As New Year’s eve approaches, manny are curious about the origins and importance of the conventional new year’s carols, known as “Kαλαντα.” These festive songs, often sung in neighborhoods, are believed to incorporate elements from at least four “Songs of Awakening” dating back to the Byzantine era. The frist part of the carols serves as a heartfelt wish for a prosperous New year, encapsulated in the lines “Αρχιμηνιά κι Αρχιχρονιά, κι αρχή – Καλός μας χρόνος.” This rich cultural heritage not only highlights the joy of welcoming a new year but also reflects the deep-rooted traditions that continue to resonate in contemporary celebrations.η «Δεσποτική Εορτή» της «Περιτομής του Χριστού» : Ο Χριστός με το Αιγυπτιακό – Σημιτικό Έθιμο της Περιτομής οκτώ ημέρες μετά την γέννησή του «βγαίνει να γνωρίσει τον κόσμο και γίνεται αποδεκτός από τους συμπατριώτες του» :
Αρχή που βγήκεν ο Χριστός
Άγιος και Πνευματικός
στην γήν να περπατήσει
και να μας καλοκαρδίσει
Από την Λόγια Παράδοση φαίνεται να προέρχεται και η τρίτη ενότητα που αναφέρεται στη μνήμη του Μεγάλου Βασιλείου. Είναι πιθανό μάλιστα να σχετίζεται με τον Αρέθα Επίσκοπο Καισαρείας και με την προσπάθεια να μορφωθούν οι πληθυσμοί της Μ. Ασίας τον 10ο αιώνα μ.Χ.
Προβάλλεται ο Μέγας Βασίλειος ως φορέας της παιδείας – που προτρέπει τους γονείς να μορφώνουν τα παιδιά τους. Προβάλλεται επίσης η ιερή τέχνη του καλλιγράφου που πάντα στην Βυζαντινή εικονογραφία κρατά ειλητάριο («χαρτί»),Κάλαμο («πέννα») και «Καλαμάριον» (μελανοδοχείο) :
Άγιος Βασίλης έρχεται από την Καισαρεία.
Βαστάει πέννα και χαρτί
χαρτί και καλαμάρι
[με] Το καλαμάρι έγραφε
και [με] το χαρτί ομίλει.
………
Και στο ραβδί του ακούμπησε να πει το Αλφαβητάρι…
Όμως στους στίχους του πρωτοχρονιάτικου άσματος παρεμβάλλονται άλλοι στίχοι που φαινομενικά δε «δένουν».
Για παράδειγμα τι θα πει «Αρχιμηνία – κι αρχιχρονιά – ψηλή μου δενδρολιβανιά»!! Ή τί θα πει «χαρτί και καλαμάρι – δες κι εμέ το παληκάρι»!!! Αν και είναι παράξενες για εμάς οι φράσεις αυτές, είναι πολύ απλή η προέλευσή τους.
Ιδού η παράξενη και χαριτωμένη ιστορία αυτών των στίχων που παρεμβάλλονται:
Για την τελική διαμόρφωση του άσματος που γνωρίζουμε σήμερα, έπαιξαν ρόλο «Καλανδιστές» που αυτοσχεδίαζαν. Μάλιστα από τον 13ο αι – όταν οι «Καντάδες» ήταν της μόδας (και ήταν δύσκολο στους νέους χαμηλών τάξεων να πλησιάζουν και να συζητούν με «αρχοντοπούλες») κάποιος τολμηρός νέος ενώ έψαλλε τα Κάλαντα στο πρόπυλο ενός αρχοντικού, σκIn a charming display of poetic admiration, a young man serenades a lady from a balcony, employing a rich tapestry of elegant phrases and clever adjectives that evoke the romantic spirit of the Frankish period in Greece.His heartfelt compliments,such as “tall rosemary” and “you resemble a church with a holy dome,” suggest a cultured background,possibly hinting at an Ionian heritage.As he weaves together lines from the New year’s song, he playfully questions her aloofness with “Why do you not deign to acknowledge us?” and elevates her status with titles like “Lady Princess.” This enchanting encounter not only highlights the art of flattery but also reflects a cultural tradition where many still misinterpret the lyrics of the New Year’s carols, showcasing the enduring charm of this festive practice.In a striking revelation, the ancient figure of Saint Basil the Great is depicted as somewhat aloof, suggesting a disconnect with his followers, while the city of Caesarea is portrayed as a regal entity, embodying a sense of nobility and authority. This intriguing juxtap raises questions about the relationship between the revered saint and his hometown, inviting scholars and enthusiasts alike to explore the deeper implications of this narrative. As discussions around Saint Basil’s legacy continue to evolve, the portrayal of Caesarea as a “noble lady” adds a rich layer to the understanding of early Christian history and its cultural contexts.
Time.news Editor: As we approach New Year’s Eve, I find myself intrigued by the origins and significance of the conventional New Year’s carols, or “Kάλαντα.” I’ve read that these festive songs not only celebrate the arrival of a new year but also bear roots that go back to the Byzantine era. Could you elaborate on this connection?
Cultural heritage Expert: Absolutely! The Kάλαντα are indeed a captivating manifestation of our cultural heritage. Historically,they are believed to include influences from at least four distinct “Songs of Awakening” from the Byzantine period. Initially, the Christian Church seemed to reject these carols as they were seen as remnants of pagan customs. However, as time went on, they were embraced and adapted to fit Christian contexts, blending into the festive traditions we uphold today[2[2[2[2][3[3[3[3].
Time.news Editor: That’s interesting! I understand that the opening lines of these carols, “Αρχιμηνιά κι Αρχιχρονιά, κι αρχή – Καλός μας χρόνος,” convey heartfelt wishes for a prosperous new year. How do these lines reflect the overall sentiment of the songs?
Cultural Heritage Expert: These lines encapsulate the essence of what Kάλαντα represent. They are a joyful expression of hope and good wishes for the coming year. The tradition of singing in neighborhoods serves to foster a communal spirit, bringing families and communities together to celebrate and share in mutual well-wishing[1[1[1[1]. The continuity of this tradition highlights not just the joy of welcoming a new year, but also the deep cultural roots and the enduring nature of communal bonds.
Time.news Editor: So, the Kάλαντα are not just songs; they’re a vehicle for social cohesion as well. Given their origins and advancement, are there particular variations across different regions in Greece?
Cultural Heritage expert: Yes, indeed! The Kάλαντα vary significantly by region, reflecting local dialects and customs.As an example, in some areas, the melodies may change, or additional verses may be included that reflect local lore or ancient events.Each community adds its own flavor to the carols,which enriches the cultural tapestry of the tradition as a whole[3[3[3[3].
Time.news Editor: This richness in regional variation adds another layer to our understanding. It’s remarkable how a simple song can carry so much history and meaning. As we celebrate this New Year, what would you say is the most vital aspect of Kάλαντα that people should appreciate?
Cultural Heritage Expert: I would emphasize the importance of community and continuity. Kάλαντα are a reminder of our shared cultural heritage and the rituals that bind us together. They reflect not just the hope for a prosperous new year, but also the joy of connection among individuals. Embracing these traditions allows us to celebrate our collective identity and the values we hold dear[2[2[2[2][3[3[3[3].
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing these insights! I feel we have a deeper appreciation for the Kάλαντα and their place in our cultural identity. Here’s to celebrating a New Year filled with joy and community spirit!