KITKA presents: Ketevan Mindorashvili and Zedashe’s Wintersongs Offering
KITKA presents: Ketevan Mindorashvili and Zedashe’s Wintersongs Offering
A Christmas Carol from Georgia’s Wine Country
Ketevan ("Keto") Mindorashvili is a singer, dancer, panduri master, songwriter, teacher, and chef based in Sighnaghi, a scenic historic fortress town in Eastern Georgia's Kakheti region. Keto has searched the mountains and valleys of her homeland to collect and preserve Georgian folk songs, dances, and foodways on the brink of disappearance. To keep these traditions alive, Keto founded and directs Zedashe, a vibrant multi-generational Georgian folk ensemble that has inspired and mentored Kitka's singers over many years.
OTSDAKHUTSA DEK’EMBERSA
Kakheti, Georgia
This Christmas carol, from Eastern Georgia’s wine growing region, refers to Shio Mghvimeli, a saint in the Georgian church, one of the thirteen Assyrian Fathers who helped spread Christianity in Georgia in the 6th century. Legend has it that the wine vessels in the wine cellar at Shio’s monastery would never empty, but keep filling to the top whenever anyone took wine from them. The obvious parallel here is to the Holy Communion, and the endless supply of blood for forgiveness. Georgian carolers often carried baskets, into which the receivers of their songs would place eggs, fruits, and sweets.
“On the 25th of December, Christ was born. Grace to those who brought us such great news and joy to those receiving it. Alatasa Balatasa, I shall put out a basket. Women, bring out some eggs for us, and God will give you a bountiful harvest. Oh merry host, you are our joy. Your wine cellar’s rusty door creaks as it opens and closes. Please bring out some wine for us, and fill out throats with it. May God give you the bounty he gave to Shio. May god give you plenty of wine and bread and a barn full of livestock and goods.”
Performed by members of Zedashe
Ketevan Mindorashvili
Tengis Kakashvili
Tamila Sulhanishvili
Aleko Matiashvili
Irakli Kantchurishvili
Video editing by Kelly Atkins
Recorded on Zedashe’s new album Silver Sanctuary, available from https://zedashe.bandcamp.com
Learn more about Zedashe at: http://www.zedashe.com
Click here to explore the Wintersongs Village
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