Маланка

Ukrainian

Etymology

Меланія (Melanija) +‎ -ка (-ka)

Proper noun

Маланка • (Malanka)

1. diminutive of Меланія (Melanija)
2. (folklore) the celebrations on the day of St. Melania the Younger (January 13 O.S.) which features mummers performing skits; the Old New Year
3. (folklore, drama) a character from the mummering, similar to the Greek Persephone she symbolizes the return of the sun and warmth, but is often portrayed by a man in drag