Another Malanka Story - Just for Fun

ukrfolk.ualberta.ca

In the ancient Ukrainian tradition, the Creator - whose name is PraBoh - the Eternal One, had four sons and one daughter.  The daughter, Lada - is Earth.  The first son fought with his father - the Eternal One, and with his brother and sisters  - he was the one who dwells in the deepest darkness. The second son was Yar-or Yarylo who in Christian times became St. George.  The third son was Rai - who in Christian times became St. John.  The youngest son, was Lad, also called Myr -which stood for peace.  The sun was of course All Seeing, the Svyatovydam, a knight and hero in a  golden cloak, armed with eight swords - one of which he holds in his hand.  Riding around the earth on white horses, Svyatovydam sees everything and  knows everything because he is observant.

wumag.kiev.ua

Lada - the daughter who is Earth, brought two children into the world. Her son was the Moon - Kniaz Meesyats, and her daughter was Spring-May, also called Mylanka because she was always loving and generous - myla. Mylanka spent her days covering the world with flowers and greenery, especially in the month of May. But the first son, the one who dwells in the deepest darkness wanted to harm her and everyone else.  He wanted to take Mylanka to the underground kingdom. He stole her finally when Kniaz Meesyats - the Moon was hunting.  For the time she was absent from the world, there was no spring.  When she was eventually freed by the King of the Moon himself, Spring rejoiced!.  Mylanka married the Moon King (in Christian times called Basil), and since that day, she heralds the coming of Spring.  She works to break the bonds of cold, deep dark times, and return greenery, flowers and life for everyone to enjoy.

So Malanka is her festival!  In ancient times the carnival followed the religious parts of the mid winter holiday season, in a yearly ritual marking the new year.  The Wisdom of the Ages is a tale similar to those told in Greek mythology.  Of course there are a plethora of Malanka activities which flesh out the story, make it into a whole family celebration full of costume party masquerade, dressing up to represent elements of nature, animals, figures in the skits and dramatic plays, some of which represent the decay of nature being transformed by the powers of good.  The evening is never complete without silly party games, slap-stick comedy, teasing and the like, always a good excuse for dressing up, skits and plays.  Pure fun and silliness, a great way to light up a dark, dreary winter night!

Of course that is only one of the different stories explaining the origins of Malanka!

Viter - the Wind Sings a Malanka Melody 2014

My family used to sing all the time,  it seemed the minute we got into the car there was a melody in the air.  I especially miss my dad's singing.  His voice was so lovely, and when mom sang along it was like a choir in the car.  Of course I had to join in.

Thank heavens the tradition is continuing, because my brother carries this fine tradition in his genetic make-up.  So, for him, singing in Viter Ukrainian Choir and Dance Ensemble of Edmonton is a gift to himself, his family and friends.

Viter's  achievements are to numerous to mention! They have developed a real following with their regular performances here in Alberta, but also across the prairies too! Their tours to international places have taken our prized Alberta Ukrainian folk tradition back to the ancestral places in Ukraine, but also to far flung locales to new appreciative audiences! I heard they have plans to tour in Europe again this 2014 season. 

For an opportunity to join their fun, and bring in the Ukrainian New Year in a Malanka way, check out the links on their poster! Not sure you will see my brother dance, but he sure has a way with a melody!

Check out their promotional video at  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6G9pvZuhXA

"Medove Pyvo" - Медове Пиво - Malanka Song

wikipedia

Collecting honey and honeycomb in their natural habitat can be risky but rewarding business.  A treasured sweetener, the ancients celebrated honey in many ways including song! A gift from nature, a medicinal, a food, a preservative, for embalming, it's wax for writing pysanky, honey has it all.  And it makes for the most delicious flavourful mead to drink - honey beer!!

Honey hunters have sweetened the Ukrainian historic tradition for at least 8,000 years. Besides its ritual importance in so many areas of Ukrainian culture and traditional life, it is easy to find archeological records from Ukraine's borderlands in Georgia and this depiction of honey seekers from Spain. 

The traditional Ukrainian folk song-incantation - "Medove Pyvo" Медове пиво is Tyt i Tam Ukrainian "goodtimes polka brigade zabava system" from Saskatoon's most recently released new video for this traditional Ukrainian New Years Malanka song. It's a great piece full of good wishes and perfect for a exciting kolomeyka circle dance. This old style dance for a circle of villagers and friends accompanied by such a traditional folk song set in a Canadian rockin' style will bring everyone to their feet! This, and other songs from their collection is available for purchase on Itunes but you can watch it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=us-0b5zeqPk&list=PLl9fMq2gXMUmnb2ryFHgtfor3m9vjFeTn  If you are already there, I suggest another song, Ostafie's Odyssey, perfect little solo accordian piece!

Tyt i Tam performs a unique and progressive style of Ukrainian folk music. Their extensive professional breadth of musical experience is tremendous. Playing at events across the prairies and into the foothills, TytiTam is the 5 piece band playing at this winter's 2013 Malanka in the Mountains in Jasper. What a fabulous evening! Time to get tickets!

SUZIRYA MALANKA 2013

November 2004 a special constellation of many stars was born in Calgary - the Suzirya Сузіря Ukrainian Dance Theatre!  They are again hosting the Suzirya Ukrainian New Years Malanka Маланка in Calgary on Friday, January 18th, 2013.  For more information you can check www.suzirya.com.

Since their formation in 2004, under the direction of Serguei Makarov,  Сергій Макаров, Suzirya has entertained audiences worldwide.  Their choreographic work takes into account the spirit of the times, and the spirit of Ukraine. An expressive fusion of ballet which supports the traditional folk dance of Ukraine, they are an interesting group to enjoy.  Their thoughtful presentations of folklore, pensive movements to honor tragedies of the past, and purely joyful celebrations of youth showcase their professional training and experience. For those new to Ukrainian dance, to former dancers themselves, Suzirya gains many accolades for performances that inspire and enthuse.

See you at their Malanka!!

TROYANDA MALANKA in Lethbridge 2013

Another fabulous Ukrainian New Year's MALANKA to put on your calendar! 

The Troyanda Ensemble of Lethbridge has been presenting Ukrainian curriculum shows to sold out audiences recently, and their annual MALANKA Маланка celebration of Ukrainian New Years are becoming highly anticipated events not to miss!   

Once again, Troyanda Ensemble is hosting their Ukrainian New Year's MALANKA, Новорічна Маланка, to promote Ukrainian culture primarily through dance, to the community of Lethbridge and beyond.  Their talented instructors Miss Anastasia Sereda and Mr. Dean Mackedenski are excited for the program and the fun of the event. And the volunteers who help make it all happen are delighted this is becoming an annual event people look forward to every year.  With absolutedanceband.com it will be a toe tapping, and dancing event with great polkas, waltzes, and a kolomejka or two.  


The Lethbridge community is hosting their annual Troyanda Троянда MALANKA on Saturday, January 19th, 2013 at the Lethbridge LSCO- Lethbridge Senior Citizen's Organization facility in the heart of the city at 500 11 Street South, Lethbridge, AB. (403) 320-2222. 





Watch for more details!

St. Stephen's MALANKA 2013

amk2012

Calgary's first Ukrainian New Year's MALANKA Новорічна Маланка! of the season is going to be quite the event!  The lovely people at St. Stephen's Protomartyr Ukrainian Catholic Church have planned a special evening of celebration to mark the Ukrainian New Year on Friday, January 11th, 2013.  For an excellent meal and seasonal entertainment make sure to book your tickets soon!  For more information contact Ed Tysowski - 403-547-3226  or check online at www.protomartyr.ca.  

St. Stephen's is located at 4903-45 Street S. W., Calgary.

Kerby Center's Ukrainian Malanka 2013

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Calgary's Kerby Centre is hosting a Ukrainian Malanka event on Tuesday, January 22, 2013! This wonderful initiative is designed to enhance the lives of older adults in Calgary.  And with Ukrainian music, dancing, cultural presentations, and delicious Ukrainian food this is an event to put on the calendar.

The Kerby Centre strives to assist older people in their journey through their elder years, helping them reside in the community, and providing programming, services and information for their needs.

As the poster indicates, the tickets for this event are already available, and there is sure to be a rush.  Make sure to book a Malanka event for the special person in your family circle - it is sure to make their hearts warm with delight!

Call the Ed. and Rec. department  at 403-705-3233  or contact Jennifer Furke at 403-473-1311!!

When is MALANKA 2013? Not too early to book the date!!

The Calgary Plast Ukrainian Scouting Association (PLAST) is again planning for their annual MALANKA!  A really special event, the PLAST MALANKA brings a Calgary Western Flare to the Ukrainian New Year celebration called Malanka.  Plast has a lot of experience with this event, it has been on the calendar each year for.....well at least over 10 years - and each year we dance til the band begs to go home!!



uocvancouver.com

A Ukrainian Malanka is a formerly rural celebration of the New Year. In the deep winter in Ukraine, people would perform traditional plays and skits marking the mystical turn of time.  Calgary PLAST Ukrainan Scouts is also a mix of old and new traditions - each year their program of activities seems to broaden its vision of what is means to be Ukrainian and Canadian.  Calgary PLAST's MALANKA is really a very impressive black tie event in modern downtown Calgary!  It's a special, dress up affair!

Calgary PLAST is again hosting two bands for their 2013 Ukrainian New Years Malanka. Performing that evening will be the two Dance Bands from Calgary, "Zhyto" and "The Real Deal". Also performing will be Stephania Romaniuk, Tanya Chumak, and TRYZUB Dance Ensemble.  Non stop dancing is guaranteed - with a mix of blues, R&B, funk, soul, swing and beyond, and then enthusiatic toetapping traditional Ukrainian dance band sounds, how can you beat it?

I always have such a fun time at Malanka - it's a good party, good company and such a lot of fun seeing friends after the family clutch of the Christmas holidays.  Time to kick up a kolomeyka or something. 

PLAST’s Malanka 2013 will be held on Saturday, January 19, at The Calgary Petroleum Club.

Here's a sample of Zhyto playing - Komaryk - The Mosquito!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v2LKVCbTvM