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Christmas songs are the gilded threads of the festal tapestry of Christmas! They are also the perfect means of tuning into the spirit of celebrations and festivities that lie at the very heart of the Christmas season. However, they are such an integral and basic component of Christmas jubilations that we do not do not wish to reflect on them or even attempt to trace back to their history. We very spontaneously hum the captivating melodies of the Christmas songs but do not spend any time to cogitate over the lyrics and their import. And thus we are unable to experience much of their magic and miss out on their appeal.
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In the ancient times, songs and carols had no connection with Christianity and functioned as accompaniments of the 'circle dance', a dance form that had its roots in pagan traditions and fertility rites. With the establishment of the Church, these songs started featuring in Christian confluences and fetes. However, till the 12th century the Church disapproved of its pagan feel and looked down upon them. But gradually as the severity of the medieval Church slackened, there occurred a fusion between these songs and the folk songs due to which they became accessible to the ordinary mass.
In the history of Christmas songs, Saint Francis of Assisi occupies a singular place as he was the person who was responsible for kindling fresh interest in the Babe in Bethlehem and the feast of the Nativity. In fact, from the priests belonging to Saint Francis' order originated the 'laudas' or folk songs based on religion and noted for their jubilant dance rhythms. Very soon 'laudas' gained immense popularity throughout 14th century Europe. So much so that 'laudas' blended with 'wassailing', another pagan tradition in which people went from door to door singing and drinking the health of those they paid visit to. And finally, the union of 'lauda' and wassailing gave birth to caroling and carols (Christian songs) that continue to be the most important and absorbing part of our Christmas even today.
One should not, however, neglect the destructive blow that was delivered to Christmas songs and Christmas holidays in the 17th century. And it took a number of dismal decades to once again compose and vocalize Christmas songs and carols unhesitatingly. Only in the 18th and 19th centuries, carols came to be widely admired and appreciated, and it was during this period that some of the best carols came into existence.
After this exhaustive history of Christmas songs, it is time to participate in the gala affair of Christmas by singing some of the most favorite Christmas songs and carols, some of which are included in the list provided below.
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