Маланка
Ukrainian
Etymology
Меланія (Melanija) + -ка (-ka)
Proper noun
Маланка • (Malanka)
- diminutive of Меланія (Melanija)
- (folklore) the celebrations on the day of St. Melania the Younger (January 13 O.S.) which features mummers performing skits; the Old New Year
- (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