Naomi's Notes - 12/03/08
Carols and caroling have been part of our favorite Christmas traditions for centuries. The word "carol" originally referred to a joyful dance that was part of secular folk festivals during the Middle Ages.
Religious macaronic ("mixed verse") carols evolved during the late 13th century, when bits of Latin hymn texts were incorporated into popular music that had folk texts in the vernacular about the birth of Christ. [Similar to the English stanzas of Angels, We Have Heard on High combined with the Latin refrain, "gloria in excelsis Deo."]
St. Francis of Assisi is credited with popularizing the use of carols at Christmastime. Legend has it that in the early 13th century he created the first live nativity scene in his Italian hometown to help people understand the Christmas story. The positive response was so overwhelming, it is said that he burst joyfully into song.
Subsequently, live nativity scenes and Christmas carols were wed into a popular tradition of Christmas Eve festivals which spread throughout neighboring countries. In France, villagers would light torches or candles and begin the festivities with a processional. [The French carol Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella evolved from this tradition.] Later in the 14th century, German carols emphasized the emotions surrounding the nativity story.
For centuries carols were spread through oral tradition, which meant that words were often changed and verses added or omitted. The earliest known written transcription of carols is from early 16th century England.
However, by the early 17th century, the Puritans in England rejected Christmas as only a pagan celebration, and the first New England settlers in America passed a law in 1659 banning carol singing or any other observance of Christmas. Caroling and other joyous Christmas traditions continued to flourish in the South during that time.
English carols enjoyed a rebirth in the 19th century because of the efforts of a dedicated group of people to find and publish them before they were lost forever. American composers, even slaves (Go, Tell it on the Mountain) added new ones to the collection and together these comprise the large majority of carols that are known today.
Singing religious Christmas carols every year not only helps us stay connected to our musical ancestors, the carols help keep us connected to Jesus, the reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place. Every time we sing we are reminded of the events and emotions surrounding Jesus' birth. The carols not only help teach the nativity story to each new generation, they help us all keep Jesus in our hearts throughout the Advent season.
See you in worship this Sunday - Naomi