Melodious Sleeping Songs Contain Dark and Aggressive Lyrics
Reviewing Lullabies: A Look Beyond the Soothing Melodies
Contrary to their calming nature, some lullabies harbor disturbing lyrics, a research finding that showcases a global pattern. Stéphane Aubinet, a musicologist at the University of Oslo, comments, "While we typically associate lullabies with peaceful tunes and innocent verses, there's actually a wide range."
Take, for instance, a Norwegian lullaby where a child is threatened with being smacked against a wall if they don't sleep. In Russia and its neighboring regions, funerals of children are described in detail in lullabies. As for the popular English lullaby "Rock-a-bye Baby," the cradle's branch breaking is a recurring theme.
Aubinet has compiled international literature on lullabies, stretching from ancient Mesopotamia's first recorded lullaby to contemporary innovations like apps for infants.
Miriam Akkermann, another musicologist from TU Dresden and FU Berlin, points out that these songs reflect their time's society. "Lullabies are a reflection of their epoch's culture," Akkermann explains, further adding, "They are a means to process emotions, deal with stressful events, or channel feelings like frustration and anger."
Singing to babies, once prevalent, has waned as a family custom. Despite this, researchers affirm that singing remains a simple, accessible method for fostering a child's well-being. As Eun Cho of Yale University describes, "Singing essentially benefits both the baby and the caregiver, much like skin-to-skin contact."
Rodrigo Caro, a Spanish poet, once quipped that lullabies are "the mother of all songs and the song of all mothers." Aubinet concurs, noting that 97% of the cultures studied use songs to help children sleep. Beyond specific lullabies, various forms of music, religious songs, and improvisations serve as alternatives.
In some cultures, individual songs are used to mark a child's identity, like the Sami people's Dovdna. On the other hand, Northern and Western European lullabies tend to be cheerful and hopeful. Japanese lullabies, however, paint a different picture, as exemplified by a song urging parents to drown a crying child.
Many individuals may be oblivious of the hidden meanings behind popular lullabies. The "Berlin Falls Asleep" project, for one, has sparked conversations about these often-overlooked lyrics among participants.
Today, adults are increasingly turning to music as a sleep aid. While some find it effective, the, exact reasons are unclear. Stéphane Akkermann finds sleep rituals generally beneficial, noting, "They generally have a very positive effect."
Lullabies are not solely for infants, but also for kings, rulers, and even animals. In some parts of Mongolia and Asia, sheep are sung lullabies, while in 19th-century Scotland, "Taladh-Bleoghain" songs were used to calm livestock.
Upcoming events will include a sleep concert as part of the "Lullabyte" project, where participants will be questioned after waking up for research purposes. For those feeling sleepy while reading, various providers offer sleep concerts that explicitly encourage listeners to sleep.
- Researchers suggest that singing, often associated with lullabies, remains a simple and accessible method for enhancing a child's well-being.
- Lullabies, remarkably, are not solely limited to infants, as they are also sung to kings, rulers, and even animals, such as Mongolian sheep.
- As musicologists delve into the history and culture of lullabies, they've found that these songs often reflect the society and emotions of their respective epochs.
- In the realm of fashion-and-beauty and lifestyle, some individuals might find sleep concerts, explicitly designed to aid in sleep, an attractive option for their nighttime routines.
- In the food-and-drink industry, studying the effects of music on sleep might unlock new and innovative ways to help individuals relax and unwind, possibly leading to better sleep and overall health.
