Hotchi-witchi is a Romani word for hedgehog. It’s one of the Romani words Gary uses. I had here a sweet video about a hedgehog, an owl, a phantom horse, and more. It is old and the narration is subtitled and I found it on YouTube but apparently without the creator’s agreement. You will likely still find it there, and if I could figure out which version benefits Yuri Norstein, I’d repost. Ten minutes long and all good. Look for Yuri Norstein—brilliant work!
PAR Yuri Norstein is a Soviet and Russian animator best known for his animated shorts, “Hedgehog in the Fog” and “Tale of Tales.” Since 1981 he has been working on a feature film called The Overcoat, based on the short story by Nikolai Gogol of the same name. According to The Washington Post, “He is considered by many to be not just the best animator of his era, but the best of all time.” He mostly uses cut-out paper. Amazing.
*hotchi-witchi: Mid 19th century; earliest use found in George Borrow (1803–1881), writer and traveller. From English Romani hóčiwiči, probably from the English Romani word corresponding to Welsh Romani určos + a second element of uncertain origin, either an arbitrary extension or perhaps a derivative of Romani veš forest, woods (from Middle Persian wešag forest; Persian beša, (in Iran) bīšae), probably with influence from English.
IMPERFECT PATIENCE 
Wow, Jan, this is the most fabulous thing I’ve ever seen. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It strangely reminds me of Akira Kurosawa’s movie of Siberia and the friendship between a Russian Captain and his expedition exploring Siberia in the early 1900s and a Siberian tribesman named Dersu Uzala. (Based on a true story.)
It might be my favorite movie–enchanting and haunting just like Hedgehog In The Fog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will look for that one.
LikeLike
I thought so too.
LikeLike
That was amazing and wonderful–thank you!
LikeLike
I always suspected my brother to be a Russian spy! Love the little fuzz-ball—but remember, I am vegetarian—so we don’t need to see his papers—let him pass.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your Hotchi Witchi was so delightful! I am now wondering about that lonely horse and would love to see a sequel. That hedgehog was concerned about the horse and I am too. So much could be done in a sequel about kindness and reaching out to others.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We need a lot of that these days. ❤
LikeLike
Very charming. I will show the boys tomorrow when they come over!
On Thu, Dec 10, 2020 at 6:18 PM IMPERFECT PATIENCE wrote:
> janpriddyoregon posted: ” Hotchi-witchi is a Romani word for hedgehog. > Here is a sweet video about a hedgehog, an owl, a phantom horse,andmore. It > is old and the narration is subtitled. Ten minutes long and all good. > https://www.youtube.com/embed/MS5mxXtStOY Hedgehog in the F” >
LikeLiked by 1 person
I initially saved it to share with grandchildren but haven’t had the chance.
LikeLike
How perfectly delightful – and the illustrations are enchanting. Thank you, Jan!
LikeLiked by 1 person