Not So Silent Night: Tradition, Transformation and Cultural Understandings of Christmas Music Events in Helsinki, Finland
Author(s)
Hebert, David
Kallio, Alexis Anja
Odendaal, Albi
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2012
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The aim of this research was to investigate the characteristics of Finnish joulumusiikki (Christmas music) concerts and sing-alongs—popular events attended by over one-fifth of Finnish people. Joulumusiikki events were studied through ethnographic observations and interviews conducted at five prominent Christmas music venues in the capital city, Helsinki. Findings highlight how these events may be understood as rituals that both maintain traditions and mediate the transformations of contemporary Finnish society. Joulumusiikki events were selected as they provide opportunities for the celebration of distinctively Finnish ...
View more >The aim of this research was to investigate the characteristics of Finnish joulumusiikki (Christmas music) concerts and sing-alongs—popular events attended by over one-fifth of Finnish people. Joulumusiikki events were studied through ethnographic observations and interviews conducted at five prominent Christmas music venues in the capital city, Helsinki. Findings highlight how these events may be understood as rituals that both maintain traditions and mediate the transformations of contemporary Finnish society. Joulumusiikki events were selected as they provide opportunities for the celebration of distinctively Finnish ideals. Thus, joulumusiikki events are seen as both expressions and constructions of ‘Finnishness’ and an important social tradition that continues to evolve and transform. With very little research previously published on such topics, this study offers preliminary but important insights into the significance of Christmas music events in Finnish society that have a powerfully affective connection to cultural heritage.
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View more >The aim of this research was to investigate the characteristics of Finnish joulumusiikki (Christmas music) concerts and sing-alongs—popular events attended by over one-fifth of Finnish people. Joulumusiikki events were studied through ethnographic observations and interviews conducted at five prominent Christmas music venues in the capital city, Helsinki. Findings highlight how these events may be understood as rituals that both maintain traditions and mediate the transformations of contemporary Finnish society. Joulumusiikki events were selected as they provide opportunities for the celebration of distinctively Finnish ideals. Thus, joulumusiikki events are seen as both expressions and constructions of ‘Finnishness’ and an important social tradition that continues to evolve and transform. With very little research previously published on such topics, this study offers preliminary but important insights into the significance of Christmas music events in Finnish society that have a powerfully affective connection to cultural heritage.
View less >
Journal Title
Ethnomusicology Forum
Volume
21
Issue
3
Subject
Musicology and ethnomusicology
Arts & Humanities
Music
Christmas
Carol
Community Music