Christmas Caroling Tradition

The actual invention of Christmas caroling is not clear. Some claim that carols, derived from the French word carole, meaning “kind of dance”, began as far back as the 4^th or 5^th century A.D. Others report that carols, as we know them today, originated between the 12^th and 13^th centuries with St. Francis of Assisi, a Roman Catholic saint leading the way.

Because the act of caroling is an unwritten tradition, it makes the task of origination all the more difficult.

There were no Christian ties involved whatsoever to the term “carole” or “carol.” When one would “carol” in early times, they would be performing a traditional cultural dance often times accompanied by some sort of music. In the French translation of the word, it is accompanied with song. In the early stages of the Christmas caroling tradition, there was no singing associated at all.

What is known is that St Francis of Assisi ushered in a better known form of caroling by combining singing Christian songs, or hymns, with Christmas church services. But where did these hymns come from? It is believed that they were written around the 4^th or 5^th century A.D. praising the birth of Jesus Christ.

But why do Christmas carolers travel in groups going from house to house singing and celebrating the season today?

It is believed that this portion of Christmas caroling developed in or around the 16^th century with those too poor “singing for their supper”, going from door-to-door until they received enough food and drink to sustain them for the night.

The Christmas caroling tradition as we know it today wasn’t widely accepted in America until the late 19^th century, when it was concurrently made popular in England during the Victorian era.

Related posts:

1. The Candy Cane Tradition
2. Where Did The Tradition Of Putting Up Christmas Trees Begin?
3. The Tradition of Santa Claus
4. The Poinsettia Tradition
5. Why Did The Tradition of Gift Giving Start?