are among the most beautiful songs sung at Christmas
time.
Christmas was a source of inspiration for artists representing different
musical tastes.
We
have deeply religious Christmas carols whose themes contain thoughts about
life and human beigns
in
the context of the Nativity.The oldest Polish Christmas carols date back
to the 15th century.
The
ancient Slavic word "kola" has a latin root.
The
Romans defined the first day of each month by the term "calenda".
January calendas were particulary important for they referred for a
celebration of sun being reborn
after
long winter months and were accompanied by festivities, gift giving and
exchanges of greetings.
The
Slavs initially referred to New Year's gifts by the term calendas as well
as house visiting as "carolling"
They
went from house to house with greetings,songs and modest gifts, hoping to
get offerings and some treats from the hosts.
Most
Polish Christmas carols are songs handed down by tradition whose authors
would be difficult to find.
They
are often the real treasures of folk poetry.They have a lot of sincere
naivete and simplicity
but
also a certain charm.
The
melody of Polish carols is rich and its artistic features quite out of the
ordinary.