Carolling

Carolling

iain

Romanian

Intangible

392

Colinda

12/06/2025

x x

current,47.8355,24.0132;

TEXT

https://culturality.museum/wiki/index.php/Carolling

Noemi Ganea

a good knowledge of the oral patrimony of each area, natural talent

it can be transmitted as a family tradition, part of the heritage of each family transmitted from generation to generation, but in Maramures there are local folk art schools that educated potential singers in this area

In the archaic Maramures society, women were responsible for bearing, cultivating and making sure this practice is further transmitted. Grandmothers, mothers make sure their daughters/granddaughters are educated so that singing, and embracing all types of songs and rituals became part of their cultural heritage.

Early Preparations: Carolling preparations begin weeks in advance, as children and young people rehearse their songs and create traditional costumes or props. Groups and Routes: The carollers, known as colindători, form groups that travel through villages, stopping at each household to sing. Blessings and Rewards: Hosts welcome the carollers with food, sweets, nuts, apples, and sometimes money as a token of appreciation and blessing for the new year. Types of Carols in Maramureș Religious Carols: Many songs focus on the birth of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the Nativity. Folk Carols: Some carols reflect local legends, pastoral life, and historical elements of the region. Joyful and Festive Carols: These include songs meant to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness to the family. Unique Elements of Maramureș Carolling Traditional Costumes: Carollers often wear beautifully embroidered garments specific to the Maramureș region. Wooden Churches and Community Gatherings: Villagers often gather at local wooden churches to celebrate with communal carolling and festive meals. Feciorii Satului: A group of young men known as Feciorii Satului often take the lead in carolling and festive celebrations, ensuring that traditions are passed down.

Carolling is an opportunity for families to show hospitality by welcoming carollers with food, sweets, or small gifts. The act of giving and receiving reinforces social harmony, mutual respect, and the importance of generosity. 5. Celebration of Identity and Regional Pride Maramureș is known for its strong cultural identity, and carolling is an expression of this. The songs, costumes, and rituals associated with carolling reflect local customs, linguistic expressions, and folk beliefs that distinguish Maramureș from other regions in Romania. 6. Spiritual and Moral Education The themes of carols often include messages of peace, faith, and goodwill. These reinforce moral and ethical values within the community, encouraging virtues such as kindness, respect, and solidarity. 7. Social Entertainment and Festivity Carolling is a joyful activity that adds to the festive spirit of Christmas. It provides a moment of entertainment, music, and socializing, allowing villagers to take a break from daily work and engage in communal celebration. 8. Strengthening Rural Social Structures In smaller villages, carolling strengthens rural social structures by maintaining traditions that encourage participation from the entire community. The hierarchical organization of carolling groups (led by experienced members) reflects and preserves the traditional social order.

Folk Art Schools, local NGO's from traditional areas of Maramures, local authorities that usually organize Christmas dedicated events, the Church (mainly Orthodox)

Theatrification

Practitioners complain about commercial, losing the authenticity and specificity

Diminishing participation

The authentic carolling is practiced mostly in rural Maramureș, while the urban area is less practicised

Urban Development

Rural-urban migration

The authentic carolling is practiced mostly in rural Maramureș, while the urban area is less practiced

New pastimes

Younger generations tend to be less interested in these type of cultural practices

Nănești is a village in Maramureș County, Romania, situated within the commune of Bârsana. The village's name has appeared in historical documents in various forms, including Naufalva, Nanfalva, Nanfalua, Nanfalwa, Nonești, and Nanfalu, all derived from the personal name "Nan" and its derivative "Nănești." The first documented mention of Nănești dates back to 1412, when King Sigismund granted the Nănești estate to Ioan, son of Daan from Văncești (now Oncești), and his cousins. For a significant period, Nănești's history was intertwined with neighboring villages such as Oncești and Valea Porcului, collectively forming part of the territory known as "Olacalis Waralia," attested around 1360. Nestled along the Iza River valley, Nănești is flanked by the villages of Bârsana and Oncești. The region boasts a rich natural heritage, characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and fertile plains. Archaeological excavations in the area have unearthed stone chisels and flint scrapers dating back to the Neolithic era, indicating early human settlement. The social fabric of Nănești reflects the broader cultural heritage of the Maramureș region, renowned for its wooden churches, vibrant folklore, and enduring traditions. The village is part of the commune of Bârsana, which is home to the Bârsana Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its distinctive wooden architecture. Residents of Nănești actively participate in traditional crafts, music, dance, and festivals that highlight the region's rich cultural legacy. Historically, Nănești's economy has been predominantly agrarian, with villagers engaged in farming and animal husbandry. The fertile lands along the Iza River support the cultivation of various crops, while the surrounding hills provide ample grazing grounds for livestock. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in rural tourism, leveraging the area's cultural and natural attractions to promote economic diversification. In summary, Nănești is

Carolling is a collective activity that unites the entire village during the Christmas season. Groups of carollers travel from house to house, reinforcing relationships between families, neighbors, and generations. This annual ritual fosters trust, cooperation, and mutual support, ensuring strong social ties that sustain rural life. Inclusivity: People of all ages participate, from children to the elderly, creating a shared sense of belonging. Reciprocity and Social Bonds: Households welcome carollers with food, gifts, and warm hospitality, reinforcing community solidarity.

Gender Equality

Nanesti, Maramures, Romania

declining

CJMM_CP_01