Every year on November 1st, people loath to hear Christmas carols begin being played. Like clockwork, it starts, and Mariah Carey's voice echoes through every open square, every store, and over every radio station.
These songs, as much as we might resist them, help create and spread a festive spirit. Carols are popular worldwide and have a long history that dates as far back as the 15th century.
Sheet music for “Good King Wenceslas.”
In the Czech Republic, many of the songs which are popular in the United States are the same; this includes classics like "Jingle Bells," "Silent Night," and "Please Come Home for Christmas." One other popular carol sung in both countries is "Good King Wenceslas," but the song's story is rooted in Czech history.
"Good King Wenceslas" gets its name from a Duke of Bohemia, although he also has the name Valac the Good. His father died when he was young, and he took control of the country when he was only 18. He halved Bohemia with his younger brother Boleslaus to prevent disputes, but his sibling was unhappy with the arrangement. Boleslaus plotted the murder of his older brother, and the day of his death, September 28th, became Wenceslaus' Saints Day.
There are stories about him "rising every night from his noble bed, with bare feet…[going] around to God's churches and [giving] alms generously to widows, orphans, those in prison." These tales of his life are what inspire the lyrics of the song.
Carols are called "koleda" in Czech, and going from home to home caroling, although not as popular today, is another shared practice. These songs were sung before the introduction of Christianity to the region, as people would celebrate the first day after the winter solstice. As the religion became integrated into the culture, so did this tradition of singing. Carols were sung on Christmas Eve, St. Stephan's Day, and on New Year's Eve.
Figurines of Christmas carolers.
In the 14th century, a monk named Jan z Holešova wrote a manuscript in which he described how the people celebrated Christmas. He talks about gift-giving, special meals (which included bread with dried fruits called vánočka), and of course, caroling. Although he names the songs in Latin, he says that the people mainly sing them in Czech.
These songs are deeply rooted in tradition, and although we may groan initially, it's difficult to say that we don't enjoy hearing carols at least a little. They signal the beginning of winter and the time that many people receive an opportunity to be with friends and family.
Below are a few of the songs mentioned above in both Czech and English for comparison and enjoyment.
Silent Night/Tichá Noc.
Jingle Bells/Rolničky.