We have a collection of 11 arrangements for Deck the Halls
How did a 16th-century Welsh drinking melody transform into a beloved Christmas carol? Learn!
"Deck the Halls" is a popular Christmas carol with a rich history and some interesting facts associated with it:
Welsh Origin: The melody of "Deck the Halls" has Welsh origins. It is believed to have been adapted from a Welsh New Year's carol called "Nos Galan," which means "New Year's Night." The lyrics for "Deck the Halls" were added later in English.
"Deck the Halls" Lyrics: The lyrics we commonly associate with "Deck the Halls" were written by Scottish musician Thomas Oliphant in the 19th century. The original Welsh tune was used for Oliphant's English version.
The "Fa La La" Refrain: One of the most recognizable parts of "Deck the Halls" is the "Fa la la la la, la la la la" refrain. These syllables are known as a "fa la la" chorus and are often used in medieval and Renaissance music to fill in gaps in songs.
Reference to Yuletide: The lyrics "Deck the halls with boughs of holly" refer to the tradition of decorating homes with holly during the Yuletide season. Holly, with its vibrant red berries and green leaves, has been a symbol of winter and Christmas for centuries.
Cultural Impact: "Deck the Halls" has become a well-known and beloved Christmas song, with numerous renditions by artists from various musical genres. It has been featured in countless holiday movies, television shows, and commercials.
Christmas Decorations: The lyrics encourage decking the halls with not only holly but also other festive decorations like garlands, ornaments, and lights. This tradition of adorning homes with these items is a significant part of modern Christmas celebrations.
Variation in Lyrics: There are some variations in the lyrics of "Deck the Halls" in different versions and adaptations. In some versions, you might hear "Don we now our gay apparel" or "Troll the ancient Yuletide carol" instead of the more modern "Don we now our gay apparel" and "Follow me in merry measure."
Global Appeal: "Deck the Halls" has universal appeal and is sung in many languages around the world, adapted to suit local holiday traditions and customs. The melody is recognizable, even if the lyrics vary.
Parodies and Pop Culture: Like many well-known songs, "Deck the Halls" has been parodied in various forms of entertainment, including cartoons, comedy skits, and other media.
Christmas Tradition: Singing "Deck the Halls" is a cherished Christmas tradition, and it's often performed in caroling groups or by families as they decorate their homes for the holiday season.
"Deck the Halls" is a joyful and festive Christmas carol that continues to spread holiday cheer and bring people together during the Christmas season.