Christmas carols and their history
Christmas carols are an inseparable part of the holiday season. For centuries, people have been singing these festive songs to spread cheer and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
While there are literally thousands of Christmas carols out there, some have become more popular than others.
In this article, we’ll take a look at 15 of the most popular Christmas carols of all time, as well as their history and origins.
1. “Jingle Bells”
This catchy Christmas tune was actually written by James Pierpont in 1857 for a Thanksgiving service at his church in Medford, Massachusetts. It wasn’t until years later that the song became associated with Christmas.
2. “Silent Night”
This beautiful carol was originally written in German by Joseph Mohr in 1816. The melody was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber. The song was first performed on Christmas Eve in 1818 at St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, Austria.
3. “Joy to the World”
This Christmas classic was first published in 1719 by English hymnwriter Isaac Watts. The popular melody we all know today was composed by Lowell Mason in 1836.
4. “The First Noel”
The first record of this carol being sung dates back to 1833, but it is believed to be much older. The word “noel” comes from the French word for “Christmas,” which itself comes from the Latin word “natalis,” meaning “birth.”
5. “O Come, All Ye Faithful”
This beloved Christmas carol was written in 1743 by Englishman John Francis Wade. The original lyrics were in Latin, but they were later translated into English.
6. “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
This popular Christmas carol was first published in 1739 under the title “Hark how all the welkin rings.” It was written by Englishman Charles Wesley and set to music by German composer Felix Mendelssohn.
7. “O Holy Night”
This beautiful carol was originally written in French by Placide Cappeau in 1847. The popular English lyrics were translated by John Sullivan Dwight and first published in 1855.
8. “Away in a Manger”
This popular Christmas carol was first published in 1885, but the exact authorship is unknown. The most commonly accepted version of the lyrics was written by American poet Clement Clarke Moore.
9. “Angels We Have Heard on High”
This popular carol was originally written in French by Bishop Jacques Bénoît in 1837. The melody we all know today was composed by James Chadwick and first published in 1861.
10. “Good King Wenceslas”
This carol was actually written about a real person: Saint Wenceslas I, Duke of Bohemia. He lived in the 10th century and is revered as a Catholic saint. The carol was first published in 1853 and was written by John Mason Neale.
11. “The Twelve Days of Christmas”
This popular Christmas carol was first published in 1780, but the exact origins are unknown. It is believed to be of French origin, possibly originating from a children’s memory game.
12. “Deck the Halls”
This Christmas classic was first published in Wales in 1784, but the melody we all know today is of American origin. It was composed by Welsh musician Thomas Oliphant and first published in 1881.
13. “Up on the Housetop”
This popular Christmas carol was first published in 1864 by Benjamin Hanby. It is believed to be of German origin, and was originally written as a children’s song.
14. “I Saw Three Ships”
This Christmas carol originated in England and first appeared in print in 1739. The exact authorship is unknown, but it is believed to date back even further, possibly to the 16th century.
15. “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”
This popular Christmas carol was first published in England in 1558. It is thought to be of French origin, and was originally written as a New Year’s carol.
Conclusion:
These are some of the most popular Christmas carols of all time. Each one has a rich history and interesting origins. So next time you’re singing along to your favorite holiday tunes, take a moment to think about where they came from. You might just be surprised at what you find out!