Origins of the Christmas Carol

Have you ever wondered when we started decking the halls and celebrating Christmas through song? Well, read on for the answer!

“Midwinter” songs have existed for centuries, pre-dating the 14th century! People would sing together and dance to work off some of those winter blues. The first Christmas carols were actually produced by Franciscan Friars in the 14th century. While singing, everyone would link hands and dance in a circle. These carols became quite popular and have continued on through the years. We even have preserved carols from the 15th century! Back in the day, carols weren’t just for the Christmas season. There were May carols and harvest carols and many others for all seasons. But Christmas carols are the only ones that have continued and thrived through the centuries.

Popular carols such as ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ (the oldest complete carol, from the 18th century), ‘While Shepherds Watch Their Flock at Night’ (parts of this were created as early as the 16th century), ‘Away in a Manger’(whose American writer chose to remain anonymous), and ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ have survived decades and are still quite popular. It is amazing to think that people centuries ago were singing and embracing the Christmas spirit with the same exact songs we ourselves are enjoying today!