One of the most special things about the Christmas season is the music. People look forward to listening to Christmas music on the radio and singing the carols in church. From more secular tunes to sacred hymns, many of the beloved songs of the season have Celtic roots.
“Auld Lang Syne”
“Auld
Lang Syne” was originally a poem written by Scottish poet Robert Burns. It is
believed that it was written in 1788, though Burns may have transcribed it from
a folk song. The song is commonly sung at New Year’s celebrations as well as at
Burns Night festivities. The phrase “auld lang syne” translates to “for old
times' sake’ and is a reflection on the friendships and events of the previous
years.
Angels From the Realms of Glory
This hymn was written by Scottish poet James
Montgomery. He sent the poem that contained the lyrics to the hymn to the Sheffield
Irish newspaper on Christmas Eve in 1816. It appeared in the newspaper the
following day. The song was inspired by the Gospel of Luke, specifically in
chapter two, when the angels were heralding Jesus’ birth. Henry Smart, a blind
organist from England, wrote the melody, and the song was performed for the
first time on Christmas day in 1821.
Deck the Halls
“Deck the Halls” is a Welsh tune that dates back to the
sixteenth century. John Jones (Talhaiarn) wrote the Welsh lyrics in 1862. The
English lyrics were written by Thomas Oliphant, a Scottish musician, also in
1862. There have been variations to the lyrics throughout the years.
Originally, the title and lyrics were “Deck the Hall,” but the pluralization of
“halls” came as early as 1892.
First Noel
“The
First Noel” originated in Cornwall during the Proto-Renaissance. It is
believed that the hymn was first featured in a Miracle Plays, which were plays
that portrayed Bible stories. One of these plays would likely be about the
Christmas story, depicting Jesus’ birth. Since then, residents of Cornwall
began to sing the song in the streets of the nation, and it has since become a
staple for churches to sing during the Christmas season.
Once In Royal David’s City
This carol was written by Irish poet Cecil Frances
Alexander. It was originally published in her hymnbook, “Hymns for Little
Children,” in 1848. In 1849, it was set to music by British composer Henry
Gauntlett. The collection of hymns was written to explain the parts of the
Apostles’ Creed. “Once In Royal David’s City” focuses on Jesus being born to
Mary.
Wexford Carol
Also known as “The Enniscorthy Carol,” “The Wexford Carol”
originated from Enniscorthy in County Wexford. The focus of the song is the
nativity of Jesus Christ. It was originally published in the 15th or
16th century based on its music and lyrics, and it was popularized
through the work of Irish author and composer William Grattan Flood.
Originally, only men were supposed to sing the song, but women have covered it,
from Loreena McKennitt to Celtic Woman.
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-Album Review: "A Cosy Christmas" by Keith Harkin: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2024/12/album-review-cosy-christmas-by-keith.html