FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024
Alvarinho J Luis
It is said that a prayer recited in different voices multiplies. Ladainha, which is derived from the Latin word litania, which means supplication, is a folk oratorio that consists of singing hymns and prayers based on Psalm 136. Essentially, it consists of a series of requests to Our Lady and the Saints, along with a request to pray and plead God for material/spiritual gifts that the person/family organising the Ladainha has accrued/sought. Throughout the year, Goans sing Ladainha on the occasion of key family observances such as christenings, housewarmings, anniversaries, thanksgiving, bridal couple first entry to bridegroom house or second day at bride's home.
The litany tradition began in Antioch (ancient Greece) in the fourth century and spread to Constantinople, then Rome and the West. The Order of Preachers arrived in Goa with the Portuguese in November 1510 and began missionary work. Masses were held in Latin, which was the Church's official language. Since the natives couldn’t understand Latin, rosaries, litany and other forms of devotion was practised by people without a priest. Following the liberation, the Latin version of Ladainha is passed down from person to person without the need of a hymn book. One exception is the Konkani rendition of various litanies/hymns.
There are two types of Litanies: Litany of Saints and Litany of Our Lady. The latter is recited after the rosary which starts with Kyrie eleison and concludes with Agnus Dei...... miserere nobis in Latin. The Ladainha starts with Salve Rainha, Virgem Mae de Deus, and then hymns dedicated to Saints are sung. The Litany concludes with an elderly person reciting Our Father and Hail Marys for the family/village souls and wellbeing of the person/family organised the Litany.
Holy Cross feasts and litanies are held in May since time immemorial, when "the day of the Cross" was first commemorated on May 3 (changed to September 14, since 335). May is a Litany month for many reasons, including summer vacation for children, mango and cashew feni season. Litany was one of the occasions when families would travel from far away to visit their ancestral home for pre-monsoon repairs. After nine days of Litany (Novena), the Cross feast is celebrated. Each Litany is jointly celebrated by two or more families, depending on the size of the Holy Cross committee. On the feast day 'Baxa Ladin' which is a festive and extended version of the Litany is sung. After the Litany at the Cross, people move to the feast president's home for 'Laudat,.'
Flower garlands, creepers, and the 'armaçao' (embroidered curtains) are traditionally used to decorate the family altar or the Holy Cross in preparation for Litany. The kabuli grams, which had been soaked in water overnight, are boiled. Coconut slices are mixed with them. After the Evening Angelus, the Ladin is usually performed to the accompaniment of the violin. A pair leads the Litany, one singing a solo bass voice and the other a high pitch. Because the musicians are so talented and knowledgeable about music, they have added their own tunes, resulting in approximately 150 melodies for Ladin. Litany is one of treasured devotional prayers sung by Goans throughout the world
