Interpretative Formulas in Caroling in the Southern Area of the Apuseni Mountains

Abstract

"Many folklorists have analyzed traditional carols and caroling over time, but most of them focused on the development of the custom or on the morphology of carols. In this article, we will present the various interpretative formulas that we encountered during a folklore gathering session in the southern area of the Apuseni Mountains: men’s group, mixed group, individual performers, and children’s group. Each formula has interpretative particularities, with some formulas being constituted only for the purpose of communicating carols, despite not being encountered in the practice of caroling. The importance of each formula is presented with arguments, together with an exemplary sample of carols performed. Keywords: caroling, interpretative formula, traditional music, folk singing"