The History of Christmas Carols: Origins and Fun Facts

Christmas carols are among the most cherished traditions of the festive season. 

Their melodies fill homes, churches, and bustling streets, evoking a sense of warmth and community. 

But have you ever wondered about the origins of these beloved songs and how they have evolved over time? Let’s look into the fascinating history of Christmas carols and uncover some fun facts along the way.

The Origins of Christmas Carols

The word “carol” originally referred to a circle dance accompanied by singing, and it was not exclusively tied to Christmas. The tradition of carolling dates back to pagan celebrations of the Winter Solstice, where songs were sung to honour the changing of the seasons. 

When Christianity spread across Europe, early church leaders adopted and adapted these songs to celebrate the birth of Christ.

By the Middle Ages, carols had become a staple of Christmas festivities, though they were often sung outside church settings. One of the earliest known Christmas carols, “Angel’s Hymn,” was reportedly sung in Rome in AD 129. However, it was Saint Francis of Assisi in the 13th century who truly popularised Christmas carols. He introduced nativity plays that included joyful hymns sung in the local languages, making them accessible to all.

The Evolution of Carols

The tradition of carolling saw a decline during the Puritan era in the 17th century, as the celebration of Christmas was discouraged and even banned. (More on that, later) 

However, it made a strong comeback in the Victorian era, thanks to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s love for Christmas traditions. 

This period also saw the publication of many carol collections, such as William Sandys’s Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern (1833), which included now-classic songs like “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” and “The First Noel.”

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the practice of carolling door-to-door became popular, bringing festive cheer to communities. Today, carols are performed in a variety of settings, from grand cathedral services to informal gatherings around the piano.

Fun Facts About Christmas Carols

“Silent Night” Was Written in a Hurry The famous carol “Silent Night” was composed on Christmas Eve in 1818 in Austria. Legend has it that the church organ was broken, so the priest, Joseph Mohr, and the organist, Franz Xaver Gruber, quickly composed a song that could be performed with a guitar.

The Oldest Carol Still Sung The carol “The Friendly Beasts,” which dates back to the 12th century, is one of the oldest still sung today. It tells the story of the animals present at Jesus’s birth.

Carols Were Once Banned During the English Commonwealth (1649–1660), Christmas carols and festivities were banned under Puritan rule. Despite this, people continued to sing them in secret.

The World’s Favourite Carol According to a 2018 survey, “O Holy Night” is the most popular Christmas carol worldwide, loved for its powerful melody and uplifting lyrics.

Carolling Across Cultures While many carols originate from Europe, countries around the world have contributed their own unique songs to the Christmas repertoire. For example, the Filipino carol “Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit” is a lively celebration of the season.

The Spirit of Carolling Today

Christmas carols continue to bring people together, transcending language and cultural barriers. Whether sung by a professional choir or a group of friends, carols embody the joy, hope, and togetherness of the season. So, the next time you hear or sing a Christmas carol, take a moment to reflect on its rich history and the countless voices that have kept these songs alive for centuries.

What’s your favourite Christmas carol, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear your stories!