Are there any rules about where in the verse the women (wiciglata) come in?
A. Over the years I have always known the answer to be that the women sing the whole song, but not the lead line, or the first time through the song. I recently asked some friends I know who have been singing for 40+ years. I heard one answer. Then I heard another answer from someone else, then another. Apparently, that question depends upon the area you are speaking of and what kind of upbringing was taught. Some say they don’t sing the first line to the second half of the song either, although I’ve heard plenty of women sing it. So, I think the safest approach is all but the lead line (and it’s refrain) nor the first time through the song.
