Around the world, music has influenced cultures and societies and been passed down from one generation to the next. It has the capacity to transform one's mood and perceptions. Without music, a celebration, festival, or party, etc. is pretty much nonexistent. We can move and be completely ourselves around others with the help of music. When there is music playing and dancing going on, you feel more connected to your community.
During my search I happened to come across Thaipusam, which is a Tamil Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon of the Tamil month of Thai, usually coinciding with Pushya star, known as Pusam in Tamil. The festival commemorates the legend of the goddess Parvati offering her son.
What is Thaipusam? Faith, ritual and wild body piercings | CNN
Traditional Drums At Thaipusam A First Since 1973, S'poreans Welcome Change (mustsharenews.com)
Moving on....
Every year for my birthday, my family sings happy birthday to me? No big deal right? But you're not really hearing me. I mean that they sing "Happy Birthday," by Stevie Wonder. Yup, all 5 minutes and 57 seconds of it. You would think that because of this I would know it word for word. But I definitely checked out from actually listening to them around age 4. Anyway, this song has definitely became a ritual during my birthday.
One question I had while reading was about the Thaipusam, if playing musical instruments was banned (then later relaxed by the government) how much did that affect the tradition? I also wonder that what was the different type of music played at the Thaipusam that made the fight break out, is it always different music every event or the same/similar music? I find it really cool that you and your family have your own tradition with the birthday song. I can see how it would get a bit annoying but at least it's only played once a year!
ReplyDeleteThis was the first time I had heard about Thaipusam, and it was very interesting. I found it super interesting that they banned the playing of all those different drums and other instruments at this festival for a little over 40 years.
ReplyDeleteStevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday" is definitely my go-to song for when I am wishing my friends happy birthday (it's normally paired with some fantastic dance moves), but I could not imagine all 5 min and 57 seconds every single birthday, year after year. That's a lot, but it definitely shows your family's dedication to loving you or annoying you, depending on their motive.
I really enjoyed listening to the drums for Thaipusam. I think it would be interesting to see how the lack of music affected the festival and, considering how long the ban was in place, what, if any, the lingering effects of this were. Also, kudos to you for sitting through such a long happy birthday song lol.
ReplyDeleteHi Jen :) This was my first time hearing of Thaipusam, and it was really interesting to hear the people playing on the streets for the festival! I like how they change rhythm/beat throughout the music. I also think your family having a tradition for your birthday every year is so cute! I love how it's like your own little "special song" for each year you get older :)
ReplyDeleteHey Jenn! As I was reading your blog, this was the first time I have ever heard of Thaipusam. It seemed very interesting to hear. Also, I could NEVER imagine someone singing to me for over 5 minutes. That just seems crazy to me.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was interesting how there are multiple types of drums used because I used to try and play the drums all the time when I was younger.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard about this before and it is very interesting to know more about it. The ceremony seems very interesting with the jersey like shirts they are wearing.
ReplyDelete