by Nika, age 8, asks why people carol together, about the Ljubljanica River, and the city dragon
Dear Santa,
Zivijo from Ljubljana. My name is Nika and I am 8 years old. Every December a group of neighbours walks through our street together, singing carols from door to door, and my grandmother always has hot tea and biscuits ready, whether they stop at our house or not.
My first question is: why do people sing carols together with their neighbours at Christmas?
My second question is geography: what river runs through Ljubljana?
My third question is from school: why does Ljubljana have a dragon on its coat of arms?
I left you potica, a rolled walnut cake, and a small cup of tea.
Love, Nika, age 8, Ljubljana, Slovenia
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Nika, potica is a rich, wonderful treat, and your grandmother sounds like exactly the sort of neighbour every street needs. Now, to your caroling question and the others.
Why do people sing carols together at Christmas?
Caroling, or going door to door singing songs of the season, is a tradition stretching back many centuries, growing out of even older midwinter customs of wassailing, where groups would travel between homes wishing neighbours good health and good fortune. Over time this blended with Christian hymn singing, becoming the caroling tradition many places still enjoy today. It is really about bringing communities closer together during the darkest, coldest part of the year, filling the streets with warmth and music, whether or not every house has hot tea waiting.
What river runs through Ljubljana?
The Ljubljanica River winds gently through the middle of Ljubljana, lined with cafes and lively bridges, including the famous Triple Bridge near the old town square.
Why does Ljubljana have a dragon on its coat of arms?
According to local legend, the Greek hero Jason, of Jason and the Argonauts fame, slayed a dragon on the very spot where Ljubljana now stands, and the dragon became the proud symbol of the city ever since. You can see dragon statues guarding the famous Dragon Bridge in the old town, a fierce and beloved city mascot.
Keep the tea ready, just in case, and I shall see you very soon.
Ho ho ho, Santa
