Carolers in Union Square, San Francisco
Most of what we call Christmas carols are actually Christmas hymns. “In dulci jubilo” is a true carol, that is, a medieval dance tune.
Carol texts could be either sacred or secular. Sacred texts usually concerned major feast days, including the birth of Jesus, thus the association of carols with Christmas music.
Folk instruments, including drums and other percussion, frequently accompanied carols and other dances.
The use of dance rhythms, instruments, and non-Latin texts made carols like “In dulci jubilo” unsuitable for use in Roman Catholic church services.
But the Medieval world knew no separation between religious and secular life. Civic ceremonies and private entertainment at all levels of society made frequent reference to religious imagery.
English-language hymnals often pair the tune with a free translation by John Mason Neale, “Good Christian Men, rejoice.” Continue reading →
