We all know of the “Twelve Days of Christmas” which takes place Christmas and after until Epiphany. What about the “Twelve Days of Christmas Carols?”
Beginning around Dec. 11, we will feature a carol a day that is part of an online course leading up to Christmas. Each day features an introduction, background of the carol, the actual verses (and some alternates) and versions which are chosen Youtube links online.
Course Link or https://churchsp.org/course/12daysofcarols/
Most of the Carols are ones featured on Christmas Eve or in the Christmas season. Included are “O come All Ye Faithful” on the first day and the rest will follow. While we have a working list, please send suggestions to Catherine
Carols evolved in England during the Medieval period; the earliest known carols date from the 15th century Mystery Plays. A Carol is typically a song that celebrates the Christmas season in a joyous manner
There was a division Church hymn vs. the Folk carol. The latter were derived from traditional drinking, feasting, or folk songs, straying from the strictly religious themes found in Church music. The word “carol” comes from the Middle English ”carole”, which was a kind of round dance with singing. The carols we will be using are the religious type that originated from the 18th and 19th centuries.
We have 4 other seasonal courses here including Dickens A Christmas Carol, the Messiah, Luke’s Canticles and Mathew’s Infancy Stories.