A new image of old traditions

“Caroling during Christmas is deeply embedded in society throughout the whole Europe and further. It is one of the traditions that do not have a homeland. None of the countries can exalt itself to be a founder,” claims eminent Romanian ethnologist and folklorist Petru Caraman and ads: “Its essence is Christian, because carols are present in Christian nations.” Carols have been for many centuries inseparable sound enrichment of Christmas Atmosphere. The tradition preserved only in certain regions. However from the year 1995, Good News project manages to restore caroling throughout the whole Slovakia.

Carollers came…

The word carols contains more meanings. Except Christmas songs, it represents also spoken or declaimed wishes of abundance. Caroling is also a tour connected with singing and wishing. However, the carolers receive a reward from families they visited.

Carolers also carried symbols as a star, Bethlehem, herdsman stick and others. In some parts young carolers want to spread their joy of Jesus birth by singing Christmas songs till midnight. In other regions a drama plays became a part of Christmas life. Bethlehems, shepherd or Three Kings plays are common.

Three Kings

Three Kings are inseparable part of Caroling. The Bible calls them: “Wise man from the east”. The first mention of them originates from 3. century. It is not known how they obtained such a cognomen, however it has some connection with many gifts brought by them.

Carolers visit houses, leaving a sign on the door containing first letters of the claim Christus mansionem benedicat – Jesus bless this house. However, among the people the abbreviation G + M + B became common as well, meaning Gaspar, Melichar and Baltazar. The names were created in 5. century. Each of the holders symbolizes one region of known world at that time – Africa, Azia and Europe or youngness, adulhood and senescence.

Today’s carolers

The tradition restored by Good News carolers replicates local habits. In some regions a shepherd and Christmas crib drama plays, Carollers with gitare dressed as anjels and shepherds became a common component of Christmas life. The increasing quantity of carolers each year proves, that restored tradition of caroling connected with a solidarity and helping poor dimension became attractive even for children and young, growing in the age of digital and computer games.