The Scoop December 2016 | Page 4

Something

That Makes People Happy

Transitioning into December, it’s time to put your ugly sweater and wait for your presents. Til’ New Years Day, it’s time to put on some Christmas music to enjoy this holiday. While cafes and restaurants plays modern popular christmas song such as “All I Want for Christmas Is You”, “Last Christmas”, and “Santa Tell Me”, it’s always pleasant to be classy and play classical christmas music. Growing up as an Asian kid, I had never experienced Christmas caroling until recent years. Christmas caroling might sound boring to most kids, but to me, it’s always a pleasure to perform.

The tradition of Christmas caroling came around a thousand years ago. These songs were pagan songs sung by people gathering in a circle. The word “carol” itself means circle dance or song of praise and joy. Carols used to be written and sung during all the four season, but only the tradition of singing them in the winter season was kept.

The first few major Christmas carols were written in Latin and only few church member understood it. In the Middle Ages, most Christians lost interest in singing about Christmas. During the Great Reformation, there was a revival of hymn, but sadly, only a few fragments were kept. Most of the carols were about Jesus and Mary. However, many carols involve stories that are untrue and vague. Most the carols back then were seen as entertaining instead of religious. They were usually sang in houses instead of churches.