Kalanda – Greek Carol Singing
The history of Carol Singing
Singing Christmas carols is said to have its origins in ancient Greece.
Commencing on the first day of the twelve days of Dionysus, the origins of today’s today’s twelve days of Christmas, children would sing songs in honour of the ancient Greek god of wine, Dionysius.
An ancient tradition was to also present the head of the household, with an olive or laurel branch, a symbol of prosperity.
Many Greek Christmas carols sung today date back to the Byzantine times.
Modern Day Greek Carol Singing
In Greece, extremely early on three specific days; Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and the Eve of Epipany; January 5th, (Theophania or, Ton Foton in Greek), children visit neighbours to sing kalanda; Greek Christmas carols.
Accompanied by the triangle, the carol singers may sometimes carry with them small wooden or paper boats, which they had lovingly been preparing, in the lead up to Christmas.
The neighbours reward the children by placing money and treats, such as cakes or candy, into their little Karavakia; Greek Christmas Boats.
Many times, have I had to open the door to them, before eight o clock, still in my dressing gown.
They knock on the door, shouting “Na ta poume?” meaning “Shall we sing?”,
The singing is accompanied by a randomly rattled triangle with no tune at all.
Usually you get to hear just one song:
Listen to the traditional Greek children’s kalanda – Christmas carol below
http://https://youtu.be/plGu48NYNn0
Traditional Greek kalanda – Christmas carol
Translated into English:
Good evening noblemen
If this is your will,
Christ’s holy birth
May I sing in your noble house?
Christ is being born today
In the town of Bethlehem
Heavens rejoice
All of nature is happy.
Inside the cave (He) is being born
In a manger for horses
The King of all the universe
The Creator of everything.
A crowd of angels are singing,
“Ossana in excelsis”,
And holly is
The faith of the shepherds.
From Persia three magi arrive
With their gifts
A bright star shows them the way
Without any delay.
In this house we have come
May no stone ever crack
And the landlord
May live for many years.
After knocking on doors and singing the Kalanda around their neighborhoods, children often go into town and sing outside the shops, hoping for a few extra Euros.
My children were very sly when they went carol singing (Encouraged by husband; MGG (My Greek God) I might add).
They only went to family friend’s and relative’s houses, even if it meant quite a trek, here they were sure of a good reward!
The philosophy here was; good friends and relatives would be too embarrassed to give nothing or only a few bits of change.
They knew that my husband would later ask them: “How much did uncle Yiannis give you?”.
I’m ashamed to tell you, their philosophy worked! (Or, should I say: MGG’s philosophy?), the cash they collected with their carol singing was an embarrassingly large amount!
Wishing you all a merry Christmas, with love from “Greeker”
More Greek Christmas Traditions:
Greek Christmas Boat (Karavaki)
Top 15 Greek Christmas and New Year Customs and Traditions
Kallikantzaroi – Greek Christmas Goblins
Vasilopita, Greek New Year’s Cake
Traditional Greek Christmas Sweets and Desserts