The Joy of Christmas Caroling
The Joy of Christmas Caroling
Long before Christianity carols were sung in Europe. This modern day Christmas tradition of caroling had its origins in the pagan celebrations of the Winter Solstice. Carols actually came from circular dancing and songs in praise and joy of the season. Early in the years AD Christian songs were first sung in religious settings. However as they were written and sung in Latin that most people did not understand they lost popularity. It was not until the 1200's that songs began to be used in plays and finally in 1410 the earliest carol was written.
Songs during this time were not necessarily based on religious practice but were entertaining tunes sung in homes not churches. Groups of travelling Minstrels sang and adapted these carols from area to area. They changed the songs to reflect the language of the people of the villages that they visited.
During the Puritan times both the Christmas celebration and singing were banned. Like other contraband activities people continued to sing in private. It was the Victorian times before caroling again became desirable and more wide spread. As choirs were set up and singing became a joyous activity more carols were written and sung.
Carols were sung at the Christmas church celebrations and on the street by groups of singers. Today the door to door singing of carols is almost a thing of the past. It is not known if this is the result of people leading busier lives or the mistrust of people at our doors.
It is more likely that carolers will be found in shopping malls or at community Christmas events. In smaller communities where neighbors know each other better it is more likely that singers will gather and go door to door. This serenading at Christmas helps to keep the spirit of the season and to bring the people of the area closer to one another.
In our family the singing of carols is part of our Christmas eve tradition. We don't particularly have singers in our group but this is a ritual that was started by our parents and is now being passed onto our grandchildren. We have gathered together song sheets and one person plays the piano. We now have a guitarist in the family who plays with the piano player. Everyone has their favorite carol and away we go. It is a tradition that we highly recommend to you.
Or maybe you would like to set up a group to sing for your neighbors. Canvas your friends and associates and you will be surprised how many others would love to do this. It is easy to find the words for the carols and print them out for everyone.
Plan a few sessions to try out the carols to see which ones work best with the available singers. If you are lucky you may find one of your group can play a guitar or maybe a harmonica to help keep people on pitch. Remember the object of this activity is sharing of the Christmas spirit and having fun.
Select an area where you are either known or will be well received. If this is not possible where you live look into another venue for your caroling. You can visit children's hospitals, nursing homes, community churches and more. My Granddaughter's preschool sings every year at the care facilities for the elderly. The seniors love to see these small children who are just learning to sing.
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