kugyza is not just a fairy-tale character, but part of modern Mari identity. His image unites the past and the present, recalling the rich cultural heritage and the importance of traditions for the Mari people.