The Unchanging Melodies: Exploring the Timeless Beauty of Lion Dance Drumming, Church Hymns, Christmas Carols, and the Siddur

Introduction:

Throughout history, music has served as a powerful medium for cultural expression, spiritual connection, and communal celebration. While the world constantly evolves and undergoes significant transformations, there are certain musical traditions that have remained steadfast, untouched by the passage of time. This essay delves into the rhythmic beat of lion dance drumming, the soul-stirring melodies of church hymns and Christmas carols, and the sacred recitations of the Siddur (Jewish prayer book). Despite the ever-changing nature of human existence, these musical forms have preserved their essence, continuing to inspire and unite people across generations.

Lion Dance Drumming:

My grandfather came from Canton, China to Kuala Lumpur, Malaya. His eldest son migrated to Singapore in 1973 and took his parents along with him. Since then, my mom brought me to the lion city for Chinese New Year every year. This happened until my grandfather left us.

I once asked my grandfather, what it was like in Canton during Chinese New Year. Do they have a lion dance back then? My late grandfather told me that the lion dance is a tradition passed on from generation to generation and nothing much has changed. He even showed me a few moves and taught me a couple of drum beats.

Indeed, the lion dance drumming is an ancient Chinese tradition that dates back over a thousand years. The rhythmic beat of the drums accompanies the vibrant lion dance performances, symbolising luck, and fortune, and warding off evil spirits. Despite the rapid advancement of technology and the modernisation of Chinese society, the rhythmic patterns and drumming techniques have remained remarkably consistent. This unchanging aspect of lion dance drumming is a testament to its enduring cultural significance and its ability to connect generations, fostering a sense of pride and identity among the Chinese community all over the world.

Church Hymns:

My daughter, when she was younger, once asked me in church, why we sing songs of dead people. She was referring to church hymns that were composed and written in the 1700 and 1800. In the hymn book, the name of the author, the year, and the place the hymns were composed are documented. I just told her, it's church traditions without going into the finite details. She was seven.

Church hymns hold a special place within religious worship, evoking a sense of reverence and spiritual communion. These sacred melodies, often passed down through centuries, have retained their power to uplift and inspire. Whether sung acapella or accompanied by grand organs, church hymns transcend time, connecting believers to a shared heritage and providing a sense of continuity across different generations. The unchanged nature of church hymns serves as a reminder of the timeless nature of faith and the profound impact of music on the human soul.

Christmas Carols:

When the holiday season arrives, Christmas carols fill the air, spreading joy and goodwill. Many beloved carols have been sung for centuries, maintaining their original melodies and lyrics. Songs like "Silent Night" and "Joy to The World" continue to enchant listeners and evoke the warm nostalgia associated with Christmas. These carols passed down from generation to generation, create a bond that transcends time, uniting people in the celebration of a cherished tradition. The unchanged nature of Christmas carols reinforces the enduring spirit of the holiday season and the universality of its message of love and hope.

The first Christmas carol I learned to sing is, "Joy to The World". A hymn was written by Isaac Watts in 1719 that is still very popular today. The hymn has been translated into hundreds of translations.

The Siddur:

In the last decade, I have been learning about the Jewish tradition, the Siddur, or prayer book. It serves as a guide for religious worship and devotion. Its words and melodies, meticulously preserved over centuries, have remained largely unchanged. The recitation of prayers from the Siddur allows Jewish individuals to connect with their ancestors, invoking a sense of continuity and belonging. The unchanging nature of the Siddur highlights the enduring significance of Jewish rituals and the powerful link between past, present, and future generations.

The earliest parts of Jewish prayer?books are the Shema Yisrael?("Hear O Israel") (Deuteronomy?6:4?et seq) and the Priestly Blessings??(Numbers 6:24-26), which are in the Torah. This makes some scholar claims that Siddur dates back to the time of Moses. What's for sure, Jewish people start writing Siddur from the ninth century onwards and it is still read in synagogues today.

Conclusion:

In a world characterised by constant change and rapid advancement, the preservation of certain musical traditions is a testament to their enduring power and profound impact on the human experience. The lion dance drumming's rhythmic beat, church hymns, Christmas carols, and the Siddur have resisted the tides of change, maintaining their beauty, cultural significance, and ability to bring people together. These unchanging melodies serve as a source of connection, identity, and inspiration, reminding us of the rich tapestry of human history and the universal language of music that transcends time.

I wrote this article to remind myself not to lose my moral compass in this rapidly changing world. Many are chasing after virtual technologies that exist to endanger the human race such as transhumanism. I want traditions to be part and parcel of my children's real-world experience and not live in a virtual world where decisions are made by AI.