JAY JOSHI
Along with the Christmas trees, gifts, and the chiming bells of Santa’s sledge, Christmas does not feel like Christmas without the enchanting tunes of music. From the classic ‘Jingle Bells’ to the new songs brought out by the cool rock stars out there, music forms an integral part of Christmas. In that too, the songs that truly put the ‘Christ’ in Christmas, are the old Christmas carols.
Originating in Europe, Christmas carols have a long and interesting history. Their origins are buried in ancient history dating back thousands of years, but sources suggest that Christmas carols were actually ancient Pagan songs sung during the winter solstice as people danced around stone circles. Later, the tradition was integrated in Christianity. Not just that, the original practice was that of singing carols during all seasons of the year, but only the winter tradition seems to have survived. Carols have evolved and changed over time, and that change continues to this day.
Thanks to its rich cultural heritage, the state of Goa has a long tradition of carol singing. Even though carols still continue to be sung at churches, certain aspects of the tradition are changing. In early days, groups of youth and children went from house to house signing carols, spreading the message of joy, love and the bringing news of the birth of Jesus, but that is now slowly changing, “The practice still continues in villages, but it is not done in cities due to growing population” says Fr. Clifford Cardoso, Assistant Priest of St Cruz parish “Also, earlier there was a deeper influence of Portuguese culture, but now we can see increasing Westernisation (read USA) of the tradition.” As Christianity spread around the world, carols were composed in native languages of different regions, and in India, there are carols in English, Konkani, and Hindi too, with Portuguese and Latin ones also holding their unique place till date.
But while Fr Clifford underlines the growing Western influence, Vaillaine Frenandes, a singer, who is also a part of carol singing group ‘St Cruz Youth Group’, welcomes the change. “Now the pace of singing is faster, and carols are a little shorter”, informs Vaillaine . Another singer from the group, Annerea Joao adds, “earlier, the carols were sung slowly, and outlined stories of Jesus in detail, and were accompanied by classical instruments such as violins, but now, we have drums and guitars.” Music enthusiast Diogo Laurenco adds that in the future, we might also witness metal influence on carols.
Similarly, while the old classical carols still survive, many new carols are appearing and becoming popular. “There is no steadfast rule that we have to stick to old carols. THe key is to spread joy, and inform people about the birth of Jesus, says Sheena Sapeco of ‘St Cruz Youth Group, asserting that new generation likes fast-paced and remixed carols, but the message at the heart of the songs remains the same.
