Origin of Christmas carols and songs

Although the first hymns were sung to pay homage to the Nativity, over time they became popular songs passed on by word of mouth.

A little history…

Le plus ancien chant de Christmas en français remonte au début du 16^e century. This is the hymn "Between the Ox and the Gray Donkey." The great era of Christmas carols sung in chorus only began in the 18th century.^e siècle, avec l’apparition des Pastorales. Les plus célèbres des cantiques (Il est né le divin Enfant, Les anges dans nos campagnes, par exemple) datent de cette période. Qu’ils soient riches ou pauvres, habitant dans les châteaux ou dans les chaumières, tout le monde chantait pour chasser les peurs que généraient les nuits sombres d’hiver.

The first Christmas carols, which paid tribute to the Nativity, daily life, and nature, were accompanied by joyful rounds. Composed in Latin, they were interspersed with several dialect words. The authors often remained anonymous.

In Europe

In England, Christmas carols have been sung since the Middle Ages. Whether secular or religious, they are accompanied by dances during processions. In the United States, Christmas carols are also called "Christmas Carols."

In Spain, villancicos are sung, while in Russia, koliadki are sung at doorsteps. In Romania, kolinde, as in Bulgaria and Poland, koledas, are part of the tradition. In Italy, they are canti natalizi, and in Germany, weihnachtslieder.

In Spain we sing the Villancicos, in Russia the Koliadki at the doors of houses, in Romania of the Kolinde, in Poland and in Bulgaria of the Koleda, in Italy of Canti Natalizi, in Germany Christmas songs.

JS Bach composed several Christmas cantatas. It is also known that the famous "O Tannenbaum (My Beautiful Christmas Tree)" was composed by Professor Anschutz of Leipzig in 1824; he was apparently inspired by a popular song in Germany in the 16th century.^e century.

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To get the lyrics and sometimes the music of the most popular Christmas carols, here is the list of recommended sites:

Traditional hymns: http://www.joyeuse-fete.com/joyeux-noel/chansons.html

Christmas songs http://www.alianwebserver.com/societe/noel/chants_noel.htm

35 Christmas songs    http://www.paroles.net/artis/1009

Songs from around the world http://www.lexilogos.com/chants_noel.htm

Songs with music   http://antanlontan.chez-alice.fr/cantique.htm