Ded Moroz (, , ; ; , ; , ; ; Russian diminutive , ; ; , ; ; ; , ; ; Morozko ()) is a legendary figure similar to Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas and Santa Claus who has his roots in Slavic mythology. The tradition of Ded Moroz is mostly spread in East Slavic countries and is an important part of Russian culture. Although at the beginning of the Soviet era communists banned Ded Moroz he soon became an important part of the Soviet culture. The literal translation is "Grandpa Frost".