God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

The traditional English hymn, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, was called 'the most popular of
Christmas carols' by A.H. Bullen. It first played in the United States in its best-known modern
form, from an early 19th century London broadside, followed by a more popular Victorian melody,
from Sandys' collection.

When this carol first started is unknown. Carols have an interesting history. The carol's roots
came not from the organized church, but from the common people who wished to express their simple
ideas and honest feelings that were not expressed by the somber music of the church. By the 14th
century, carol singing was firmly established throughout Europe, not to mention the dancing that
accompanied it. Carols originally were associated with dancing, which explains why their tunes are
livelier than that of standard church music of the day. Originally, carols were sung for all occasions,
not just Christmas.

Carols became extremely popular by the 16th century, the century of the reformation. It was
during this century when the first versions of many of today's carols were written. However,
England's "Cultural Revolution" occured in the war to topple King Charles I. The Puritan English
Parliament of 1647 officially abolished Christmas and all other festivals. It was not until after
the fall of Cromwell that Christmas became legal again. It would be another 150 years before any
new carols would be published in England.

The revival of British carols and its concentration at Christmas is a Victorian phenomenon.
Victoria was born in 1819 at which time carols were rarely sung. By the time she died, they were
extremely popular again. In 1822, collections of the old songs were published, and the caroling
tradition which had nearly died out, was revitalized. Instead of discouraging caroling as the
puritans during the rise of Cromwell had done, the protestant English clergy of the Victorian era
enthusiastically taught them to their parishioners.

Since the protestant churches of England and America were closely aligned during the Victorian
era, as caroling became popular in Enland, the ex-colonies followed suit. It was during this time
that the traditional English carol, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, became known in its modern form
in America. It is still popular today. However, people seldom dance to it. Perhaps the durablity
of this old carol lies in the way that its first verse so plainly expresses the essence of the
Christmas story.

--- by Bill Drennon, Central Valley Christian School, Visalia, CA