When comes around we all sing them. But have you ever wondered where these amazing carols came from? Although the origins of carols is unconfirmed it is known that the first recognisable Carols came from England in the 14th century. Christians first started singing songs centred around the religious figures of Jesus and Mary to celibrate his birth at this time of the year. The construction of the carols follow a refrain (verse) pattern which started then and are still recognisable today.
In the next century, carols were begun to be thought of as another art form, and the musical arrangements became beautiful and complex. At the end of this century, an actual song book was published with many of the carols of the time. Many of these musical pieces were written for three or four voices. And although the popularity of carols seemed to fizzle in the following century, by the 1800’s, carols were back with a vengeance and this is the time period in which most of the carols that we know today were written.
Inspiration In War Time
The Civil War in the United States during this century saw a surge in hymn and carol writing, as many soldiers turned to faith during this troubling time in our country. Some of the most famous carols that we sing in modern times were penned during the Civil War. For example, “I Heard the Bells on Day” was written by the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in 1862. No doubt the sadness within the song was a reflection of Longfellow’s own grief over losing his second wife the year before. Another popular carol, “O Little Town of Bethlehem” was penned by Phillips Brooks, who was a pastor in Philadelphia during the war.
While singing joyously those favourite carols this festive season, spare a thought to where this magical music and words come from. Many of the most popular and recognisable carols came from times of despair and suffering, to many peoples suprise. They helped a lot of people in deep anguish and suffering to dig deep within their faith and rise up with tenacity to overcome their problems. So hopefully the messages of love, hope and peace on earth within the carol still have relevance today, especially at this most important time of the year.
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