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The one who plays tambourine





Joan Amades (1946) writes:
«She is not as common as the other musicians. The Murcian nativity scene has a woman playing this percussion instrument, which we do not know in the hands of any other foreign figure. Christmas carols often mention the tambourine, played by shepherds who went to offer their gifts. This is one of the instruments of Christmas because anyone can play it without needing musical training. It wouldn’t be surprising if the tambourine player’s influence came from Murcia, as the traditional Catalan tambourine is square and played quite differently from the round tambourine, which this figure appears to be playing.

There are foreign figures that, to make sound for the baby Jesus, use instruments that Catalan figures do not employ. In Naples, it is customary for a group of blind beggars to play music in front of the stable. One of these groups plays a small organ, a viola, and a pipe—typical instruments of Neapolitan beggars, just as they were for Catalan beggars in earlier times. In Germany, children play a flute and an accordion for the baby Jesus, and in Sicily, the leader of a music group offering gifts to the baby Jesus shows great respect by removing his head covering. There is also a figure playing a small hoop, and another singing a song. In Neapolitan nativity scenes, guitarists are very common. Guitar players are abundant in our popular imagery, with many old engravings depicting guitarists, often used as headers for printed ballads and other texts. Despite the widespread imagery, the guitarist has never appeared as a nativity figure because the guitar, although popular throughout the Iberian Peninsula, is not considered traditional in our country. An interesting detail to note is that, even though the guitar is very popular in Murcia, the Murcian nativity scene also does not include a guitarist. This, in our view, further confirms that Murcian nativity figures borrow from Catalan iconography and that Murcian figurine makers don’t produce guitarists because Catalan figurine makers do not either.» (p. 294).[1]

Milà Barruti - Laura Vinyoles (1980) writes:
«This figure is not very common, but it is also widely represented. The Catalan figures that depict it are of Murcian influence, as they hold a round tambourine, while traditional Catalan tambourines were square.» (p. 58)[2]

The Tambourine Woman: The Rhythm that Accompanies the Adoration


Amid the nativity scene, full of harmony and devotion, we find a discreet yet crucial figure who brings life and rhythm to the celebration: the woman playing the tambourine. While the shepherds approach to adore the baby Jesus, she does not carry a material offering, but her role is just as important: to accompany with the vibrant rhythm of her tambourine the music that envelops the scene of adoration. Her hands beat in time, shaping a melody that unites the musicians and shepherds in one celebration.

The tambourine is an instrument that does not require sophisticated musical knowledge, but it provides an essential sound to traditional music. Unlike the flute player or the bagpiper, who lead the melody with their wind instruments, the tambourine woman has the responsibility of accompanying, keeping the rhythm that maintains the harmony of the scene. Her instrument, round and often of Murcian origin, has gained popularity in nativity scenes, even though the Catalan square tambourine was more traditionally used in earlier times.

Her figure reminds us that the tambourine is a typical instrument of Christmas festivities, often mentioned in Christmas carols. Alongside the flute player and the bagpiper, the tambourine woman completes the ensemble that accompanies the shepherds, adding depth and rhythm to the music that plays in this sacred moment.

As Joan Amades describes, this figure may not be as common as other musicians in the nativity scene, but her presence is vital. It is no surprise that tradition includes this percussion instrument in Christmas representations: its sound is accessible to everyone, as anyone can learn to play it. It is a communal instrument, inviting everyone to join in the celebration.

Alongside the flute player and the bagpiper, the tambourine woman creates the perfect trio. The flute player leads with his flute, the bagpiper’s notes fill the air with their plaintive sound, and the tambourine provides the rhythmic base that keeps the music alive. Together, they create a humble yet meaningful symphony, one that not only adores the baby Jesus but also celebrates life and community.

Her role is clear: she is not just a woman playing an instrument, but she represents the heartbeat of the community. Her music is simple, but it is the rhythm that unites the shepherds and musicians, giving structure to the melody. Without her tambourine, the scene would be incomplete, missing the flow that makes everything come together naturally.

In the nativity scene, the tambourine woman does not need to stand out above the others, but she is essential for maintaining balance. She is the accompaniment that completes the celebration, the music that brings life to the scene of adoration, reminding us that even in simplicity, there is greatness.

Image Gallery

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Postscript

Want to add rhythm and tradition to your nativity scene? The figure of the tambourine woman is the perfect choice. She accompanies the other musicians, bringing the beat that makes the music of adoration come alive. Add her to your nativity and let the rhythm of the tambourine fill your Christmas scene with life and harmony.

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