At liturgy we sing “hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs” as St. Paul tells us in his letter to the Colossians. At this time of year, however, our songs are called ‘carols.’ Why is that? What exactly is a carol; what makes it different from a hymn? Generally speaking, a hymn is a communal song of praise to God. With that definition, just about everything we sing at liturgy is a hymn. Although, there is also a specific musical form widely accepted as a hymn. A carol, however, is a little different. Dating back the medieval ages, a carol was a song sung outside of worship – often religious, but not necessarily. It is thought carols developed as a circle or ring dance called a “carolare” with singing. They developed as a song of the people, music in the vernacular, that contrasted Gregorian chant and other, what we might call “high church” music, that was exclusively sung during liturgy. A carol often has a distinctive melodic pattern or repeated refrain that makes it accessible to all people.
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The carol Gaudete, Gaudete Christus ex Maria virgine dates to the 16th century and is a great example of a recurring refrain.
England is known for a number of these medieval carols still sung today, The Boar’s Head Carol, The Holly and the Ivy and The First Nowell are good examples. As music developed, the carol became most closely associated with Advent and Christmas.
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‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’: When Carols Met Christmas: NPR's Morning Edition story from 2010.
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Print article click here.
Merry Christmas!