From the Smoky Lake Signal, Wednesday, January 14, 1987.

 Malanka 

Malanka and her entourage energetically welcome in the in the New Year in the traditional fashion, Saturday, January 10, 1987 at the Smoky Lake National Hall. The pageant, a ritual originating from medieval European mummers is part of the rich cultural heritage of the Ukrainian people. Malanka is the folk name for the feast of St. Melania (January 13 New Year's Eve according to the old calendar). The traditions evolved with time, some original magical pagan beliefs faded and Christian elements were introduced. By the 19th century their supernatural character was lost and now they exist as popular entertainment. In the old country, characters costumed to represent Malanka, a maiden and her escort, a Baba and Dido, grandmother and grandfather, and numerous others, a policeman, a Jew, a Gypsy and a goat or a bear visited from house to house with songs (schedrivke), dances and tricks to welcome the new year and invite good fortune and prosperities for the future. In more recent times the ritual has been modified to accommodate larger audiences and a banquet and dance added. In rural areas, where many are still effected by the agricultural seasons, many of the symbols and images still make sense. The goat represents all the ancestors of each persons family. These spirits dwell in the grain fields during the summer of each year. When then the goat lies dead in the Malanka skit, the fields too are barren and still. By ritually bringing the goat back to life, we are expressing our hopes that the crops will grow again from their seeds and bring us the prosperity and the good life. The agricultural symbols of the plowsman, the sower and the animals are related to this same theme. At the point of the year when the actual farm work is slowed we stop, take a look at the cycles of the seasons and put them all into perspective. We begin now to prepared for the busy season of rebirth before us once again.

From the Smoky Lake Signal, January 19, 1983

Malanka 1983 - in Smoky Lake.

On January 15, 1983 once more the Smoky Lake Natiaonl Hall was filled to capacity for their traditional "Malanka".

The Malanka was sponsored by the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church. Supper was served by the Ukrainian Women's Association and church members.

The Malanka pageant has kept its traditions from the pagan times and has been handed down since then. New Year's Eve in the Julian calender is celebrated on January 13. Malanka, according to legend, was the daughter of Mother Earth. She was the spring and was held prisoner by the Evil Spirit and Ruler of Hell. That's why we have winter. There was no happiness on earth until her release, when spring comes, bringing with it the joy of living.

Brother Wasilchyk rescued and married Malanka. You have heard the song "Wasilchykoo where am I going to plant you?", that too is part of the Malanka. The ceremony of seeding, as is the custom, is still carried on in certain places. This seeding usually is done by a young boy, after twelve o'clock mindight, then all sing the traditional song "Where there is Peace in the Family" (De Zhoda v Roderni). This tradition has been brough here by our pioneers.

On New Year's Eve young men dres up in costumes to represent Malanka, Wasilchyk (a young plow boy), devils, goats, beggars, gypsies, etc. They used to visti homes singing carolds, now they perform in the halls. The capture of winter was symbolized by a live bear, lead around on a chain. The sowing of grain after mindight would bring prosperity in the new Year.

An ancient ceremony, Malanka is the celebration of Malanka's liberation from the Evil One and is a symbol of spring liberated from the grip of winter on New Year's day. All appeal with good deeds and wishes for a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Participants were Pat & Alex Elchuk were the bride and groom. The Coopers were the young maiden and kozak. Nick and Chris Lazaruk were the Gido and Baba. Natalka Klem-Strilesky was the Jew. Don Cymbaluk was the devil. Jackie Cymbaluk was the policeman. Louise Write was a goat. Henia Martyniuk was the gypsy. The shoe maker was Norman Martyniuk. The co-coordinator was Mary Ratsoy and the helpers were Tom and Mary Natchuk and Kate Lotosky.

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