Canton, NY, Dec 21, 2011 — Traditional Arts in Upstate New York, TAUNY, organized a couple of caroling parties again this month in Canton. Songs celebrating midwinter, the solstice and Christmas have been sung for centuries. Caroling, or groups of singers moving from house to house during the Holidays, probably began in England, France and Germany in the 15th century. But, what motivates people to bundle-up and sing outdoors in December today? Todd Moe talks with Traditional Arts in Upstate New York staff folklorist Hannah Harvester, who has studied the history and evolution of caroling.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Dec 14, 2010 — Songs celebrating midwinter, the solstice and Christmas have been sung for centuries. Caroling, or groups of singers moving from house to house during the Holidays, probably began in England, France and Germany in the 15th century. But what about the various forms it takes in America today? Caroling was popular in the Victorian era. What motivates people to bundle-up and sing outdoors in December today? Todd Moe talks with Traditional Arts in Upstate New York staff folklorist Hannah Harvester about the history and evolution of caroling in the U.S. She'll give a lecture about her master's degree thesis "Why These Songs of Happy Cheer?" at TAUNY in Canton tonight at 7 o'clock.  Go to full article