Christmas Carols

Origins of Christmas Carols

Carols were sung by peasants in the early part of human history. Originally written by the common people, they were sung during all four seasons. As Christianity came to more prominence, traveling plays featuring biblical themes, including the Nativity, were developed.

The Christmas carol is widely believed to have been introduced into the church by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223. For this reason, traditional carols are those based on religious sentiment, not those featuring snowmen, Santa, or other modern notions of Christmas. Those are considered Christmas songs.

Christmas carols continued to be popular until 1647, when the Puritans controlling Parliament in England ended elaborate Christmas celebrations. Although the celebrations were banned in England and the influence was felt strongly in America, those in the countryside and other countries continued the festivities. A revival of Christmas carols occurred during the Victorian era in England and the Americas.

Traditional Carols

Traditional carols are based in Christianity. These carols include popular songs such as:

• Silent Night
• Away in a Manger
• Good King Wenceslas
• What Child is This?
• Angels We Have Heard on High
• Hark, the Herald Angels Sing
• O Little Town of Bethlehem
• The First Noel

A list of traditional carols can be found at Christmas Carol Music. This free site features lyrics and various sheet music for carols.

Although usually considered to be Christmas songs, the following popular tunes are frequently referred to as carols in the modern age:

• Blue Christmas
• Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer
• The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
• 12 Days of Christmas
• Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

Christmas Caroling

Christmas caroling is another traditional Christmas activity. Again, the origins of this tradition can be traced back hundreds of years. Wandering minstrels would travel from castle to castle and village to town, singing songs. During the holiday season, carols would be incorporated. The traveling plays mentioned earlier also helped popularize the carols.

Eventually, towns kept their own groups of singing villagers. After some time, those who sang the carols came to be known as “carolers.”

Today, carolers visit residential homes, elderly communities, and children’s hospitals to bring joy and cheer to others during the Christmas season. The carolers sing both traditional Christian carols and secular Christmas songs.

Church services in the modern age frequently have candlelight carol services. The church is lit entirely by candles and carols are sung. This mass takes place at midnight at most churches. The carol services of large or famous churches are broadcast on local radio or television networks. Choirs perform these services before Christmas and on the Eve of Christmas.

Singing Christmas carols is a fun and festive part of the holiday season. Whether participating in a choir, church service, charitable organization, or simply enjoying the music at one’s home, having carols enhances the festivities for everyone. Christmas carols have endured for centuries, even enduring a ban for a period of time. They will continue to be a rich part of Christmas tradition for years to come.