The Amazing Background Of Negro Spirituals And The Movements Attached To Them

By: Jenifer Whitmire

The expression Negro spirituals refers to forms of religious music derived from experiences of the African slaves in America. This music is a result of European religion mixed together with African culture in such a way, that it portrays the highly emotional journey of slaves. These spiritual laments are unique to the USA where most slaves chose to convert to Christianity. This music was an integral part of African-American slaves' lives; it allowed them a way to express grief, hope, pain, joy and sadness. Moreover, they were tales of the journey of individuals during these difficult times, but they were mostly songs of hope and a belief in something better. The introduction of Christianity to the many slaves enabled them to find peace and hope in their dreams of one day being freed from slavery. Music is a universal language whereby Africans could express emotion; additionally it is also the perfect outlet for teaching cultural beliefs as well as a way to remember historical happenings. Song and dance is the basis of every type of native ritual and is a vital part of African tribes' heritage. Traditionally, drumming and chanting are used to bring participants into a trance-like state of mind and form the main objective of these customary ceremonies. However, this African-American music was used to inspire hope into these people's hearts and gave them a much needed method of coping with the situation that they were all faced with. Hope is a very powerful emotion and thus it was also the main message found in this music. What makes many of these songs interesting is the fact that they portray the culture of the African people. It was not until the 1960s when Civil Rights movement was in full swing that many of these songs started to take on specific meanings. Even long after this era, these spiritual songs can be identified with by many different individuals. In fact several of them have become popular folk songs for Americans, as they represent the journey and growth of the country. Even though most of the elements such as the rhythms used are directly linked to cultural music used in African ceremonies; while lyrics show the duality in the use of words. Lyrics spoke of undying faith in Christianity as well as lamented the hardships that slaves faced within their lives. Individuals were able to speak out about their individual life experiences via song lyrics; this has traditionally been used by humans for many years. Although several of these songs were written, there are two that will easily be recognized; they are "Amazing Grace" and "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot". Regardless of ones religion, both of these iconic Christian songs are well known. Listening to the lyrics of these songs one will feel the longing for freedom coupled with hope and faith. Numerous historians have also indicated that these unique Negro spirituals, also called, Jubilees and African-American slaves' music have greatly enriched American culture. One certainly gets to experience the struggles of slaves during these turbulent times in American history. They furthermore give insight into the emotional woes of people as well as their resounding triumphs.