23.12.2009

Christmas mumming at Luostarinmäki 26 December 2009 at 3 pm

The young men of the pre-industrial society had an unwritten right to visit the houses in the neighbourhood to beg or gather drinks and food (bread and wine) for their own Christmas celebration by singing songs. The singing was considered fun and increased generosity.

The Österman's boys at Luostarinmäki had their own song which they sang as adults at the museum. This song tradition was revived by Hjalmar Kanervo (former Österman) at Christmas 1954.

The song has a narrative strophe and a strophe referring to collecting. At first, the singers politely ask if they are allowed to sing in Finnish and Swedish. In the end, strophes of thanks were sang: ”flikat poikain kans tulkoon liittoon /nyt tän joulun juhlilla, teidän pitää saaman miesi (sulhasta)/ niistä parhaimmista yksi jne…" (girls to marry boys/ now at Christmas time, you should get the man (the broom) you like/ one of the best...etc.)

A repertory of their own was often added to the song performance. An angel in the sky was known to everyone. Songs which pleased the hosts were sang when possible. This Christmas, the singers are from the school Puolalan musiikkilukio.