Christmas Carols

by Wang Wei Bin, Jin Yiping, Wu Lingxue, Yang Zhenlei, Luan Bo

“Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.” This popular Christmas carol is part of our fondest childhood memories. The song is so sweet and it helps create a joyous atmosphere as people celebrate Christmas. Where do Christmas carols come from and what role do they play in our lives.

The word carol came from a Greek dance called a choraulein, which was accompanied by flute music. The dance later spread throughout Europe and became especially popular with the French, who replaced the flute music with singing. People originally performed carols on several occasions during the year. By the 1600's, carols involved singing only, and Christmas had become the main holiday for these songs.

Most of the carols sung today were originally composed in the 1700's and 1800's. They include "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." The words of the famous carol "Silent Night" were written on Christmas Eve in 1818 by Joseph Mohr, an Austrian priest. Franz Gruber, the organist of Mohr's church, composed the music that same night, and the carol was sung at midnight Mass. "O Holy Night" was introduced at midnight Mass in 1847. Adolphe Adam, a French composer, wrote the music. Popular nonreligious carols include "Jingle Bells" and "White Christmas." (Taken from http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_origin_of_Christmas_carols)

Christmas carols are part of the Christmas tradition and people sing Christmas carols at home and in public places. The music helps to create the atmosphere in preparation for Christmas. People are reminded to cherish their family, think of others and love one another during Christmas. In recent times, Christmas carols have become a means to sell things and promote consumerism. Santa Claus encourages the buying and giving of presents during Christmas. Songs about Santa encourage children to expect presents from their parents and relatives.

Hence, Christmas carols may be written a long time ago but they play an important function in promoting the spirit of Christmas. In the words of Scrooge from the book “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach. Oh, tell me I may sponge away the writing on this stone!". The songs of Christmas like ghosts who remind us to care for others at Christmas.