Monthly Archives: December 2016

When Celebrating Christmas Was Illegal

  When Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans came to power in England in 1647, the celebration of Christmas and singing carols was stopped. However, the carols survived as people still sang them in secret. Carols remained mainly unsung until Victorian … Continue reading

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Are All Christmas Carols Carols?

The word carol comes from the old French word carole, a circle dance accompanied by singers. Carols were very popular as dance songs during the 12 through 14th centuries, after which their use expanded as songs sung during festivals.  Because they are … Continue reading

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Renaissance Christmas

While Christmas today is considered one of the primary holidays of the Christian faith, it was not always this way. During medieval times, Christmas was a much more solemn affair. It was a day of prayer and reflection, and was … Continue reading

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