Christmas carols have not always been the jingling tunes we cherish today. Their journey through the pages of history is as fascinating as the songs themselves. The tradition of carolling dates back to medieval England. Originally, carols were not specifically for Christmas. They were joyful songs sung during all four seasons, with the winter carols eventually being sung at Christmas. Rooted in pagan festivals celebrating the winter solstice, these early carols incorporated lively dances and were sung in people’s native languages. As Christianity spread, the church began creating its own versions in Latin, which were sung during church services.
Year after year, “O Holy Night” emerges as a perennial favourite, speaking of a night when hope was born.
Popular Christmas Carols in England
‘Silent Night’ is perhaps one of the most universally recognised Christmas carols. Originally composed in 1818 in Austria, its warm melody and message of peace have made it a firm favourite in England. The carol’s ability to convey calm and tranquillity makes it especially meaningful during the bustling festive season.
‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’ (with roots tracing back to the 18th century, invites the faithful to rejoice at the birth of Christ. Its Latin origin, ‘Adeste Fideles’, exudes a sense of tradition, while the English translation has made it accessible to all. Its commanding call and celebratory tone make it indispensable during church services and gatherings.
‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’ was penned by Charles Wesley (brother of Methodist Church founder John Wesley) in in the 18th century. It tells the story of the angels announcing the birth of Jesus, capturing the joyous revelation with grand imagery and melody. Its majestic tune rings through church bells and choirs alike, ensuring its place in every Christmas repertoire.
Ever Read the Book ‘A Christmas Carol?’
A Christmas Carol remains one of the most read books of Charles Dickens, who often focused on how the poor suffered in society (for non-literary peeps, he wrote the book that inspired the musical Oliver!)
His book began as a ‘social manifesto’. And although it did not make him much money at first, soon after publication real-life scrooges began to make charitable donations.
Charles himself had a heavy childhood, being sent to work age 12, due to his father (who raised him in Portsmouth) being so in debt that he was actually sent to prison. This of course gave Charles good fodder to try to inspire change for the downtrodden, through his written work. Although he eventually became a rich man, he never forgot his roots and the poverty he endured.
Later on in life, he founded a refuge for ‘fallen women’ (which basically meant prostitutes, and any other women who had been disowned by their families or imprisoned for living on the streets). There the women would learn to read and write, and usually then emigrate to start new lives. He personally interviewed each women before admittance, insisting that each one was to ‘be treated with the greatest kindness’.
A Christmas Carol is the story of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who won’t even pay money for coals to keep cold people warm (sound familiar in the present political climate?) Always offering excuses, one night he sees a ghost of his dead partner, who basically persuades him (mostly through fear) to change his ways.
Ebenezer then meets crippled Tiny Tim (a kind and happy boy) and is inspired by all the happiness around him, of those less fortunate than himself. He then decides to change his ways, and finds peace for the first time.
