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Music knows no boundaries — it connects us all. From ancient gatherings to modern-day choirs and concerts, the universal language has the incredible ability to unite people across cultures and generations. Throughout history, music has provided transcendent experiences, bridged divides and connected humanity.
Group singing and chanting hold deep importance across a variety of faiths. The practices, which have existed throughout history, span religions including Christianity, Catholicism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, and can spiritually uplift those who take part, according to ABC News.
The Ancient Roots of Singing Together
Kirtan, which is also called “the music of yoga”, has its roots in India, dating back 500 years. This practice, which started as a way to share the philosophy of Bhakti yoga, grew into a form of devotional music based on mantras. It’s sung or spoken in Sanskrit, the sacred language of Hinduism, and involves bringing people together through group chanting and a range of instruments.
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The beauty of Kirtan is that it can be both spiritually uplifting and meditative. “Within seconds of chanting I already feel like I've left my regular self at the door and I'm just there to enjoy and give thanks and participate in a really beautiful ritual,” said April Smallwood, an online editor, who took part in the practice.
However, the phenomenon of group singing started much further back in time. Group singing has taken place for tens of thousands of years, CBC reports. Traditionally, it served as a community-building exercise in which everyone took part. “Still today you can go to hunter-gatherer societies, pre-industrial tribes, and everybody sings, everybody dances,” said Daniel Levitin, psychology professor at McGill University.
The Transformative Impact of Group Singing
One well-known example of group singing is choirs. The activity involves amateurs, professionals, and people of all ages. The experience can create feelings of peace, unity, belonging, and connection.
However, group singing takes place beyond church choirs. One such format where people sing in a group is singing circles, according to Song Circle, a website for singing circle enthusiasts. Singing circles involve musicians singing in a circle formation, with participants able to join in, whether they are inside or outside of the circle.
The activity brings people together, with singing circles creating an event of music, unity, and love. Singing circles also can include music from diverse traditions, including Indian, Spanish, and Jewish songs. The phenomenon also takes place worldwide, with sacred song circles taking place in countries like Israel and Thailand.
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The Benefits of Singing Together
However, singing isn’t just fun — it can improve the quality of your life in profound ways. According to CBC, Levitin says one positive effect of group singing is that the brain releases oxytocin when singing with other people. “That's a chemical that's involved in social bonding and it's believed to give rise to the feelings of togetherness and friendship that comes from singing together,” he said.
Besides strengthening community, Levitin says that the healing benefits of singing are also due to deep breathing. Since singing is an aerobic exercise, it increases the oxygenated blood flow to the brain. “We feel good after breathing, and breathing deeply, and controlling our breaths in the way that we do when we're singing,” Levitin said.
Another benefit of belting out a tune? It can improve your neurochemistry. Singing to music you enjoy with others boosts two powerful neurotransmitters: serotonin and dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for activating the brain's pleasure center, while serotonin helps prevent depression.
Whether it’s through sacred songs that elevate spirituality, hymns that bring healing, or melodies that foster connection, singing has the capacity to unite people, while providing a range of health benefits.
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