Hark! The Herald Banjo Rings
Christmas 2011
December 2
Breaking Up Christmas
Performed by Libby Rodenbough on fiddle and James Finnegan on banjo
Music: Traditional North Carolina fiddle tune
In the southern Appalachians, the tradition of celebrating the time between Christmas and Epiphany with house parties, dancing, and music, is called "Breaking Up Christmas". This North Carolina fiddle tune commemorates that tradition. Probably descended from wassailing and mumming traditions in England, this celebration of Old Christmas was supported by the strong folk music tradition of the area. Thanks to Gwen Barlow for organizing this Hark! submission.