Hymns and Spiritual Songs in Times of War

Résumé

The impact of music, songs, and singing on the well-being of individuals and groups is amply documented, indicating that music/song could benefit those dealing with trauma. However, less researched is the actual song lyrics used and if/how the meaning of these words contributes to the release of trauma. In this article the following question is addressed: Did the lyrics of songs used during the Anglo-Boer War (ABW) (1899–1902) contribute to trauma release and sustainment of those interned in prisoner of war (POW) and concentration camps, and if so, how? Two additional questions were addressed in an overview of six historical Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) newsletters/journals published in this period: What were the main traumatising factors impacting on those interned during the war? What light do these publications shed on if/how these songs/lyrics aided/sustained individuals and groups during the traumatic events of the ABW? The journals were: De Vereeniging, published in Pretoria as newsletter for the DRC congregations in the ZA Republic; Mission News Letter (and the Dutch versions De Zendingbode/De Koningsbode), published as informative letters/journals on mission education, activities, and reporting on “internal and external” mission work and stations; and De Wekker, described as “ene stichtelijke tijdschrift,” which was founded, published, and edited by Rev Jan Neethling in Stellenbosch. The in-depth analysis focused on De Strever. Founded and published during the ABW by the prisoners of war in the Diyatalawa Camp, De Strever was “the mouthpiece” for the Christelijke Strever Vereeniging (Christian Endeavor Society). It featured a wide array of “official” and personal contributions from POWs, family members interned in the concentration camps, and other interested parties. The analysis of the song lyrics and the clarifying context provided in personal letters, articles, and even advertisements extracted from De Strever indicated that singing (or writing) song lyrics provided a broad spectrum of benefits to those affected by the war.

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