Songs-patterns of the Romanians in Vojvodina as a subcategory of children's folklore in the light of comparative studies

Abstract

Songs-patterns are children's creations dedicated to birds or other animals dear and interesting to the child which reflect children's reaction to nature. In the past they were performed at certain hour, day or place. They have survived in the repertoire of children's folklore to present day despite a strong influence of mass media and modern life tempo, although losing their initial function, and they have become simply a 'cause for children's games and entertainment'. The recorded samples still hold a significant place in traditional vocal musical practice of a number of the Balkan peoples, regardless the fact that some rituals and customs are disappearing. The lexical means and procedures used in songs-patterns have been found in children's folklore in everyday vernacular speech throughout various epochs: since the Roman period, through medieval mysteries, till today. The survival of these creations by children speaks in favour of gradual ethnobiological rapprochement between peoples through music, which can be seen as the future.