Changes

While, these days, we have trouble thinking of “carol” without putting "[[Christmas]]” in front of it, originally the term referred to [[dance|dancing]]  or songs  to accompany dancing. However, by 1500, the singing of songs of good cheer on festive occasions – not necessarily Christmas but usually so – was widespread. Many, while ostensibly saluting the festive season, were reminders of legends in a distant past. These ancient songs, some of which have been traced back at least to the 12th century - and many of which are still sung today - are a form of folksong and, like most genuine folk songs, nearly all have certain characteristics (although there will always be exceptions.)

While, these days, we have trouble thinking of “carol” without putting "[[Christmas]]” in front of it, originally the term referred to [[dance|dancing]]  or songs  to accompany dancing. However, by 1500, the singing of songs of good cheer on festive occasions – not necessarily Christmas but usually so – was widespread. Many, while ostensibly saluting the festive season, were reminders of legends in a distant past. These ancient songs, some of which have been traced back at least to the 12th century - and many of which are still sung today - are a form of folksong and, like most genuine folk songs, nearly all have certain characteristics (although there will always be exceptions.)

*They are generally strophic, similar to the [[frottola]] or [[ballad]] – that is they take the form of multiple verses each with the same recurring tune but with different words – although, frequently,  there is a recurring phrase or chorus at the end of each verse. (Think “''Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel''.” Or “''Nowell. Nowell. Nowell. Nowell. Born is the King of Israel!''” ...and many others.

*They are generally strophic, similar to the [[frottola]] or [[ballad]] – that is they take the form of multiple verses each with the same recurring tune but with different words – although, frequently,  there is a recurring phrase or chorus at the end of each verse. (Think “''Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel''.” Or “''Nowell. Nowell. Nowell. Nowell. Born is the King of Israel!''” ...and many others.)

*They are generally simple of melody and are phrased in the vernacular. There will be some [[Latin]] phrases (e.g. ''In Dulce Jubilo'' – this type of multi language song is described as “macaronic”) but normally both text and music have been designed for the amateur. (The fact that various carols have received attention from some of the greatest composers does not alter the original intention but reinforces the tune’s underlying quality.)

*They are generally simple of melody and are phrased in the vernacular. There will be some [[Latin]] phrases (e.g. ''In Dulce Jubilo'' – this type of multi language song is described as “macaronic”) but normally both text and music have been designed for the amateur. (The fact that various carols have received attention from some of the greatest composers does not alter the original intention but reinforces the tune’s underlying quality.)