Aiken Hosts Insightful Lecture on Christmas Carols
Aiken, SC – On December 4, 2024, the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) offered a captivating lecture titled *“Music and Merriment: Origins of the English Christmas Carol”* by Dr. Keely Rhodes, an assistant professor of music. The event was part of the *“Aiken in the Alley”* lecture series held at the venue located at 139 Newberry St. SW, near The Alley.
Who Presented the Lecture?
Dr. Keely Rhodes, a well-respected member of the USCA faculty, led the talk. With a focus on music and its historical context, her presentation explored the development of Christmas carols from ancient traditions to modern celebrations.
What Was Discussed?
Dr. Rhodes began her lecture by questioning the origins and evolution of Christmas carols. She highlighted that carols are among the oldest songs sung to celebrate the winter season, emphasizing their role in bringing joy during the bleak months of winter. Rhodes explained that early carols emerged from ancient midwinter singing traditions designed to uplift spirits through song, dance, and community gatherings.
Rhodes provided a historical timeline, detailing how Christmas carols transformed from midwinter songs into church hymns and eventually into the carols we recognize today. She mentioned that carols began to take shape during the *Middle Ages*, where they were influenced by elements like nativity plays and the tradition of *Wassailing*, where songs were sung by serfs requesting food and drink from their landlords. “These melodies were often matched with new texts later on,” she added, illustrating how the adoption of Latin liturgical texts played a crucial role in this evolution.
Where and When Did This Occur?
The lecture took place at USCA’s venue *“Aiken in the Alley”* on December 4, 2024, marking the finale of the lecture series for the year. Attendees gathered to soak up the rich history of Christmas music.
Why Is This Topic Significant?
This topic holds significance as it connects community members to their musical heritage during the Christmas season. Dr. Rhodes took the opportunity to remind the audience of the enduring charm of Christmas carols. She explained how despite periods of disruption, like the Puritan opposition to Christmas celebrations in the 17th century, carols were preserved through secret gatherings. “People still got together to sing in hiding, which helped some of these traditional pieces survive,” she noted.
The Evolution of Carols
As the years passed, particularly in the early 1800s, a renewed interest in carols led to collections and publications, making them widely accessible. Dr. Rhodes shared that Queen Victoria was instrumental in reviving the tradition by inviting choirs to perform carols at her palace, further embedding them into holiday culture.
The presentation also included audiovisual examples of carols, such as the 16th-century “*Gaudete*,” and challenged the misconception around the timing of popular carols like “*While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks at Night*.” According to Rhodes, “*O Come, All Ye Faithful*” is one of the earliest complete carols, with roots dating back to 1640.
Community Engagement
Rhodes engaged her audience by leading them in singing popular carols including “*Away in a Manger*,” encouraging a hands-on experience with the music. “Reflect on your personal favorites and share them with others during this festive season,” she advised attendees.
The enlightening session concluded with a note on future events, as Dr. Forrest Anderson, Dean of USC Aiken’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, announced that the series would resume in the spring. For those interested in learning more or attending future lectures, information is available by contacting the USCA.
As Christmas approaches, the spirit of community and music continues to resonate in Aiken, encouraging connections and celebration through the songs of the season.
