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The snowman, with its three rounded tiers, a quirky carrot nose, and a stylish hat, is an iconic symbol of winter, holidays, and snowy weather. From medieval times to the beloved comic strip "Calvin and Hobbes," these frosty figures have been a cherished part of our cultural history. Discover some surprising details about these seasonal creations.
1. MICHELANGELO ONCE CREATED A SNOWMAN.
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Great art rarely succumbs to melting, but Michelangelo Buonarroti was never one to follow the norm. While serving Florence’s ruler Piero de' Medici, the young artist was often consulted on what Medici should purchase rather than what he could create. In 1494, after a heavy snowfall, Medici had a sudden idea: he commanded the 20-year-old sculptor to craft a snowman in his palace courtyard. Though no detailed description of the temporary artwork exists, witnesses reported it as being “exceptionally beautiful.”
2. A NOTORIOUSLY LEWD SNOWMAN FESTIVAL TOOK PLACE IN THE 1500S.
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Bob Eckstein, a snowman historian who scoured ancient texts for references to snowmen and authored The History of the Snowman, discovered that Brussels, Belgium, hosted a bizarre exhibition of indecent snow sculptures in the 16th century. Known as the “Miracle of 1511,” locals filled public and private spaces with over 100 snowmen engaged in vulgar acts, which amused the citizens. These sculptures served as a form of three-dimensional political satire, critiquing the era’s unequal class system. Though the spring thaw erased their creations, the event lifted spirits and bolstered the fight against class inequality.
3. SNOWMEN ONCE PLAYED A ROLE IN PROMOTING ALCOHOL SALES.
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At the turn of the century, snowmen became a favorite motif in illustrated print media, appearing on postcards, greeting cards, and magazine covers. Their ability to be portrayed as endearing yet tipsy figures made them a popular choice for alcohol advertisements. Following the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, snowmen were featured in ads for brands like Miller, Schlitz, and Jack Daniel’s, often depicted as cheerful drinkers.
4. PEOPLE APPARENTLY LOVED SEEING SNOWMEN SUFFER.
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According to Eckstein, the theme of snowmen enduring cruel treatment was surprisingly common in the early 20th century. Illustrations often showed them being struck by toboggans, bombarded with snowballs, shattered by kicks, or pierced with brooms, reflecting a peculiar fascination with their destruction.
5. CREATING A SNOWMAN CAN BE A GREAT EXERCISE.
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Building a snowman isn’t just fun—it’s also a calorie-burning activity. As noted in The History of the Snowman, spending an hour crafting a snowman can burn around 238 calories, which is higher than dancing and comparable to cycling.
6. THE FIRST SNOWMAN PHOTO WAS TAKEN BY A TRAILBLAZING PHOTOGRAPHER.
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Mary Dillwyn was captivated by photography, a field that was still in its infancy when she began using a camera in the mid-1800s. Unlike her contemporaries, Dillwyn steered clear of formal portraits, opting instead to document spontaneous moments. This approach led her to capture what is considered the first photograph of a grinning subject: her nephew, William. She also took a picture of a snowman in her front yard, which Eckstein identifies as the earliest known photograph of a snowman.
7. JAPAN EXCELS IN MASS SNOWMAN CREATION.
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In pursuit of a world record, the people of Sapporo, Japan, crafted 12,379 snowmen in 2003—surpassing the town’s human population. At night, candles placed inside the snowmen illuminated the area, creating a stunning spectacle for visitors. The town continues to host this festival every February.
8. THE SNOWMAN BECAME A SYMBOL OF FRENCH DEFIANCE.
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During a pause in the Franco-Prussian War in December 1870, French National Guard soldiers with artistic talents decided to create a symbol of their fight for freedom. Led by Alexandre Falguiere, they built a 9-foot-tall snow woman named La Resistance. Standing defiantly nude with crossed arms and overlooking a cannon, La Resistance became an iconic emblem of the resistance movement. Even after it melted, the press celebrated it, and artists immortalized it in sketches.
9. AN OBSCURE FROSTY CARTOON CAME BEFORE THE 1969 MASTERPIECE.
While Jimmy Durante and Rankin-Bass’s 1969 animated special Frosty the Snowman is widely known, a lesser-known three-minute version was created in 1954. Chicago’s WGN television station commissioned animation director Bob Cannon to adapt the story—inspired by the popular 1950 song—for their local broadcast.
10. THE SWISS HAVE A UNIQUE WAY OF DEALING WITH SNOWMEN.
Zurich, Switzerland celebrates the arrival of spring with an annual tradition of snowman fireworks. Their Sechseläuten festival culminates in the Burning of the Böögg—a massive snowman figure made of wood and filled with explosives. Once lit, the crowd eagerly watches how quickly his head explodes. The faster it happens, the better the upcoming warm weather is predicted to be.
11. PERFECT CONDITIONS EXIST FOR BUILDING A SNOWMAN.
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As noted in the engineering journal Industrial Engineer, the ideal snowman is built when the temperature is around 30 degrees, ensuring optimal snow moisture. Proportions are also key: a three-tiered snowman should have spheres ranging from 3 feet in diameter at the base to 1 foot at the top. A minimum of 2 inches of snow on the ground is recommended for sufficient building material.
12. MAINE IS HOME TO THE WORLD’S LARGEST SNOW WOMAN.
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In 2008, the Bethel, Maine community and snow enthusiasts collaborated to build the world’s largest snow figure. Using 13 million pounds of snow, they constructed a roughly 122-foot-tall snow woman named Olympia. Her arms were made from 27-foot-long pine trees, and her mouth was formed using car tires. Olympia stood until she melted the following July.
Additional Sources: The History of the Snowman.
