The Northeast celebrated Malanka at Nipawin’s Evergreen Centre with food, dancing and lots of laughter.
The room was immediately abuzz when Terry Youzwa, master of ceremonies, asked hosts and hostesses to bless everyone sitting at their respective tables.
“The entire family receives a number of blessings in order to ensure health and prosperity in the new year,” Youzwa said.
Steve Rudy spoke on behalf of the congregation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Sts. Peter and Paul.
“May the Christmas spirit fill your home with everything your heart holds dear,” Rudy said. “May it bring to one and all much happiness and Christmas cheer.”
The 29th annual Malanka celebration on Jan. 14 acted as a fundraiser for the church. Shawna Kozun, one of the event’s organizers, said it attracts a diverse group.
“That has really been a trend lately, is to attend this celebration, because they aren’t Ukrainian,” said Kozun. “I think it’s for the cultural experience.”
Kozun has been involved in Malanka in one way or another for almost three decades. She wants to pass on Ukrainian traditions to her children.
“I think it’s important for them to know where they came from and how hard their ancestors worked to get to Canada. We have something really special and unique,” said Kozun, whose great-grandmother immigrated to this country many years ago.
This year’s event saw Kalyna, a Ukrainian band from Winnipeg, provide entertainment alongside Nipawin Veselii Dancers and Carrot River Ukrainian Dance Club.
Jenna Chorney played the role of Malanka and Austyn Kozun was Vasylko. According to legend, Vasylko rescues Malanka from Adlad, the God of the Underworld, who has captured the young maiden and held her in his underground kingdom.
“The folkloric event of Malanka continues to be adopted to our Canadian way of life based on some practices in the Ukraine,” Youzwa told the crowd. “Keep in mind that each village, town or city has a somewhat different version of celebrating this joyous occasion.”
