In ancient times, a mighty heavenly king had 4 daughters. 4 beautiful princesses, representing all the seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. Each of them was destined to come down to earth and bring special gifts to people.

And now Mara, the eldest of the sisters, whose season was winter, began to notice that people are not so happy about her appearance. They scold and fear the Winter Goddess. And Mara tries harder. She sends snow on the earth to cover all forests and fields with a warm blanket. And people are not dissatisfied, they want to have fun and dance in the sun all year round. Mara paints the sky a dark color to make the beautiful stars shine brighter, but people are not happy about it, because they are afraid of the dark. Mara diligently weaves the cloth of Life from the threads of human destinies, cutting only those to whom it is time to die, then she leads them by the hand to the next world, where a new life awaits them. And people curse her for taking the lives of their loved ones.

What Mara did not do, but her younger sisters that gave spring drop, the first flowers and a hearty harvest in the fall, loved more!

The eldest daughter came to the heavenly King and said in tears: "My fatherly king, why did you give me such terrible gifts? People disliked me! They wait for my younger sisters and sing songs to them, but they blame and fear me!"

Answered the Heavenly King: "Do not be sad my daughter! You have unique gifts! People will definitely appreciate it! Give them time. After all, there is no day without night, and spring without winter, and there will be no life without death. Mara realized what an important role she had been given and thanked her father from the bottom of her heart. And every year, when winter comes, Mara diligently fulfills her duties.

And the people? For a long time they were afraid of the Winter Goddess Mara, but in time they began to respect and accept her gifts with gratitude.