Who Were Frosty’s Parents?

Frosty the Snowman is perhaps the most well-known snowman of all time. Made famous by a beloved song and several holiday specials, he has warmed children’s hearts for generations. But, of course, Frosty wasn’t the first snowman. So, who were Frosty’s ancestors?

Snowmen—or snow sculptures in general—have been part of recorded history for centuries. Snowy sculptures of Buddha, for example, were documented as far back as 7th-century China. However, the earliest visual depiction of a snowman, as we recognize it today, appeared in the margins of The Book of Hours in 1380.

Snowmen gained particular popularity in Medieval Europe, where they were seen as a form of artistic expression. Even Michelangelo joined the trend. In 1494, at the age of nineteen, he was commissioned to create a snow sculpture for a mansion in Florence.

Snowmen have also served as a medium for protest. One of the most famous examples is The Miracle of 1511 in Brussels, where over one hundred snowmen were crafted across the city. These sculptures expressed everything from political commentary to risqué humor, reflecting the population's frustrations with economic inequality and six weeks of sub-zero temperatures.

In 1690, snowmen even played a peculiar role in defense. The guards of Schenectady, New York, decided to use snowmen as sentries instead of standing watch themselves. Unsurprisingly, this decision proved disastrous when French Canadian and Native American forces attacked, resulting in a tragic massacre.

Over time, Frosty’s early relatives began appearing in popular culture. Snowmen were featured in some of the first photographs, adorned early postcards, and even appeared in silent films.

One place you won’t find snowmen, however, is the North Pole. Snow requires humidity to pack properly, and the extreme dryness at the top of the world makes snowman-building impossible. Even igloos are challenging to construct there.

The transition of snowmen from folk art to children’s icons began when Frosty the Snowman became a cultural phenomenon. Unfortunately, the tradition of snowmen as vehicles for political and social commentary seems to have faded into history.

Or has it?

In Zurich, Switzerland, residents continue an unusual tradition every April 3rd during the holiday of Sechseläuten. They ceremoniously blow up Frosty’s distant cousin, Boogg—a large snowman stuffed with straw, cotton, and dynamite. It’s believed that the quicker Boogg burns, the longer and sunnier the summer will be.

Who knew there was so much more to Frosty’s history than a magician’s magic hat? If you’re eager to learn more, check out The Illustrated History of the Snowman by Bob Eckstein. Then, if you’re lucky enough to have snow on the ground, go out and build your own snowman!

Pamela M.
Antioch Branch