On Easter, after the festive liturgy at Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church in Palatine, Illinois, the local Ukrainian community held traditional Easter Hayivky.
This was reported on Natalia Figel's Facebook page.
""We don't have any cool professional photos, but believe me - the Hayivky in Palatine were joyful, bright and filled with freckles and sincere children's laughter! The children of our church and SUM community sang, played, and even the rain did not stop them from experiencing the true joy of the resurrection! Natalia Figel shared.”, — поділилася Наталія Фіґель.
Due to the inclement weather, the event was moved to the CYM Palatine campus, but the festive atmosphere did not diminish.
The organizers and creative teams of the parish prepared a traditional, authentic program with spring games, fun, round dances and folk dances. Creative teams of the parish - the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the local branch of CYM, including the choirs "Vodohrai" and "Angelik" - took part in the festival.
The focus was on the children, who not only sang and danced, but also received 120 fragrant larks baked especially for the holiday by the hosts, Adrianna Maria and Elena Eremina. In Ukraine, baked larks are a symbol of the awakening of nature and the renewal of life.
Background Hayivky are traditional Ukrainian ritual songs and games performed in the spring, over three days during the Easter holidays. They are part of the spring cycle of folk rituals, symbolizing the awakening of nature, the arrival of warmth and the renewal of life. In different regions of Ukraine these songs are also called vesnianky, gahilky, ryndzivky, mayivky, etc. Initially, hayivky were of pagan origin and associated with rituals of calling for spring and a good harvest. With the advent of Christianity, they adapted to new traditions and became part of Easter celebrations.
Author: Inna Mikhno