Tracing the root of Christmas carols is complicated as there are several accounts of ancient carols. Depending on your source they might have begun in the church, or in the community. They might have been hymns, or sung to bring together the working class. They may have originally been in Latin, and only translated to English in the 19th century. It seems the history of Christmas carols depends mainly on your religious beliefs.
Most historians agree that Christmas carols were originally hymns sung during Christmas time and Easter. However, these hymns lost popularity under the Protestant reformation. Though Luther wrote several hymns himself, and encourage singing them in church, it was not until later they became popular again. It is common belief that hymns or Christmas carols did not regain popularity until the first appearance of carols in print in Christmas Carols Ancient And Modern by William B. Sandys in 1833. These carols included, God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman, The First Noel, and Hark The Herald Angels Sing. This is one view on the origins of Christmas Carols.
Others believe that Christmas carols developed as wassails. These wassails were originally drinking songs, or were sung when requesting ale, as a kind of payment. Could you imagine a system where a little karaoke could get you a shot? It appears that over time these wassails were transformed into more upbeat Christmas Carols sung while “wassailing” or caroling, as we know it today. Often carolers were rewarded with mince pies, puddings, fruits, breads, or monies, which were donated to charities. These Christmas carol traditions seem to stem from Britain.
Almost every modern country today has a set of Christmas carols of their own. Most of these carols stem from religions, whether Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, or Pagan. These carols come in various languages, though surprisingly most of the carols have the same, or a similar tune. Christmas carols have become popular over the world, and today are mainly used as a community or family activity.
Your belief of the origin of Christmas carols depends mainly on your religious beliefs. Though today there are many secular Christmas carols, it is clear that at one time they were mostly religious in nature. Today the world over has their own versions of Christmas carols, some religious some secular. Whatever your religious beliefs, Christmas carols have become an undeniable part of modern Christmas traditions.
Tags: chistmas crafts, Christmas Craft Ideas, make christmas special