One of the most-loved traditions at Christmas time is carol
singing. Whether school children wrapped up in knitwear are
singing on your doorstep for charity or a professional choir
are singing old favorites, no one can resist at least
humming the tunes.
Most Christmas carols are Christian hymns, although these
songs have transgressed religions and become part of popular
culture. These are some of the favourites.
The Twelve Days of Christmas
Originally written in Latin as
Adeste Fidelis, the authorship is disputed. The English
translation was made in 1841 by Frederick Oakley and William
Brooke.
This song embraces the ideal of love and giving during
Christmas, with each verse building up grander gifts, from
the first day of Christmas culminating in the twelth day:
"12 drummer drumming, 11 pipers piping, 10 lords-a-Leaping,
9 ladies dancing, 8 maids-a-Milking, 7 swans-a-Swimming, 6
geese-a-Laying, 5 gold rings, 4 colly birds, 3 french hens,
2 turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree."
With today's gifts mostly entailing the latest in
technology, toys for the kids, numerous pairs of socks and
perhaps a
hamper Christmas is also supposed to be known as the
season of love and togetherness – these songs evoke feelings
of wanting to give to those we love, be it a
hamper, socks or a partridge in a pear tree.
Jingle Bells
Although it is mostly known as a Christmas song, Jingle
Bells was originally written by James Lord Pierpont to be
sung dring the American Thanksgiving celebrations.
The song has since become a winter classic and has
inspired many Christmas songs since; namely the 1950s
'Jingle Bell Rock', first released by Bobby Helms.
Silent Night
This carol was originally written in German, and has
since been translated into many languages. It remains one of
the most popular Christmas songs due to its calm and
nostalgic melody and intricate harmonies.
As well as being sung at most carol receptions around the
world, artists such as Westlife and Annie Lennox have
recorded versions of the song.
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Due to the fact that this is one of the only traditional
carols which includes a mention of the new year
celebrations, it is often mis-interpreted as a modern
Christmas song. However, this carol dates back to West
Country England in the sixteenth century, when carolers on
Christmas Eve were given treats such as figgy puddings (much
like christmas puddings) as mentioned in one of the original
verses.
