Paska with Saffron
AUUC VANCOUVER-Ukrainian Cultural Center
Keeping Ukrainian-Canadian culture alive since 1918
Mother's Day Reminiscence
In this very unusual time of Social Distancing, it is particularly hard to show our love and appreciation on a holiday such as Mother’s Day. We may not be able to visit our loved ones at senior’s homes, to give mothers and grandmothers the hugs and kisses they deserve, or to meet for special meals or parties to show them how much we care. It seems appropriate, then, to look back to a simpler time and a special celebration of Mother’s Day
And Grandmas Too…
While we honor all our mothers
with words of love and praise.
While we tell about their goodness
and their kind and loving ways.
We should also think of Grandma,
she’s a mother too, you see…
For she mothered my dear mother
as my mother mothers me.
Women's Branch Founding Members 1926
The AUUC has always celebrated women and their contributions to our families and our society. From having a Women’s Branch focusing on community and political work, to celebrations of International Women’s Day, to active leadership in the organization, women have always contributed and worked in many meaningful ways at the Hall. Growing up, Mother’s Day was always a day I looked forward to and now remember with fondness. The Hall hosted a celebration of Mothers and Grandmothers, usually on a beautiful warm and sunny afternoon, with the year-end recital by the School of Dance and a Mother’s Day tea.
My Mother Kept a Garden
My Mother kept a garden,
a garden of the heart,
She planted all the good things
that gave my life its start.
She turned me to the sunshine
and encouraged me to dream,
Fostering and nurturing
the seeds of self-esteem…
And when the winds and rain came,
she protected me enough—
But not too much because she knew
I’d need to stand up strong and tough.
Her constant good example
always taught me right from wrong—
Markers for my pathway
that will last a lifetime long.
I am my Mother’s garden.
I am her legacy—
And I hope today she feels the love
reflected back from me.
Above: Poetry writing contest winners from the AUUC School, ca. 1960s, at the annual Mother’s Day Concert and Tea. From left to right: Mom: Colleen Babak, Daughter: Janet Babak; Mom: Evelyn Bezubiak, Daughter: Julie Bezubiak; Aunt: Sonia (Rutka) Ostash, Niece: Debbie Wishinski
I’m sure many people will remember making fancy rolled sandwiches on Friday evening or Saturday afternoon - tuna, egg salad, ham and cheese on bread tinted green or pink, and arranged on plates for the dancers to serve after the concert. The tables were set upstairs with fancy plates and cups of pastel plaid design, and a vase of lilacs from the bush at the front of the Hall on each table. That scent of lilacs is one of my most vivid memories from my childhood at the Hall! The recital always included poems and songs in tribute to mothers and grandmothers, read by the children between dances and orchestra pieces. The older dancers were responsible for serving sandwiches, baked treats, tea and coffee after the performance - our opportunity to serve those women who organized and cared for us the rest of the year!
Beck family Mother’s Day Tea, 2019
At this most unusual time in our history, don’t forget the special women in your life. Even though we can’t celebrate them as we did in the past, find a new way to let them know how much they are loved and appreciated. Happy Mother’s Day to all of our special women!
AUUC Mother’s Day Concert and Tea, 1965
Article written by:
Janice Beck
AUUC Richmond Branch
A selection of poems, songs and dances for Mother’s Day.
Doroha Moya Mamo is a beautiful and simple tribute to one’s mother from the Canadian prairies. Beverly Dobrinsky, AUUC Barvinok Choir Director, learned this from AUUC member, Bill Uhryn in Rycroft Alberta. He is singing the opening verse solo with Beverly’s voice coming in with violin accompaniment. Tse Tak Bulo, 2016, http://www.zeellia.com
Links to videos from the 2015 Spring Concert at the AUUC Hall.
Dovbush School (formerly AUUC School of Dance) performing a girls’ Hutsul dance.
Dovbush Dancers performing Pleskach.
Dovbush Dancers performing Kyivsky Parubky.
Mom
Mom, for all these years
I’m sure you’ve had
a heart full of hopes and dreams
and special longings of your own.
And you’ve always listened and shared
my dreams, my wishes, and my heartaches
as if they were the only ones in the world…
That takes a lot of love, Mom
I understand that now
and I hope you realize
how much I thank you…
how much I love you…
and how much I wish you happiness.
Il y a des milliers d’étoiles
Il y a des milliers d’étoiles
dans le ciel
Il y a des milliers de poissons
dans la mer
Il y a des milliers de fleurs
dans les champs
Mais, il n’y a aucune maman comme toi!
There are thousands of Stars
There are thousands of stars
In the sky
There are thousands of fish
In the sea
There are thousands of flowers
in the fields
But there’s only one mother like you!
Ridna maty moya (Рідна мати моя)
Audio link to Kvitka version online
English Translation:
Dearest Mother of Mine
Dearest Mother of Mine, you had many sleepless nights
You led me to the fields next to the village
And on my long journey, you saw me off at dawn
And gave me an embroidered towel for luck
And on my long journey, you saw me off at dawn
And gave me an embroidered towel for luck and destiny
Let the dewy road blossom on it
Along with the green glens and groves full of nightingales
And your faithful, kind, motherly smile
And your sad, dear eyes
And your faithful, kind, motherly smile
And your sad, dear, blue eyes
I'll take this towel, and unfold it as if destiny
In the quiet, rustling meadows, and chirping oak-woods
And on this little towel, will live the familiar pain
My childhood, separation, and unconditional love
And on this little towel, will live all the familiar pain
My childhood, separation, and your motherly love
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