A carol is a religious song or hymn that is popular at Christmas time. They were first sung by Europeans but were not classed as Christmas songs. These were songs celebrating Winter Solstice (in which the sun takes the shortest route in the sky causing the longest night of the year).

The first Christmas carol that was ever transcripted was in 129 AD, titled “Angels Hymn”. During this time, religious Christmas themed carols overtook Pagan songs that celebrate Winter Solstice. During the 4th and 12th Century, nativity themes and references of Jesus and Christianity had emerged.

#SeriouslyFunFact

Did you know that the Boar’s Head Carol from 1521 is one of the oldest printed carols ever?

Carolers

The mention of a group of carolers started during the 19th Century where people first gathered in public to sing Christmas Carols for passersby and in return they would be given tasty christmas treats and were offered drinks. This became known as wassailing and continues to this very day where carolers gather together to spread Christmas joy through singing hymns door to door, in public, at Church and events such as Carol by Candle light.

For the 25 best Christmas Carols presented by BBC music magazine click here.