The talk will explore the concepts of Christmas carols and caroling in Polish folk culture. The meanings of these two words are not identical, although both refer to the tradition of songs and rituals cultivated for centuries in the Church and in folklore during the Advent, Christmas (the turn of the year), and Easter (the turn of spring). Caroling manifests itself in two ways: the singing of songs called pastorals about the miracle of the birth of the Baby Jesus and the arrival of the shepherds at the manger, as well as so-called wishing carols – songs and recitations that are “personalised” in terms of the target audience and their needs. The latter are addressed to farmers, housewives, boys (bachelors), and girls (misses), and these songs address matters particularly important and desired by these figures (for example, abundant harvests and livestock, or an imminent marriage). Generally, it should be emphasised that winter caroling takes place during the “festive season” (from Christmas Day to Epiphany). In some parts of Poland, however, it begins as early as Advent – ​​for example, in Pomerania, especially Kashubia, or in the villages of the Silesian Beskids. Spring caroling, on the other hand, is typical of the Lublin region, Podlasie, and Suwałki regions, but also of the Silesian Beskids.

Different types of caroling have developed in different regions. Songs for this purpose can be recited or sung, and their performance is often accompanied by musicians (individuals or bands). This oldest type (with pre-Christian origins) is usually accompanied by “anti-music” performed on so-called “anti-instruments”,  which is sometimes referred to as ritual clamour.

Professor Zbigniew Jerzy Przerembski works at the Institute of Musicology, University of Wrocław. He specialises in the study of folk music and the history of traditional music in Poland and Europe, including the analysis and classification of styles, genres and forms, instruments, and performance practice. He is the author or editor of thirteen books and has published over two hundred scholarly and popular science texts in Polish and international collective works and specialist journals, music and general encyclopaedias, and websites.