Carols were first sung not for Christmas but as a pagan tradition. Imagine people dancing around stone circles singing songs in celebration of the winter solstice. Although these tunes were technically sung all year round, the practice of singing around the winter solstice withstood time, which is how it became associated with Christmas!
Carol quite literally means dance or a song of praise and joy! When Christmas began to be celebrated at the same time as the solstice, early Christians started singing Christian songs instead of pagan ones. "Angel's Hymn" is considered one of the first Christmas Carols. It was decided to be sung at a Christmas service in Rome by a bishop in 129. By the fourth-century solemn hymns emerged and by the 12th, composers across Europe began writing Christmas Carols referring to Nativity themes and celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Surprisingly, carols were usually sung in homes rather than in churches! Travelling singers or Minstrels would change words to suit the local people they entertained.
DID YOU KNOW?
Edward White Benson, who later became the Archbishop of Canterbury, invented the Christmas carol service in Truro.
One of the oldest printed carols is the 'Boar's Head Carol', which dates from 1521.
But when did people begin Caroling?
Wailing - the act of carollers assembling in public spaces began in the 19th century. Singers, known as 'waits,' performed for passers-by, and were thanked by treats of drinks and mince pies.
This tradition is so popular it is still carried on today. We sing carols in Christmas church services, door-to-door in our neighbourhoods, in squares for the public, and even in the comfort of our homes for fun. All to bring festive cheer to the holidays.
I hope you learned something new today and can share some fun facts next time your out caroling or singing a Christmas song!
Happy Holidays Everyone and Sing Your Heart Out!
References
Pentreath, Rosie. “A Dive into the Surprising History of the Christmas Carol.” Classic FM,
Classic FM, 2 Dec. 2020, www.classicfm.com/discover-music/occasions/christmas/carol-
history-origins/.
whychristmas? “The History of Christmas Carols.” Christmas Customs and Traditions ,
www.whychristmas.com/customs/carols_history.shtml.
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