Many traditional customs still observed in the Balkans are of pre-Christian origins and encompass fertility rites, cult of the dead ancestors, divination and imitative magic. Join us in exploring these intriguing winter solstice rituals, in sharing some of the dances and songs, and tasting traditional dishes.
Just below the familiar and universal glitz associated with Christmas season, an intriguingly complex wealth of traditions has been preserved from ancient times in a Balkan village. Many customs are of pre-Christian origin and encompass fertility rites, cult of the dead ancestors, divination and imitative magic. Winter solstice, the time of the longest darkness, is seen as a magical junction, a New Year, the night when the skies are open, allowing the ancestors? spirits to visit their earthly homes. They indeed come disguised in the Kolede (Carolers) processions singing well-wishing songs and are welcomed with warmth, light, and offerings. Join us in exploring these intriguing customs, in sharing some of the dances and rituals, tasting traditional dishes, and singing Koleda songs exclaiming: ?may your stables be full of livestock, your barns full of grain, your cellars full of wine, but above all, may you and your family be merry, healthy, and happy!?
Ksenija Marinkovic, Ph.D. is a brain scientist but she has been involved in Balkan music and folk dancing since she was very young, passionately steeped in her rich traditional heritage. She was the music director of a folk orchestra and vocal chorus in Boston prior to moving to San Diego and has given numerous workshops. She gave a shorter version of this workshop at Harvard, as part of Boston Christmas Revels performances focusing on Balkan traditions.
Admission/Cost: $5 - $8
Location:
Folk Dance Center
4569 30th St
San Diego, CA 92116
Saturday, December 14 - 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
For more information, please contact: Connie Kaczmarczyk at (858) 336-3668.
Just below the familiar and universal glitz associated with Christmas season, an intriguingly complex wealth of traditions has been preserved from ancient times in a Balkan village. Many customs are of pre-Christian origin and encompass fertility rites, cult of the dead ancestors, divination and imitative magic. Winter solstice, the time of the longest darkness, is seen as a magical junction, a New Year, the night when the skies are open, allowing the ancestors? spirits to visit their earthly homes. They indeed come disguised in the Kolede (Carolers) processions singing well-wishing songs and are welcomed with warmth, light, and offerings. Join us in exploring these intriguing customs, in sharing some of the dances and rituals, tasting traditional dishes, and singing Koleda songs exclaiming: ?may your stables be full of livestock, your barns full of grain, your cellars full of wine, but above all, may you and your family be merry, healthy, and happy!?
Ksenija Marinkovic, Ph.D. is a brain scientist but she has been involved in Balkan music and folk dancing since she was very young, passionately steeped in her rich traditional heritage. She was the music director of a folk orchestra and vocal chorus in Boston prior to moving to San Diego and has given numerous workshops. She gave a shorter version of this workshop at Harvard, as part of Boston Christmas Revels performances focusing on Balkan traditions.
Admission/Cost: $5 - $8
Location:
Folk Dance Center
4569 30th St
San Diego, CA 92116
Saturday, December 14 - 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
For more information, please contact: Connie Kaczmarczyk at (858) 336-3668.
