Holiday music is unavoidable this time of year, with carols broadcasting on the radio, jingles in commercials and Muzak in every mall. But how did the tradition begin?
The proper term for caroling, or door-to-door singing of Christmas carols, is wassailing and is derived from the meaning “to be in good health,” said Peter Schimpf, music history professor at Metropolitan State College of Denver.
Wassailing actually began as a pagan ritual, with people serenading the trees in hopes of a good harvest, said Schimpf, but modern wassailing can be traced back to early to mid-19th century Victorian era England and is associated with begging.
“The one time of the year that it was considered appropriate for people to beg door-to-door was around Christmas time,” said Schimpf.
“They would beg for food or money in exchange for entertainment.”
Although they are not begging for anything, the youth group from Arvada Baptist Church goes wassailing the first Wednesday of every December with the goal of inviting neighbors to the church’s annual Christmas musical.
“It’s a great outreach for the church, but it is also the time of the year for Christians to come together and sing praises to the Lord,” said Pastor Jon Acker.
The kids, who range in age from 13 to 18, really enjoy caroling because it is a fun break from their youth meetings, he said.
“They’re out there singing despite the freezing cold,” Acker said.
“It’s a joy to see these young people so excited about the Christmas season.”
For other Colorado residents, caroling is as much a part of the season as opening presents on Christmas morning.
Kathleen Kennedy, who is in her 27th season managing and performing with What the Dickens? Carolers! caroling company, said she caught the caroling bug a long time ago.
“It’s a way to give back during the season, and it takes away some of the hustle and bustle during this time of the year,” she said.
What the Dickens? Carolers! is a troupe of 25 professional singers that perform in full, custom-designed Victorian/Dickens era attire.
They sing more than 100 carols and contemporary holiday songs, Kennedy said.
“Caroling provides that traditional feel of the season and sets the ambiance for a particular event,” she said. “People like to see the costumes and hear holiday tunes.”
Kennedy said people have hired the troupe for numerous functions, including private parties for members of the Colorado Avalanche hockey team, a benefit fundraiser at the Governor’s Residence and live performances on TV and radio, but her favorite type of event is the smaller gatherings of family and friends.
“They’re intimate, so there’s always a chance to talk to the people … and somebody always wants to share a memory that one of our songs reminded them of,” said Kennedy.
The Arvada Baptist youth group carols the same street every year. The songs vary from year to year, but according to Acker, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” is a favorite.
“They have a lot of fun singing together and sharing faith with the neighbors,” said Acker. “But they really enjoy the hot chocolate and cookies afterward.”
