Who holds the record for the world’s tallest snowman? Surprisingly, it’s a snow woman. Back in 2008, the residents of Bethel, Maine, USA built Olympia the Snow Woman, standing at an impressive height of 37.21 meters (just over 122 feet).
Science played a crucial role in creating this monumental snowman. The right type of snow is essential for such a feat. Snow that accumulates in temperatures between 0 to 2 °C (32 to 35 °F) is ideal. This temperature range allows free water to act as glue between the ice crystals, helping maintain the snowman’s shape. Snow with a moisture content of 3-8% is perfect, while anything over 15% leads to slushiness.
But why bother building a snowman if it’s just going to melt? The first known depiction of a snowman dates back to a Dutch prayer book from 1380. Unlike the cheery snowmen we’re familiar with like Frosty and Olaf, this medieval illustration shows a snowman being melted by fire, conveying a different message.
Historian Robert Eckstein notes that snow was a form of artistic expression for people. Building snowmen was a source of entertainment and a way to creatively express oneself, much like selfies are today. People could create their own snow sculptures for fun or display. Even the renowned Michelangelo was once asked to construct a giant snowman for a clown in 1494.
Building snowmen also served as a unique method for people to express their opinions on political matters. In 1511, residents of Brussels crafted over 200 snowy scenes, many of which were satirical representations of politicians and public figures. Snow became a medium for sharing messages.
This article answers a question from Teresa Thomas: “What is the largest snowman ever built?”
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