chants

Chants are vocalizations or phrases produced aloud, often in unison, that recur in a regular rhythm. The word chant comes from the Latin cantare, meaning “to sing,” via Old French chanter. Chants typically emphasize repetition, simple melodic or monotone contours, and collective participation rather than complex musical development.

Chants occur in a wide range of contexts, including religious, ceremonial, and secular settings. Religious and spiritual chants appear across many traditions, such as Gregorian chant in medieval Western Christianity; Hindu and Buddhist mantras and devotional chants; Islamic nasheed and Sufi practice; and various indigenous or shamanic rites. Ceremonial uses include rites of passage, healing rituals, and meditation. Secular uses include protest chants, sports chants by fans, and school or community chants that build identity and cohesion.

Historically, chants often predate written notation and are transmitted orally. In medieval Europe, Gregorian chant helped standardize liturgical practice and contributed to early monophony. Across Asia, recitative and mantra traditions date back many centuries. In modern times, chant has persisted and evolved, influencing popular music, spiritual practices, and social movements, while remaining central to collective expression in many cultures.

Functions of chant include coordinating movement, signaling solidarity, conveying slogans or prayers, and shaping collective memory. The communicative and communal nature of chant supports group identity, emotional expression, and ritual participation, distinguishing it from more elaborated musical forms while maintaining its emphasis on sound, rhythm, and communal voice.