Christmas carols: cheerful tradition reshaped over decades

CAIRO – 27 December 2017: Although Christmas Carols were recognized as songs tailored only for Christmas season, most of these carols are not originally created for the Christmas season.

Americans are known for their usual enthusiasm concerning Christmas celebrations, often reflected through traditions and decorations; however, did you know that Christmas celebrations, especially Christmas carols, are originally born in Europe and have been adapted by the U.S. later on in history?

The word “Carol” means dance or a song of praise and joy. Christmas carols were just songs that used to be composed and performed anytime, but the tradition of singing specific songs in Christmas has survived among many cultures.

Carols are folk that have been previously called hymns. Members of churches used to perform these carols during the time of the Roman Bishop, who suggested that a song called "Angel's Hymn" should be sung during the Christmas service in Rome. The carols were in Latin and free from any spiritual lyrics, making them unpopular among the community.

Christmas carols gained popularity following attempts by Bishop of Truro (Benson) to encourage people to come to church and participate in his new service. These attempts were inspired by his disgust by the people in Truro’s norm of getting drunk.

Then, St. Francis of Assisi worked hard in efforts to revive an interest in transforming folk songs to Christmas carols until it reached its final version, which has stood out and spread throughout Europe.

Christmas carols have been developed and redeveloped over many years.

Before the rising popularity of Christmas carols prevailed, there were sometimes official carol singers called 'Waits' who were also important local leaders who conducted these carols only in Christmas. They were comprised of council leaders.