KITKA: Sabodisho (Georgia)

Kitka’s Daily Wintersongs Offering for December 5, 2020 Please support Kitka’s Wintersongs 2020 project and our work cultivating community and cross-cultural understanding through song by joining our Village with a tax-deductible contribution! Donate online at http://www.kitka.org/donate and receive a free MP3 download of this song as a token of our gratitude. SABODISHO (PARDON) A traditional song of healing and forgiveness from Guria, Georgia. Kitka learned this tune from the amazing singers of Georgia’s State Ensemble Basiani Performed by Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble Kelly Atkins, Briget Boyle, Shira Cion, Erin Lashnits Herman, Hannah Levy, Janet Kutulas, Maclovia Quintana, Katya Schoenberg, and Lily Storm Recorded in our homes in the fall of 2020 “Oh, Batonebi (Lords), please leave this sick child in peace! Oh, noble Batonebi, we scatter violets and roses on your path. Here come the boys in white shirts, oh, noble Batonebi, we scatter violets and roses on your path. A sheep and a herd of goats are on their way. The youngest goat springs into the air. The Batonebi will be pleased, and depart, contented.” —Translation by Imke McMurthie "The bat'onebi (Lords of Disease) are spirits who live beyond the Black Sea. They allow parts of their realm to appear in the most diverse corners of the world. They obey a "Highest Lord", who, to test the loyalty of humankind, sends bat'onebi out in all directions. Dissidents are to be killed or enslaved. During the day, the bat'onebi move about on mules. In the evening, they return to the houses of the sick and reside in the bodies of the stricken. Bat'onebi are to be obeyed without question, as resistance only enrages them. Nonetheless, their hearts can be won over with tenderness and caresses; thus it is possible to protect oneself from calamity. Bat'onebi enjoy gentle songs and the bright sound of instrumental music." - Ensemble Mzetamze Video concept by Lily Storm Video compilation by Briget Boyle, Kelly Atkins, and John Nilsen Audio mix and Mastering by eO Video & Audio produced by Kelly Atkins Your year-end gift will help support Kitka’s artists and sustain our organization as we weather the current storm. If the music moves you, please donate today at http://www.kitka.org/donate.