Once there was a lady who had an ugly daughter named Holena. She also had a beautiful step-daughter named Marushka. The lady and Holena behaved in evil manner with Marushka. Once during January, Holena sent Marushka to bring her violets. Marushka wandered in the cold and saw twelve men sitting. They were the Twelve Months. Marushka went to them and told her problem. March waved a staff and soon violets began to grow. Holena was amazed when Marushka brought the violets. She sent her again to bring strawberries. Marushka brought them with June’s help. Holena sent her to bring apples. She brought them with September’s help. Seeing this, Holena herself went out and met the twelve months.
But she behaved rudely with them. Thus, angered, January waved a staff and an icy wind blew and snow began to fall. Holena could not reach her cottage. Her mother too came out to find Holena. At home, Marushka prayed for her sister and mother but they did not come. They both were frozen to death on the mountain. After some years, Marushka married a farmer. He proved to be a good husband and they lived together very happily.
