KITKA: Ščo v Pana Khazjaina (Live)
Kitka’s Daily Wintersongs Offering for December 30, 2020
A New Year’s Eve Carol from Ukraine
ŠČO V PANA KHAZJAINA (At the Home of the Master of the House) Pekariv, Černivs’ka region, Ukraine, from the repertoire of Božyči Ensemble
A carol sung on the feast of Malanka, Ukrainian New Year’s Eve.
The birch tree in Slavic folklore is a symbol of a pure, unmarried woman. The goldsmith represents a destiny-making god. In ancient tradition, the smith required a piece of someone’s body (a lock of hair, a drop of blood) to incorporate into his work to forge a positive future for his customer. In this song, the bark symbolizes this ritual sacrifice.
“At the home of the master of the house, in his courtyard,
Ref: Oh generous New Year’s Eve!
In the midst of his grapevines stood a birch, slender and tall, with a broad canopy of leaves.
On the way to the birch tree was a beaten path.
Who wore this path down?
The girl Halochka walked this path as she went to fetch water. Reaching for the tree, she peeled off its bark, put it on a plate, and carried it to the goldsmith.”
Performed by Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble
Kelly Atkins, Kristine Barrett, Shira Cion, Erin Lashnits Herman, Janet Kutulas, Hannah Levy, Maclovia Quintana, Katya Schoenberg, Lily Storm
Recorded live by John Nilsen
Recorded on the album EVENING STAR (Diaphonica)
Available from http://www.kitka.org/shop or http://kitka.bandcamp.com
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