The
subject came up recently of non-Christmas Christmas songs—that is, songs we
sing this time of year that have nothing to do with Christmas. I think Jingle Bells was mentioned, although it
turns out this was originally a Thanksgiving song.
My
favorite is Good King Wenceslas. Many
are surprised at this since it is found in hymals, so it is thought to be a
Christmas hymn. It is actually a Saint Stephen’s Day hymn. After all, the first
two lines are “Good King Wenceslas look’d out / On the feast of Stephen.”
public domain
Saint
Stephen’s Day is December 26, so this hymn is mixed in with the Christmas
hymns.
Another
fellow, Saint Nicholas, has his day on December 6. His reputation as a giver of
gifts also was mixed in with Christmas, but that is another story.
I didn't know any of this about this song! I like it too. The music has a robust quality. Very festive.
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