Aiken Celebrates the Joy of Christmas Carols with Engaging Community Lecture

Aiken Welcomes the Cheer of Christmas Carols

Aiken, a charming little city filled with holiday spirit, was abuzz recently as the community gathered to learn about the magical origins of Christmas carols. On December 4, USC Aiken’s own Dr. Keely Rhodes took center stage at the popular “Aiken in the Alley” lecture series, captivating her audience with tales of festive song history.

Bringing the Past to Life

Dr. Rhodes, an assistant professor of music, posed an intriguing question to the crowd: “Where did our Christmas carols come from? How did we establish the carols that we know today?” She embarked on a delightful journey through time, revealing that the earliest origins of Christmas carols trace back to ancient traditions of singing midwinter songs. These festive tunes were designed to uplift spirits and foster connections amongst people, helping to brighten the dreary winter months.

“Imagine the joy of singing together, dancing, and feasting during those long, cold nights,” she mused, reflecting on the rich tapestry of celebrations that have evolved over the centuries. As the lecture unfolded, attendees learned about the influence of early home churches, the Latin liturgical texts that began to shape the carols we know today, and the tradition of Wassailing, where serfs would sing to their landlords, requesting food and drink.

From Melodies to Lyrics

One fascinating tidbit from Dr. Rhodes was that many carols didn’t initially correlate with church music. Instead, melodies existed first, and the text followed. “Historians have traced some carols right back to the Middle Ages,” she explained. “These tunes are among the oldest songs we still sing today, which is remarkable!”

The First Collection of Carols

In a thrilling highlight, Dr. Rhodes shared that the first collection of Latin-based carols, titled “Piae Cantiones,” was compiled in 1582 and included classics like “Good King Wenceslas” and “Good Christian Men, Rejoice.” The evolution of music from simple plainchant to more complex polyphonic arrangements was brought to life as Dr. Rhodes played a snippet of “Gaudete,” a lovely 16th-century carol.

Setting the Record Straight

With a twinkle in her eye, Dr. Rhodes candidly disputed the notion that “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks at Night” is the first complete Christmas carol. She took a stand for “Adeste Fideles,” or “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” claiming it existed in 1640 and should be regarded as one of the earliest true carols in complete form. Who knew history could be so spirited?

Caroling Through the Ages

The lecture continued with tales of Puritan opposition to Christmas celebrations in the 17th century, which created a temporary lull in carol singing. But she noted with a smile that “people kept the spirit alive in secret, and that’s how some pieces survived!” It was truly heartwarming to learn how these treasured traditions managed to endure through tough times.

Reviving the Tradition

As the 1800s rolled in, carols began to regain popularity. Dr. Rhodes highlighted Davies Gilbert‘s endeavor in 1822 to publish “Some Ancient Christmas Carols” as a significant revival effort. The festive atmosphere received a royal touch when Queen Victoria invited caroling groups to perform at her royal palace, further igniting the community spirit.

Singing Their Hearts Out

The lecture ended on a high note, with Dr. Rhodes leading the audience in a rendition of “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” demonstrating how carols can evolve with each generation. “No one messed with it for over a hundred years, and then in 1960, we added a descant,” she pointed out, underscoring the continual evolution of these cherished songs.

Looking to the Future

As she wrapped up her lecture, Dr. Rhodes encouraged everyone to dive into their favorite carols and share them with friends and family, perhaps even gathering around the piano to sing together. “This season is all about connection,” she emphasized, and in Aiken, it looks like the spirit of Christmas caroling is alive and well!

As the “Aiken in the Alley” series winds down for the year, attendees can look forward to exciting discussions and performances returning in the spring. For now, Aiken residents can enjoy the warm, musical glow of the season and maybe even find themselves humming a carol or two!