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Christmas
Carols & Music |
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History of Christmas Carols
The History of Christmas Carols Songwriters began producing Latin Christmas hymns in the 5th century. Until about year 1200, they were profound and solemn, then St. Francis and his followers introduced a joyful spirit to the hymns.
Many German carols were written in the 14th century. After the Reformation, however, hymns and carols were forgotten. The English began writing carols in the 15th century, but later the Puritans suppressed these religious songs altogether. After Christmas was restored in England, festive songs praising feasting and good will developed. During this time, Catholics in England could not openly practice their faith. So,"The Twelve Days of Christmas" became popular as a Catechism song for young Catholics, according to Ann Ball"s book, " A Handbook of Catholic Sacramentals". Instead of referring to a suitor the "true love" mentioned in the song refers to God. The "me" receiving the presents is symbolic of every baptized person.
The partridge in the pear tree is Jesus Christ, and in the song, He is symbolically presented as a mother partridge who feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings.
The other symbols carry their own religious meanings:
Two turtle doves: the Old and New Testaments;
Three French hens: faith, hope and charity;
Four calling birds: the four Gospels;
Five gold rings: the first five books of the Old Testament, which give the history of man's fall from grace;
Six geese a laying: the six days of creation;
Seven swans a-swimming: the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit;
Eight maids a-milking: the eight Beatitudes;
Nine ladies dancing: the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit;
Ten lords a-leaping: the Ten Commandments;
Eleven pipers piping: the eleven faithful disciples;
Twelve drummers drumming: the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
The Methodists in the 18th century can take credit for inspiring modern hymns, and the revival Christmas in the United States generated many later songs. |
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