Tags:
Journalism of Courage
They bring with them the message of joy and hope and impart that unmistakable cheer to all around. Be it the famous Jingle Bells or more traditional ones like White Christmas, Christmas carols have been synonymous with festivities, drawing the young and the old alike. However, carols have come a long way since their early days. Now, the lyrics have been simplified and made easier and more youthful and the music now includes rock and remixes.
The word carol or carole is a medieval word of French and Anglo-Norman origin, believed to mean a dance song or a circle dance accompanied by singing. Broadly defined, carols express joy and are often associated with the Christmas season. Christmas carols, also called Noel, bring people together in harmony and are an essential part of the fun and festivity characteristic of this year-end festival.
Neetu Dixit of the Vineyard Workers8217; Church says, 8220;It is an incredible experience. We start visiting houses to sing carols at 9:30 pm and it goes on till around 2:00 a.m. It is heart warming to see people welcoming you into their homes even late at night and offering you coffee and sweets. It signifies the true spirit of Christmas.8221;
However, there is a slow yet steady change taking place in the way carols are sung, with some getting area-specific and others incorporating the importance of religious harmony. Oliver Fernandes and his choir have made one such effort with their performance at the Pune Goans8217; Institute. 8220;In the wake of the Mumbai terror attack and atrocities against Christians in Orissa, we want to bring out the message of peace and harmony,8221; says Fernandes.
Father Lazarus of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement ICYM says, 8220;Most of the carols sung these days concentrate on Santa Claus and Christmas gifts. Children have begun to associate the festival with such things and real meaning of Christmas.8221; He adds, 8220;Christmas has always been associated with the west. But in India, it has evolved alongside the Indian culture. Quite a few groups in the city sing Marathi and Hindi carols as well. This season is witness to an amalgamation of the novel and the traditional, the young and the old. Though Christmas has changed with the times, it8217;s the spirit that still binds everyone.8221;
