When people carol and how to do it right

What is caroling

At first, the Kolyada holiday was considered pagan, it was timed to coincide with the winter solstice and symbolized the beginning of the new year - both solar and agricultural. There are several versions of where the name of the holiday came from. Most often there are two. According to one of the assumptions, "Kolyada" came from the word "kolo" - the sun. According to the ancestors, it absorbed the darkness, and the daylight hours began to increase. Another version relies on the decoding of "kol" and "poison", that is, "circular food". And indeed, carolers went around the yards with songs, dances, dressing up and received food for their performances, which they then all ate together.

After the Baptism of Rus' in 988, the pagan meanings of caroling were gradually replaced by Christian traditions. The holiday began to be associated with the Nativity of Christ, and this association continues today. The carolers began to mention in their songs and poems not only the sun, the moon and the light, but also biblical motifs. They go from house to house to glorify Christmas, to congratulate the neighbors, to wish them

families prosperity in the new year. And in return, they still expect treats from the owners. It is believed that the more generous they are, the richer and more profitable the year will be for the owner of the house.

When can you carol

The holiday season lasts approximately two weeks. You can carol from Christmas Eve on January 6 until Epiphany evening, which occurs on January 18. The action itself is divided into 3 main stages.

• On the evening of January 6 and on the morning of January 7, carolers go from house to house to wish their neighbors a Merry Christmas.
• On January 13, on the old New Year, the time of the Generous Evening, or Shchedrets, comes. It is customary in houses to lay a rich table, and before gala dinner carolers go to entertain the neighbors with special songs - schedrovki. On the morning of January 14, they return to scatter the grain and sing the so-called sowers in order to attract a good harvest in the coming year.
• The carols end on the night of January 18-19, which is called Epiphany evening. The mummers still go to the guests with songs and dances, completing the Christmas season.

How to carol correctly

Today there is no rigid framework associated with carol rites. Therefore, it is up to you to prepare for the festive processions or not. Compliance with some traditions will only add color and fun to the action.

Assign Roles

You need to carol at least three of us. One is assigned the most responsible position - the star - and is trusted to carry the guiding star on a long staff. This is a reference to the star of Bethlehem, which lit up in the sky after the birth of Jesus and lit the way for the Magi.

The ringer follows him. He must ring the bell to notify people of the arrival of carolers.

Closes the festive column of the mechonosh. Previously, a strong, tall man was chosen for this role. He was trusted to carry a bag in which they put festive treats from the owners of the houses. By the way, by traditions carolers are not allowed to take gifts or money in their hands: people must put them in a bag themselves.

On the old New Year, a carol procession can be led by a schodra - a young girl who was the first to greet people and sing schedrovkas. Usually, a wreath with long multi-colored ribbons is put on her head.

Prepare your costumes

They should be colorful and bright. You can choose both ready-made carnival costumes, and make them yourself. There are no strict rules here, so create outfits to your taste. If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, make sure that your clothes are not only beautiful, but also warm.

You can try on one of the traditional images of the carol procession. One of the carolers was always dressed up as a goat. The rest chose suits cows, gypsies, bears, a rooster, a wolf and a dog. By the way, it is not necessary to come up with a full vestment. You can designate your image with only one carnival mask.

Learn songs and poems

Both ancient and modern Christmas songs and poems will do. They can be found on the Internet, folklore books, school textbooks, or even compose yourself. As a rule, such works are simple and short. Their main goal is congratulate Merry Christmas people, wish good, wealth and a good harvest.

Sometimes there are verses more authentic:

Kolyada was born
On the eve of Christmas.
Behind the mountain, behind the steep
Beyond the river, beyond the fast.
Behind the mountain, behind the steep
Behind the river behind the fast
The forests are dense,
In those forests the fires are burning,
The fires are burning blazing.
People are standing around the lights
People stand caroling:
"Oh, Kolyada, Kolyada,
You happen, Kolyada,
Before Christmas."

And sometimes carolers demand gifts:

Give us a slice of the pie
In all cow horns.
Do not give cakes -
Let's throw all the windows.
Don't give me the pie
We throw the gate.

By the way, talk to the older generation, especially grandmothers and grandfathers, whose childhood was spent in the countryside. Surely they will remember a couple of songs and poems with which they themselves once went caroling.

go caroling

Arriving at the house, the star star must contact the owner of the dwelling and ask for permission to carol - this is a formality. After waiting for a positive response, start your presentation. Poems can be told one by one, but it is customary to sing songs together with the whole group of carolers. If you go on a procession at Christmas, do not forget to congratulate your neighbors and loved ones on the holiday. If we are talking about the eve of the old New Year, wish abundance, and you can also sing generosity - these songs usually begin with the words “Generous evening! Good evening".

On the morning of January 14, take some grain or cereal with you. Scatter a couple of handfuls during your performance and sincerely wish prosperity to the inhabitants of the house - this ceremony is called sowing.

By the way, during caroling, you can invite the inhabitants of the house to play with you in games. For example, run in bags for speed. Or, blindfolded, be beaten with bags of straw (they can be replaced with pillows) - the one who inflicts more blows will win.

You need to complete the caroling fun before Epiphany, January 19th. On this day, according to Christian traditions, the mummers stopped their carol rites.

How to meet carolers

According to popular beliefs, carolers should not be driven away so as not to invite trouble into their home. Of course, today this is considered rather a common superstition, and if you are not ready for the arrival of sudden guests, you can keep the doors closed.

But still, try to show a little friendliness and hospitality during the holidays, especially since it will not require much effort and material costs. It is enough to keep symbolic treats at the ready - for example, sweets, fruits and sweets. You can please carolers with small coins. The main thing - do not forget to say the words thanks and congratulate the people who brought a little holiday and magical atmosphere to your home.