A DUCK IS SWIMMING
Пливе кача (Plyve Kacha)
©2014 Anastasia O'Melveny (Artist with Autism)
(Original medium-oil on canvas)
Signed Prints available
A small duck on a rippling lake.
In Ukraine, a duck crossing waters is a symbol of death and the soul's journey to the other side. There is a Ukranian folksong with this same name that is both a farewell song and a lament that speaks to price of peace and of war. It first become popular after it was sung at the requiem for the Euromaidan heroes of the 2014 "Revolution of Dignity". It is now being sung for all those lost in wars in Ukraine and especially for those lost in the current Russia–Ukraine War (which began in 2014 as well).
To see/hear the choir singing at the 2014 Requiem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTPCEzl_qWc
To watch a movie about war and loss featuring this folksong: