Chrismas Carols

The Chrismas carols are based on Christian lyrics and relate, in the main, to the Nativity. Chrismas carols were introduced to church services by St Francis of Assisi in the 12th century. The word "carol" is derived from the French word caroller and the interpretation of which means dancing around in a circle. Carols eventually came to mean not only to dance but also included appropriate Christmas and Nativity music.

The joyous themes for many Chrismas carols were banned in England by the staunch Protestant Oliver Cromwell and many of the very old Chrismas carols were subsequently lost for all time. Chrismas carols were only fully popularised again during the Victorian era when they again expressed joyful and merry themes in their lyrics as opposed to the normal, more sombre, Christian lyrics found in hymns. As religious observances in the United States and England were closely linked the popularity of Chrismas carols grew in both countries in the 19th century. Many Christmas traditions are relatively recent such as Santa Claus and reindeer and bear no relation to Chrismas carols. We have reflected this in the unusual and beautiful Victorian Angel Pictures we have included for your pleasure and enjoyment. Merry Christmas and enjoy singing the wonderful words and Christian lyrics to the Chrismas carols we have featured.