The carol came, not from the church, but from the common people who wished to express feelings that were not expressed in the sombre music of a church service. By
the fourteenth century , carol singing was firmly established throughout Europe. It was also accompanied by dancing, which explains why so many have a lively tune.
During the sixteenth century, Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans, took over the government of England and actually outlawed the celebration of Christmas. Since, to be caught
singing a Christmas Carol was a capital offence, their popularity died out during this period. The colonists, who came to this country to practice freedom of religion, unfortuneately
continued the bann on Christmas. (Does this compute?)
It was not until Victoria came to the throne of England in the nineteenth century that caroling once again became popular. Many new carols began to appear and the protestant clergy actually began to teach them to their
parishioners.
There is no particular style of music associated with carols. Their popularity probably stems, a great deal, from the nostalgia of them; the associations we have with certain carols and the glow they create in
our hearts and minds.
