Christmas carols in Athens under Nazi occupation


Carolling is a long-standing tradition in Greece, but the kálanda are quite different from famous melodies such as “O Holy Night” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

Aside from the fact that they’re usually accompanied by the high-pitched ringing of the triangle, the rhythm of the songs can sound a bit strange to the ear of an outsider, a fact that is explained by their roots: the much different musical traditions of Byzantine and Roman times. The lyrics of the songs tell Christian stories referring to the events that took place around the birth of Jesus Christ.

The kálanda are performed mostly by young children, who are rewarded by their parents and those who choose to open their doors with some pocket change and sweets. They’re sung three times throughout the holidays: early on the mornings of Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and Epiphany Eve.