Snegurochka, known in English as "The Snow Maiden", is in modern Russian tradition the granddaughter of Father Frost - the equivalent of Father Christmas. However, the figure found on Russian Lacquer Boxes derives from at least two Russian folk-tales.

The first tale, a nature myth and source of the Rimsky-Korsakov opera, is set in the Kingdom of Tsar Berendei, and relates how Fairy Spring and Mighty Winter, in order to protect their daughter Sneegurichka from the fatal glance of the Sun god, secrete her away in an earthly village under the ward ship of the Spirit of the Woods. Her love for Lel the shepherd boy is unreciprocated, while Misgir falls in love with her and pursues her until thwarted by the Spirit. Snegurochka asks Fairy Spring to let her feel real love, but the granting of the wish allows the Sun god to touch her heart, and she melts away.

The second tale involves a childless peasant couple who, in their loneliness, build a beautiful maiden out of snow. Miraculously she comes to life, and the couple has a daughter of their very own. The maiden is very beautiful, but also very pale. As winter fades and warmer weather arrives, she no longer wants to play outside with the other children. She begins to hide in the dark corners of the house. One summer night, she is persuaded to join some friends in a game of jumping over a bonfire. At first she refuses, but growing lonely sitting all by herself, she joins in. When her turn comes, as she jumps over the fire she suddenly turns to mist and the couple are childless once again.

Kholui lacquer boxes tend to refer to the first version, while Fedoskino boxes to the second.