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The Xmas carols are based on Christian lyrics and relate, in the main, to the Nativity. Xmas 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 English interpretation of which meant dancing around in a circle. Carols eventually came to mean not only to dance but also included appropriate music with a Christian Xmas Nativity theme.
The joyous themes for many Xmas carols were banned in England by the staunch Protestant Oliver Cromwell and many of the very old Xmas carols were subsequently lost for all time. Xmas 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 Xmas carols grew in both countries in the 19th century. Many Xmas traditions are relatively recent such as Santa Claus and reindeer and bear no relation to Xmas carols. We have reflected this in the unusual and beautiful Victorian Angel Pictures we have also included for both your pleasure and enjoyment. We wish you a Merry Christmas and enjoy singing all the wonderful words and Christian lyrics to the Xmas carols we have featured on this free festive Xmas Carol Website.