The Carrot-nosed Snowman Tradition: Origins and Lore

The popular image of a snowman with a carrot nose has been captivating winter revelers and children for generations. Often accredited to the 1950s character Frosty the Snowman, the tradition of depicting snowmen with this distinctive feature predates Frosty’s creation by several years. Let’s explore the origins and the evolution of this beloved winter symbol.

The Early Years of Carrot-nosed Snowmen

While many believe that Frosty the Snowman, inspired by the song and later animated specials, invented the tradition of snowmen having carrot noses, the practice is much older. The first known depiction of a snowman with a carrot nose was in the German animated film "Der Schneemann"1 in 1943. This early representation sets a clear precedent for the use of carrots as a snowman’s nose.

Media Narratives and Popularization

Despite the pre-1950 depiction in "Der Schneemann," the concept of carrot-nosed snowmen saw a significant boost in popularity after Walt Disney Productions released their version of "Frosty the Snowman" in 1969. The lyrics of the original 1950 song, authored by Walter Rollins and Steve Nelson, do indeed mention a button nose for Frosty, not a carrot one:

"With a corn cob pipe and a button nose
And two eyes made out of coal."

However, the 1969 animated special deviated from the original song, likely due to the immediate appeal and cozy imagery of a carrot-nosed Christmas snowman. The animation solidified the carrot nose as a quintessential feature of the snowman character, making it more widely recognized and celebrated.

Miscellaneous Debates and Clarifications

There have been several debates and clarifications on this topic. For instance, some claim that Frosty has a corncob pipe and a button nose, while others argue that he has a button nose and a button pipe. However, the most accurate and well-documented representation is the one from the original 1969 animated special, wherein Frosty is depicted with a button nose rather than a carrot one.

Earlier Precedents: Carrots in Winter Traditions

Aside from the early German animation, carrots have long been associated with winter and Christmas traditions. Carrots are readily available during winter, making them a practical and accessible choice for decorating snowmen. Additionally, the bright color contrasts with the snowy environment, creating a visually appealing and whimsical image. Postcards and illustrations from the 1950s, such as a Swedish postcard from 1950, also show snowmen with carrot noses, likely indicating that the tradition had already gained some traction by then.

Conclusion

The tradition of depicting snowmen with carrot noses is much older than the appearance of Frosty the Snowman. While the 1969 animated special helped popularize this image, the roots of the carrot-nosed snowman extend back to earlier winter traditions and animated works. Whether you celebrate a snowman with a carrot nose or one with a button nose, the imagery itself is cherished for its playful and festive spirit.

"Bibliography": "1. *Der Schneemann* (1943) – The first known depiction of a snowman with a carrot nose.