Death or Slumber: Lullabies sometimes conceal menacing verses - Deadly melodies: Some lullabies conceal violent verses
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Historically, lullabies have encompassed a wide range of melodies and lyrics, including some that may seem contradictory to the traditional notion of a soothing children's song. Today, a musicologist explores the darker side of these nursery rhymes, revealing their historical and cultural significance.
In some cultures, lullabies have been used as a means to transmit societal norms and personal experiences to children. For instance, in Norway, a chilling lullaby threatens a child with being grabbed and slammed against a wall if they do not fall asleep. Similarly, in Russia and the Baltic countries, lullabies often detailed the child's funeral proceedings.
The violent and morbid nature of these songs provides a fascinating glimpse into the societal issues of the time, such as the stigma surrounding out-of-wedlock births or domestic violence. They offer a unique lens through which to understand historical and cultural contexts.
In addition, these lullabies may offer psychological insights into the emotional states of parents or caregivers. For example, in Slovenia, a lullaby tells the tale of a young, unmarried mother singing to an unwanted child, evoking themes of isolation and societal judgment.
While the usage of lullabies seems to be diminishing in families with young children according to research, the positive impact of sung songs on the well-being of infants cannot be understated. A study published in the journal "Child Development" found that increased singing among mothers and caregivers led to a reported increase in infant well-being.
It is interesting to note that these darker lullabies often serve as the "mother of all songs" and the "song of all mothers" as poetically expressed by Rodrigo Caro. Approximately 97% of the cultures researched use songs to help children fall asleep, demonstrating their deep-rooted cultural significance.
Variations in lullabies can also be seen among certain indigenous populations, such as the Sámi of Northern Europe, who have a unique tradition of bestowing identity-creating melodies, called Dovdna, to each child.
However, not all lullabies are as grim. In the 19th century, lullaby lyrics in Western Europe became increasingly soft and sweet, reflecting a new, romantic view of children as innocent beings. This shift led to the creation of some of our most beloved lullabies, such as Brahms' "Lullaby Opus 49."
Intriguingly, lullabies have not been exclusively reserved for human infants. In Japan during the early 20th century, for instance, a song suggested stuffing a crying child into a straw sack and submerging it in water. This lyrics may have been a way for child maids working in wealthy families to express their frustration with their conditions.
Today, the tradition of lullabies persists, with adults using music as a sleep aid and even special sleep concerts catering to this trend. This practice, which was once exclusive to kings and livestock, continues to offer solace and comfort to many.
References:[1] Stéphane Aubinet, Musicologist, University of Oslo[2] Historical References to Lullabies in Pre-independence India (Source: TBD)
- The study of lullabies reveals that they have often served as a platform for community action, transmitting societal norms and personal experiences to youth, such as the Norwegian lullaby threatening a child with discipline for not sleeping.
- In some cultural contexts, lullabies have been intertwined with health-and-wellness, as evidenced by the Japanese song suggesting a method to soothe a crying child, possibly reflecting the frustration of child maids.
- As sleep concerts catering to adults demonstrate, the tradition of lullabies has evolved over time, expanding from a soothing tool for infants to a means of promoting relaxation and stress reduction in the context of entertainment and music.
