Caroling is called a visiting ritual timed to the saints, for the accomplishment of which everyone gathered, often dressing in beasts, devils, etc. With songs, dances, rallies and special "benevolent" sentences, they walked around the house behind their house in their village or village, for which received a ritual treat. There are lots of caroling rituals, and some of them are in this article.
Christmas caroling
The most common among the Slavs is Christmas carol, which lasted for the first three days of Christmas and up to the "Old New Year" in a new style. The essence of such carols is to tell all people about the birth of a savior and rejoice with all. With the advent of the dark, the mummers knocked at the windows and doors of each house, sang songs of koljadovanye, sowed corn, seeds and other cereals on the floor with the wishes of the owners of a good harvest, health to children and all blessings. For this they received a treat that was put in a special bag. All this action was accompanied by a ringing, noise, a roar. Often, holy entertainment was saturated with sexual overtones and accompanied by appropriate gestures and profanity, which was not welcomed at the usual time.
Today Christmas caroling has already lost such importance and at home children often go, often suggesting that owners try it with kutya. Kutia is porridge, most often rice with the addition of sugar or honey, dried fruits. Although initially such a treat was worn by their relatives, and in the last place - by the godfather for taking care of praying for the child.
Other rituals of caroling in Russia
On the day of the winter solstice - December 22, celebrated the God of triumph and peace - Kolyada, whom young people called merry songs, laughter and dancing. Groups of cinematographers skirted the houses of peasants, carrying on the stick an eight-pointed star made of silvery paper. Often inside it a hole was made and a candle was placed there. According to the tradition of caroling, the group included a "mehonosha" who carried a sack for collecting gifts.
However, caroling was taken not only for Christmas. A very close ritual for caroling in Russia was the witch rite for Easter . Similarly, it was customary to walk around houses with colored eggs and sweets, treat a friend and praise the risen Christ. The rite is preserved today, which is to exchange eggs, and it is possible to strike one against another with the words: "Christ is Risen!", To which the gifted must answer: "Truly Risen!"