Schneemann

Schneemann is a German word that translates to "snowman" in English. It refers to a temporary sculpture made of snow, typically built by children or adults during winter weather. The traditional form of a Schneemann consists of three stacked snowballs of decreasing size, with the largest at the bottom forming the base, the middle one for the torso, and the smallest at the top for the head.

Commonly, a Schneemann is decorated with found objects. A carrot is often used for the nose, coal or pebbles for eyes and a mouth, and twigs or branches for arms. Hats, scarves, and buttons are also frequent additions, transforming the simple snow structure into a more anthropomorphic figure.

The practice of building Schneemänner is a popular winter pastime in regions that experience snowfall. It is often associated with childhood joy and the festive spirit of the winter season. While primarily a recreational activity, the creation of a Schneemann can be a collaborative effort, fostering social interaction. The lifespan of a Schneemann is dependent on weather conditions, melting as temperatures rise. The term Schneemann is also used in certain contexts to refer to a person who is pale or appears sickly, likening them to the pale color and ephemeral nature of a snowman.