WINNIPEG, Manitoba – With Christmas just around the corner, writer Orysia Tracz has brought readers “First Star I See Tonight” (Mazepa Publications, Zhuravli Ltd, 2015). McNally Robinson Booksellers of Winnipeg was the site of the book launch on December 3.
The evening began with a rendition of the carol “Dobryi Vechir Tobi, Pane Hospodariu” sung beautifully by the Winnipeg folk ensemble Melos. The event featured a selected reading from the preface of the book by the author, with a biographical introduction by her son Dobryan Tracz, followed by two more carols performed by Melos and a reception with the traditional Christmas “medivnyk” (honey cake).
Orysia Tracz in Winnipeg, Manitoba, at the launch of her new book, “First Star I See Tonight.”
Before an audience of over 200, Ms.Tracz explained that she has wondered since childhood about Ukrainian Christmas traditions: “Why do Ukrainians celebrate Christmas without Santa Claus? Why do they eat 12 separate, meatless and non-dairy foods on Christmas Eve? Why is there an empty place setting at the table? What is Malanka? Etc.”
Her beautifully designed new book is a collection of articles explaining the origins of Ukrainian Christmas traditions, their symbolism and their continuation around the world, especially in Ukraine, Canada and the United States.
Orysia Tracz is a writer, researcher, translator and speaker on all things Ukrainian, as well as a columnist for The Ukrainian Weekly. Her book is meant for all families and generations, as well as all who love Christmas. It was highly publicized with articles in the Winnipeg Free Press, and interviews on CKY TV and CBC Radio.
“First Star I See Tonight” is available from Yevshan (www.yevshan.com) at McNally Robinson bookstores in Winnipeg and Saskatoon, as well as select Ukrainian bookstores in North America.