The chant of the Sybil on Majorca

UNESCO: Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity - 2010
URL: http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/RL/00360
Description: The chant of the Sybil is performed at matins on the night of 24 December in churches throughout Majorca. The chant marks the annual Christmas Vigil, and is sung by a boy or girl accompanied by two or more altar boys or girls. During the chant they walk through the church towards the chancel, the singer carrying a sword in his or her hands, held upright in front of the face, while the altar boys or girls carry candles. At the end of the song a cross is drawn in the air with the sword. The versions of the chant performed on the island vary little from their Gregorian roots: each is sung a cappella with music between the verses provided by an organ. The costume worn by the singers usually consists of a white or coloured tunic, sometimes embroidered around the neck and hem, and often worn with a cape. The head is covered with a cap of the same colour as the tunic. The rite involves all the church parishes on Majorca with old and young generations working side-by-side as singers, costume-makers, celebrants and other helpers, thus ensuring its transmission.
Country(ies): Spain
© 2006 Gen-lock video
Duration: 00:06:42 - Support: DVD (0036000005)

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Intangible
• Cultural
• Heritage;
• UNESCO
• 2003
• Convention;
• Spain;
• 00360;
• Representative
• List
• (2010)