Singing Through the Ages: A Jolly History of Christmas Caroling
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
by Dr. Ilona Kubiaczyk-Adler
Have you ever wondered why folks bundle up in warm clothing (and most questionable Christmas sweater choices) to sing outside in the cold? And, really, freezing cold in so many places but Arizona? :) Imagine a tradition that has survived longer than your great-grandmother's fruitcake recipe - let me take you for a short trip through the fascinating history of Christmas caroling!
The roots of caroling can be traced to pre-Christian winter solstice celebrations. In ancient Rome, the festival of Saturnalia featured musical performances that honored Saturn, the god of agriculture. These celebrations included singing and processional music that later influenced Christian musical traditions.
During the Middle Ages, caroling began to take a more recognizable form. The word "carol" derives from the Old French "carole," originally describing a circular dance accompanied by singing. By the 13th century, carols transitioned from secular entertainment to religious expression. Some of the earliest documented Christmas carols include: Cuncti Simus Concanentes (12th century), a Latin carol praising the nativity, originating from the Aquitaine region of France; Angelus ad Virginem (13th century), a medieval carol describing the Annunciation, which was popular throughout European monasteries; Gaudete (16th century), a Latin Christmas carol that remains popular today, first appearing in the Piae Cantiones, a collection of medieval songs. In medieval England, caroling was primarily performed by professional musicians called "waits" - municipal musicians who were responsible for playing at civic events.
The Protestant Reformation significantly influenced caroling traditions. While early Catholic practices emphasized Latin hymns, Protestant movements encouraged vernacular language and more congregational singing. This shift made carols more accessible to common people.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, caroling became more structured. Wealthy households would hire musicians to perform during the Christmas season, and traveling musicians would go from house to house performing for food and coins. This practice established the foundation for modern door-to-door caroling.
The Victorian era (1837-1901) represented a pivotal moment in caroling history. With the rise of printed sheet music and increased literacy, caroling became a more organized and widespread practice. Publications like "Carols Old and New" (1875) standardized many Christmas musical traditions. The most significant carols from that era include Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (lyrics by Charles Wesley, 1739), O Come, All Ye Faithful (which appeared in Piae Cantiones as Adeste Fideles and was translated into English in 1841), Silent Night (originally composed in 1818 in German and translated to many other languages in the 19th century). By the late 19th century, caroling was used as a means of collecting donations for the poor, a practice that continues in many communities today.
This cherished tradition has outlasted fashion trends, musical genres, and probably your New Year's resolutions ;) It is a reminder that humans have always found joy in gathering together, braving the cold, and singing slightly off-key. So this holiday season, channel your inner medieval wait, Victorian music enthusiast, and modern-day caroler, and join us on our own Pinnacle team caroling bus. Come and share some Christmas cheer at the nearby retirement communities on Saturday, December 21 from 3-5:30 pm. Click here to sign up https://www.pinnaclepres.org/events/community-caroling.
