[HANASHIR:15348] background for Hava Nagila?

[Steve Greenberg <sigmn...>]

Hi folks,

 

I realize this is probably a question on the same level as "who wrote
chopsticks?" But I need to give an intro for Hava Nagila to a non-Jewish
choir Monday evening. I know how, why, when, and where it's used, but does
anyone know where it originally came from? I imagine in Eastern Europe,
where people lived with little means, whenever there was a big simcha, it
was a treat to have a good reason to be able to sing and dance it. Any
thoughts?

 

Thanks!

Steve Greenberg

Plymouth, MN