Vigo County Historical Society
Historical Treasure Article
Historic Treasure of the Week -
December 8, 2002
By Jan Buffington
Vigo County Historical Society
Tradition of Christmas carols kept alive
Besides the usual family and friends who give gifts during the holiday season, many businesses give their customers something special to thank them for their patronage during the past year.
One such gift from R.R. Richmond Heating and Air Conditioning of Terre Haute is our historical treasure this week at the Vigo County Historical Museum.
A small book of “Cherished Christmas Carols” was given one year. It contains eight carols along with one round, Clement Moore’s poem, “The Night Before Christmas,” as well as a history of carols. Each carol is accompanied with its own short history and graphics.
“While Shepherds Watched” is the first carol, “O Come, All Ye Faithful” and “Joy to the World” follow.
What Christmas song book would be complete unless it contained “Silent Night”? Next is the round, “Good Night,” followed by “We Three Kings of Orient Are,” “Good King Wenceslas” and “Angels We Have Heard on High.” The last carol is “Angels from the Realms of Glory.” All are familiar to carolers and are sung year after year.
The actual origin of caroling as part of our Christmas celebrations is unclear.
Many countries claim to be the birthplace of this wonderful custom. A medieval Italian ring dance accompanied by singing, called a “Carolare” is said to be where the word “carol” is derived. English language carols date from the 15th century “Mystery Plays” of biblical episodes.
It also was in England that Oliver Cromwell abolished Christmas festivities for 18 years in the 17th century. Despite his ban, carols were preserved in folk music and distributed among the people.
We can thank our ancestors for keeping this special tradition alive for us to enjoy today.
The board of directors of the Vigo County Historical Society and the staff and volunteers at the museum extend our best wishes for your holiday season. May it be filled with peace, joy and love.
The Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, 1411 S. Sixth St., is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The Web site: http://web.indstate.edu/community/vchs.