The-Christmas-Bears When the holiday season rolls around, people start singing the familiar tunes of popular Christmas carols. From “Jingle Bells” to “Silent Night,” each song fills the airwaves with its own unique melody and lyrics. But do you know the untold stories behind those lyrics? Here, we’ll explore the hidden history and meaning behind some of the most well-known songs of the season.
“Jingle Bells” – James Lord Pierpont, 1857
Although many people associate “Jingle Bells” with Christmas, the original tune was actually written for Thanksgiving. James Lord Pierpont penned the song in 1857, and it quickly became popular as a winter song due to its themes of snow and sleigh rides. One of the interesting tidbits about this song is that it was originally titled “The One Horse Open Sleigh.” It wasn’t until later that it was renamed “Jingle Bells.”
“God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” – Traditional English Carol
Often labeled as the oldest surviving “church carol,” “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” has a long and fascinating history. The lyrics date back to the 15th century, and the melody might have even been older than that. The controversial part of the song is the use of the word “merry” in the title. At the time, the word “merry” could also mean “mighty.” So, the title could be interpreted as “God Rest You Mighty, Gentlemen.”
“Silent Night” – Franz Xaver Gruber and Josef Mohr, 1818
Few songs evoke the peacefulness of Christmas Eve like “Silent Night.” The original lyrics were written in German by Joseph Mohr in 1816, and it was set to music two years later by Franz Xaver Gruber. The history of the song is quite interesting – on Christmas Eve, 1818, Mohr discovered that the church organ wasn’t working. He quickly wrote the words to “Silent Night,” and he and Gruber performed it with a guitar accompaniment. The song soon became popular throughout Europe, and it was translated into English in 1859.
“The First Noel” – Traditional English Carol
“The First Noel” is another example of an old English carol that has survived the test of time. Scholars believe the song dates back to the 16th century, and it was first published in 1833. The lyrics tell the story of the shepherds who were visited by an angel and directed to the manger where Jesus was born. Interestingly, the meaning of the word “noel” is still somewhat of a mystery. Some believe it comes from the Latin word “natalis,” which means “birth.” Others think it might derive from the French word “noël,” which means “Christmas.”
“O Holy Night” – Adolphe Adam, 1847
One of the most beautiful and moving Christmas songs is “O Holy Night.” The lyrics were written by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure, a French poet, in 1843. The melody was composed by Adolphe Adam, a French composer, in 1847. What makes this song unique is the combination of a beautiful melody with powerful lyrics that bring to life the message of Christmas. One of the most memorable lines is “Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.”
In conclusion, the stories behind the lyrics of popular Christmas carols are rich with history and meaning. Whether it’s the peacefulness of “Silent Night” or the joyful tune of “Jingle Bells,” each song tells a unique story about the Christmas season. So, this holiday season, take a moment to reflect on the deeper significance of these timeless tunes.
