Christmas Carols

 

 

 

 

 

What are christmas carols?

 

Christmas carols are special songs which are sung during the Christmas season.

The songs are about Jesus and the time when he was born.

 

 

What does the word 'carol' mean?

 

The word carol comes from the ancient Greek 'choros' which means 'dancing in

a circle'and from the Old French word 'carole' meaning 'a song to accompany

dancing'. Over the years the word 'carol' changed its meaning referring only to certain kinds of songs, the word 'carol' became known as Christmas songs.

 

 

Why were Christmas carols written?

 

Many Christmas carols were written for a special for a special purpose, often to accompany performances of religious dramas dating from medieval times.

In the Middle Ages carols were dances accompanied by singing. It is thought that these dances were introduced to England from France.

 

 

What is Carol Singing?

 

Carol singing, or caroling, is singing carols in the street or public places. It is one of the oldest customs in Great Britain, going back to the Middle Ages when beggars, seeking food, money or drink, would wander the streets singing holiday songs. People today still go carol singing. People go from house to house singing carols and collecting money for charity.

The traditional period to sing carols from St Thomas's Day (21 December) until the morning of Christmas Day.

 

 

Christmas Carols Were Once Banned

 

Christmas carols were banned between 1647 and 1660 in England by Oliver Cromwell, who thought that Christmas should be a solemn day.

The tradition of carol singers going from door to door came about because they were banned from churches in the Middle Ages.