English carol, mid-nineteenth century, celebrating the Christmas tradition of roaming packs of carolers singing from house to house in exchange for a nicely spiked shot of hot wassail (spiced punch).
Words & music at least as far back as the 17th century; seasonal/solstice celebration of holly & ivy dates back to pagan pre-Christianity. The vivid coloration and sturdiness of both these evergreens also make them powerful Christian symbols, as beautifully painted in this traditional British carol.
Appalachian carol created from a short vocal fragment sung to and expanded upon by musical folklorist John Jacob Niles.
Poem (ca.1870) by British poet Christina Rossetti(1830-1894). First appearance as a Christmas carol in The English Hymnal in 1906 when set to music by composer Gustav Holst (1874-1934).
Originally an 1849 poem by American Edmund Sears, set to an 1850 tune entitled "Carol" by American Richard Storrs Willis, a pupil of Mendelssohn.