Time often moves like the circle of a drum, turning and rolling until it comes full circle. The same can be said for Christmas carols.

The carol composed by 19th-century Christian musician P C Ittiyera has now found a new wave of popularity. Beginning with “Munnam Parasuthanambaranayanakan,” the song flows straight from heart to heart, carried by the steady beat of traditional drums and side drums. Untouched by modern embellishments, it journeys from house to house, just as carolers have done for generations. The new rendition released by Jerusalem Creations has become an instant hit on YouTube.

The song awakens memories of frosty winter nights, when carolers would make their way through streets, their paths lit by the warm glow of Petrol Max lamps, filling homes with music and carrying the joy of the season directly into people’s hearts.

Today, carol groups blend tradition with modernity, illuminating their paths with mobile lights, LEDs, and the nasik dhols. Even playful parodies of movie songs have found their way into the rounds.  Yet the timeless classics like “Yahudiyile… Oru Gramathil”still echo from heart to heart. Favourites from the past few years, such as “Gabriyelinte Darshana Saaphalyamayi” and “Kannum Kannum Kaathirunnu”,  too continue to enliven the carol rounds. With every note, carolers carry the joyous news of Jesus’ birth,  continuing their journey by spreading cheer and celebration through songs like “Santhosha Soochakamaayi Thannathine Sweekarichu,''.

The Italian Roots of Christmas Carols
The tradition of carol singing, celebrating the birth of Jesus, first took root in Italy. It was in 13th-century Italy that carols began to take the forms and melodies we recognize today, believed to have been inspired by the St. Francis of Assisi. Some believe that the practice of carrying lamps from house to house to mark Christ’s birth began in England. These carol traditions later travelled to Kerala, brought by British and Portuguese influences and have since become an integral part of Christmas celebrations across the state.