The Romanian word "colinda”( Carol)
has, it seems, the origin in the Latin Calendae a name given to the old pagan
New Year holiday. It was the custom to wish the other people prosperity and
happiness for the coming year. It was also customary to give gifts to the
carolers. This custom is present up to this day in Romanian lore. Carolers receive small dough pretzels, apples and nuts.
The Romans celebrated at this time of
the year The Sun’s Birth. It was the moment when the sun was at its lowest in
the south hemisphere and then started towards the north like a rising movement.
The Roman Calende were festivities
dedicated to the Sun, and the gifts given to carolers are all round, as symbols
of he sun. Carolers, men and boys, visited, for six days, all the houses of the
community. They sang standing in a circle. At the end of these six days, they
had accomplished a circling of the village,
the main symbolism of this ritual being of protection. Later, to it was added
the meaning of blessing and Christ’s birth.
The carols above, some of the most known in Romanian tradition, are sung by: a famous Romanian professional choir, a folkloric group and a children choir.
Enjoy!
I wish all the readers of my blog a Merry Christmas, full of health and wealth!