 |
History of |
|
|
History of |
|
The traditional English hymn, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, was called 'the most popular of Christmas carols' by A.H. Bullen. It first played in the United States in its best-known modern form, from an early 19th century London broadside, followed by a more popular Victorian melody, from Sandys' collection.
When this coral first started is unknown. Carols have an interesting history. The carol's roots came not from the organized church, but from the common people who wished to express their simple ideas and honest feelings that were not expressed by the somber music of the church. By the 14th century, carol singing was firmly established throughout Europe, not to mention the dancing that accompanied it. Carols originally were association with dancing, which explains why their tunes are livelier than that of standard church music of the day. Originally, carols were sung for all occasions, not just Christmas.
Carols became extremely popular by the 16th century, the century of the reformation. It was during this century when the first versions of many of today's carols were written. However, England's "Cultural Revolution" occured in the war to topple King Charles I. The Puritan English Parliament of 1647 officially abolished Christmas and all other festivals. It was not until after the fall of Cromwell that Christmas became legal again. It would be another 150 years before any new carols would be published in England.
The revival of British carols and its concentration at Christmas is a Victorian phenomenon. Victoria was born in 1819 at which time carols were rarely sung. By the time she died, they were extremely popular again. In 1822, collections of the old songs were published, and the caroling tradition which had nearly died out, was revitalized. Instead of discouraging caroling as the puritans during the rise of Cromwell had done, the protestant English clergy of the Victorian era enthusiastically taught them to their parishioners.
Since the protestant churches of England and America were closely aligned during the Victorian era, as caroling became popular in Enland, the ex-colonies followed suit. It was during this time that the traditional English carol, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, became known in its modern form in America. It is still popular today. However, people seldom dance to it. Perhaps the durablity of this old carol lies in the way that its first verse so plainly expresses the essence of the Christmas story. --- by Bill Drennon, Central Valley Christian School, Visalia, CA
Click here if you can not hear the music in midi.
See the lyrics:
GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN!
Words & Music: English, Traditional
God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay,
Refrain
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
In Bethlehem, in Israel, this blessed Babe was born,
Refrain
From God our heavenly Father a blessed angel came;
Refrain
"Fear not, then," said the angel, "Let nothing you afright
Refrain
The shepherds at those tidings rejoiced much in mind,
Refrain
But when to Bethlehem they came where our dear Savior lay,
Refrain
Now to the Lord sing praises all you within this place,
Refrain
God bless the ruler of this house, and send him long to reign,
That God send you a happy new year, happy new year,
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day;
To save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy
And laid within a manger upon this blessed morn;
The which His mother Mary did nothing take in scorn.
And unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same;
How that in Bethlehem was born the son of God by name.
This day is born a Savior of a pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him from Satan's power and might."
And left their flocks a-feeding in tempest, storm and wind,
And went to Bethl'em straightaway this blessed Babe to find.
They found Him in a manger where oxen feed on hay;
His mother Mary kneeling unto the Lord did pray.
And with true love and brotherhood each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas all others doth deface.
And many a merry Christmas may live to see again;
Among your friends and kindred that live both far and near--
And God send you a happy new year.