Echoes of Appalachia

In the Appalachian Mountains, holidays were once celebrated in a way that was anything but quiet. Forget the sweet harmony of modern-day carolers; back in the day, people would take part in a boisterous tradition known as serenadin’. This loud and rowdy custom involved a group of friends or neighbors gathering after dark, armed with whatever noise-making items they could find—cowbells, pots and pans, and sometimes even shotguns. The goal was simple: to sneak up on a neighbor’s house and create as much ruckus as possible.

Once the serenaders were in position, the noise would begin—bangs, clangs, and sometimes the crack of a shotgun in the air. It wasn’t about soft melodies or romantic gestures; it was a loud, chaotic way of ensuring the household was well and truly awake. The trick was to make enough noise to get the attention of the neighbor, but if they heard the approaching serenaders before they started, it wasn’t uncommon for the neighbor to fire off their own shotgun to signal they’d been “caught” and would now be expected to invite the noisy group inside.

Once invited in, the serenaders would be treated to some cider or other refreshments, and the party would continue. This Appalachian tradition was as much about coming together as it was about making noise, and it added a level of spontaneous festivity to the season.

Over time, the tradition of serenadin’ evolved into the quieter, more polished practice of caroling that we know today. Instead of loud clattering and gunshots, modern carolers sing cheerful songs as they stroll through neighborhoods. But the essence of serenadin’—the community spirit, the joy of coming together, and the festive hospitality—still lives on. While the noise has mellowed, the heart of the tradition remains the same: to celebrate the season with the people around you, making memories and sharing warmth, whether it’s through a loud bang or a quiet song.

-Tim Carmichael