Story behind Christmas songs

This series of four articles will give readers some background about some of the popular Christmas songs and carols.

DECK THE HALLS Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la Tis the season to be jolly, Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la Don we now our gay apparel Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la Troll the ancient yuletide carol

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

The melody for the song probably came from Wales, composed in the 16th century, but the words (says the Reader’s Digest Song Book) have an anonymous American source. It was written about the time when Washington Irving was glorifying Christmas customs and Charles Dickens was writing “A Christmas Carol.” Have some fun with the song! Sing it while you are decorating your tree (‘Deck’ means decorating).

If you do not know the tune, invite a singing neighbour or friend over to teach you the song.

The words are found in the Lethbridge Herald’s “Carols and Cookies” booklet, on page 20.

O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL (ADESTES FIDELES)

O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.

Come and behold Him, born the King of angels,

O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,

O come let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord.

The words were written in Latin in 1743 by John Francis Wade, an Englishman, who had moved to France where he made a living as a music teacher and a copier of music. Fredrick Oakley, an English clergyman, translated the words into English. The composer of the music was John Reading.

The original edition had only four verses, but three more were added by William Thomas Brooks. You will likely sing this carol in a neighbouring church on Christmas Eve. Be brave enough to try to sing the descant or at least be sure to try the harmony notes in the carol. Sing it lustily!

The words are found in “Carols and Cookies,” page 17.

Rev. Austin Fennell is a retired United Church minister.