Any fan of old classic movies knows that carolers were one of the hallmarks of any Christmas themed movie. Whether it was “It’s a Wonderful Life” or Charles Dickens “Christmas Carol”, you could be certain at some point some warmly bedecked singers would arrive at someone’s door belting out the traditional songs for Christmas.
While Caroling is slowly falling out of style, there’s still time to preserve this time honored tradition, and Go Caroling Day is your call to arms.
History of Go Caroling Day
Carolling has a long history in the world, potentially existing longer than Christmas itself and having moved into that religious practice from much older roots. This is no surprise, given that the act of singing has long been a form of religious observance, and religious hymns are certainly not a new way of honouring one’s faith.
Carolling itself, however, is specifically used to reference those songs and traditions of Christmas, and for many years was a heavily practised tradition that many people eagerly took part in, whether by joining the carolers or by avidly awaiting their arrival at their doorstep as avatars of Christmas cheer.
Wassailing was another tradition that was quite similar in many ways, but was actually used to travel to the orchards and other places where cider was produced. It was believed that singing to the trees would promote a good harvest for the year, and was almost exclusively practised in England.
How to celebrate Go Caroling Day
Well, one might suppose that the answer is right there in the name, might they? The best way to celebrate Go Caroling Day is to organize a group of friends and relations and get out there and get your songbird on for this holiday! All of the songs you might want to sing have to be familiar after all these years, you’ve sung them growing up, as part of your school choir, and they’re on the radio in multitudinous variations starting from before Thanksgiving. (That’s another issue, don’t get me started).
However, if you are more of the non-traditional sort, you can still get your songster on each year by learning the many variations of these holiday songs. The H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society has released three albums all dedicated to Lovecraftian rewrites of the holidays, and they are nothing short of fantastic. The point of Go Caroling Day is to get out and share the spirit of the season, however, you celebrate it, with everyone.
Now get singing!
