Christmas Caroling
The idea of Christmas caroling brings to mind jolly bands of churchgoers, dressed in shawls and top hats, going door-to-door, also known as wassailing -- an Old Norse term -- to spread the spirit of Christmas through hymns. Whether it's "Deck the Halls," "Joy to the World" or "Silent Night," Christmas carols provide the soundtrack to the holidays.
But how exactly did this tradition begin? Who wrote the carols? And why do we feel compelled to sing them on the front porch of a total stranger's home?
The root of the word "carol" lies not in song, but in dance. In Old French, "carole" means "kind of dance." In Latin, "choraula" means "a dance to the flute," and in Greek, "choraules" means "flute player who accompanies the choral dance." Although there are some carols centering around religion, the song were originally secular -- up-tempo melodies with alternating choruses and verses associated with traditional dances.
As carols evolved into a Christian tradition, they became hymns, having little relation to any type of dance. A common legend says that Christmas carols were named after Carol Poles, a little English girl who supposedly went missing in London during the holiday season in the late 19th century. People supposedly searched for her by going door-to-door, singing to declare their good intentions. Although it may be a nice story, it has no factual basis.
Hundreds of Christmas carols have been penned over several centuries, but only a few have achieved legendary status.
"Silent Night"
Considered by some to be the most famous Christmas carol of all, "Silent Night" has varying legends behind its origin. The most famous legend involves Austrian priest Joseph Mohr, who composed the song with friend Franz Gruber on Christmas Eve despite the fact that their church organ was broken.
"The Twelve Days of Christmas"
"O Tannenbaum"
"Joy to the World"
"O Come All Ye Faithful"
And "Jingle Bell"!
This Saturday, 19th Dec. The Beijing Pengyou Music Stage Troupe will bring the joy to us here in Beijing at Jin Shang Yuan. The Christmas concert will not only spread the jolly spirit with all of the world, but also good will for social cause.
Besides Christmas caroling, you will also find fun activities for kids, and Christmas shopping, lucky draw and CHRISTMAS DESSERT CONTEST! It is free entry, and all the proceed will go to MCF. Come join us to celebrate this beautiful season with good will!
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