Samastuvad

Samastuvad, also known as samastuvad or samastuvate, are a group of Estonian folk songs that are characterized by their repetitive, rhythmic structure and their use of a specific type of verse called a "samastuv". The term "samastuv" comes from the Estonian word "sama", meaning "same", and "tuv", meaning "verse" or "stanza". The samastuv is a short, repetitive verse that is repeated several times in a row, often with slight variations in the lyrics.

Samastuvad are typically sung in a call-and-response style, with one singer or group singing the samastuv while another singer or group responds with a different verse. The samastuvs are often used to create a sense of unity and community among the singers, and they are often performed at social gatherings, festivals, and other celebrations.

The lyrics of samastuvad often deal with themes of love, nature, and the passage of time. They are typically sung in a simple, folk-style melody, and they are often accompanied by traditional Estonian instruments such as the kannel, the viiul, and the dombr.

Samastuvad are an important part of Estonian folk music and culture, and they are often performed by traditional folk music groups and ensembles. They are also a popular subject of study for musicologists and ethnomusicologists, who are interested in the ways in which traditional music and culture are passed down from one generation to the next.