Carolling and singing Christmas songs is such a big part of the Christmas holiday and has been for many years. Many of the carols that are enjoyed today hail back many years when they were once new hymns. Today they are well-loved old carols like these ten.
Old Hymns and Unexpected Beginnings
These songs that began as hymns or came from unexpected places are now some of today's loveliest carols.
“What Child is This?:” From a very old song that was not even Christian or religious comes the melody known as “Greensleeves,” to which “What Child Is This?” is played and has become one of the most beautiful Christmas carols.
“The Huron Carol:” Considered the first Canadian carol, “Twas in the Moon of Wintertime” was written and sung by the Hurons and later translated into English and French. The haunting melody and words suited to the Hurons for telling the Christmas story lend the carol a unique quality.
“O Holy Night:” When “O Holy Night” was written by a French composer in the 19th century, it was frowned upon by the church for its music and Christian spirit. It became one of the most popular carols, however, and is now well-loved for it’s musicality and spirit-filled message.
“Silent Night:” From humble origins comes this well-loved hymn and Christmas song, originally written for and performed with two guitars for accompaniment. “Silent Night” touches the sympathies of so many with its simple and sweet melody and words.
A Singer's Delight
Christmas carols are songs written to be sung just as much as played, and these are a few singing favourites.
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel:” A song that was sung by Medieval monks and still loved today, this carol includes a flowing melody and enchanting lyrics. The combination of the two makes for a lovely song.
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen:” Coming from 19th century England, this carol was sung in the streets by carollers and featured in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. It is a song that is still great for carolling today.
“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear:” A hymn that became famous quickly after it’s publication and adaption to music, “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” tells of the first Christmas and prophecies fulfilled.
“Carol of the Bells:” This popular carol is set to music reminiscent of the bells that the lyrics proclaim are ringing joyfully. Some say the song is based on a legend that all the bells on Earth rang the night Jesus was born. Whatever the motivation, “Carol of the Bells” is a song that touches emotions.
A New Song, a Traditional Message
Some newer Christmas songs have become just as widely known and well loved as the old hymns, including these.
“Mary Did You Know:” This Christmas song gives an interesting viewpoint of the Christmas story, addressing Mary with the marvellous qualities of Jesus. Accompanied by inspiring music, “Mary Did You Know” can give goose bumps to listeners and singers.
“White Christmas:” Written by Irving Berlin and brought to life in the traditional Christmas movie White Christmas, this song reached the height of popularity in its day and is still one of the most popular Christmas songs today.
This collection of Christmas carols comes with history and beautiful music and can be a joy for singing, playing or just listening.
Sources:
The Reader's Digest Merry Christmas Songbook. Reader's Digest Association Inc. 1981.
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Michelle Wright - Michelle is an avid reader and writer, with a focus on book, film and music reviews, gluten free recipes, and fiction writing "how-tos."
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