I have always wondered what faith the people in the church scene were supposed to be. I found the hand movement to the hymn they were singing, intriguing, and wondered at the custom. Can anyone shed some light???
2007-02-15 06:42:16 · 5 answers · asked by polkadot5355 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I see, so it is the type of MUSIC being sung. Very cool. I wish I could give EVERYONE who has answered so far with the exception of one a best answer vote, as each of you has provided interesting information.
2007-02-15 07:07:37 · update #1
They're probably supposed to be evangelical Protestants of some sort, but I'm not sure that it's ever specified in the film. The musical tradition is called "Sacred Harp". It was very popular in the US prior to the Revolutionary War, and reached its peak during the Civil War. This style of music was brought to the US from England. It faded into obscurity for a number of years, but is now regaining popularity. I'm involved with a group of local Sacred Harp singers. And yes, we really move our hands like that. It's just a way of keeping time, and it's very traditional. The songs from the movie are "I'm Going Home" and "Idumea". Sacred Harp is also called "fasola" music or "shape-note" singing.
2007-02-15 06:56:29 · answer #1 · answered by thaliax 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The music is called Sacred Harp. I am a Sacred Harp singer. The two hymns used in "Cold Mountain" are just two of the many hundreds of Sacred Harp hymns. Sacred Harp is not confined to any one religion, although some Primitive Baptist churches still use Sacred Harp. However, most Sacred Harp is preserved at special "singings" rather than at religious services. The hand movements are a traditional part of the singing. The leader in the middle of the "hollow square", the typical arrangement for Sacred Harp singing, will move his or her hand, as if directing, but all participants can move their hands, as well.
One of the hymns used is called "Idumea" (during a battle scene), but I can't remember the name of the other one. My dad just left with my Sacred Harp book still in the car, or I'd look it up for you. We sing these two songs a lot.
2007-02-15 06:46:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what religion they're showing. The music, though, is Sacred Harp singing. It's done by people of all different backgrounds. I'm a Catholic, but I know how to sing Sacred Harp.
Here's a major Sacred Harp website:
http://www.fasola.org
2007-02-15 06:52:00 · answer #3 · answered by solarius 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Thinking it may be Church of Christ! They do not play instruments and the men sit on one side and the women sit on the other!
Any input is welcome! God Bless
2015-06-24 15:10:53 · answer #4 · answered by Darryl W 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's intentionally vague.
2007-02-15 06:45:48 · answer #5 · answered by Contemplative Monkey 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋