“Hallelujah” in Alaska: Northern Christmas Lights

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyviyF-N23A.

In most cases, playing Christmas music after Christmas is in even worse taste than wearing white after Labor Day. This video from Quinhagak, Alaska, demands a dispensation from that rule.

The inhabitants of this village on the Kanektok river — major industries fishing and canning, per capita income $8,127 — pull off this masterpiece by keeping it simple. They hold up signs with the words to “The Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah. It works: it’s funny and charming and sweet.

According to YouTube, it began as a project among the 5th graders at some school called “Kuinerrarmiut Elitnaurviat.” (I understand that’s Inuit for “Snow day? You trippin’!”) However, people from all ages appear to be taking part. As you watch, be sure to count them. According to the 2000 census, Quinhagak has 555 inhabitants. By the time the final “Hallelujah” fades out, it’s just possible you’ll have laid eyes on the face of every single Quinhagakian.

Watch, enjoy. Cheer these good people of the North. But do it quietly, for Pete’s sake. The video was meant for an audience of 200. Since it’s gone viral, YouTube reports, “the village of Quinhagak is glowing.” Any more attention, they’ll probably try “Numa Numa.”