The History of Christmas Songs

Singing Christmas songs is one of the oldest and most joyous holiday customs. First used in celebration of the Winter Solstice, seasonal music was incorporated into the Christian holiday, and by 1200 was firmly established as part of the holiday celebration.

Origins

The original Christmas songs were the pagan chants of the Winter Solstice festival. Songs were used to celebrate all four seasons, but winter is the only one that is still part of modern culture.

Christianity

In the early days of Christianity, the church frowned upon carol singing, as it was an extension of a pagan custom. However, inspired by their new religion, peasants began to create simple folk songs telling the story of Christmas.

Acceptance

Saint Francis of Assisi was the first person to use songs as part of the Christmas church service. In 1223, he used music and lyrics in the Christmas Eve Nativity play, making Christmas carols an official part of the service.

Carolers

Before it become popular for groups of people to sing Christmas songs in public, traveling minstrels would pass the time singing carols for those passing by. They would wander from home to home, entertaining people, in hopes of receiving a small reward in return.

Nowadays

Today, singing Christmas songs has become an essential part of the holiday season, with numerous carol singing events being planned each year all over the world.

References

• Christmas Carols and Customs

Resources

• Sing-A-Long Christmas Songs