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YULETIDE CAROLS

© Roslind M. Sherman

CHRISTMAS,THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR. Singing and listening to the Yuletide Carols is the ultimate revival and uplifting of one's roots.

During the festive season, I am humbly THANKFUL for my gift of SONG .It is a blessing to share the music.

As children,we anticipate and envisioned dreams of snow captured hilltops twinkling under the captive glow of a radiant star.

These images stir the magical pleasures of Christmas revelry in our hearts.

My favorite childhood memories and carols, include the 12th century, " THE FRIENDLY BEASTS " ,the 16th century, " THE COVENTRY CAROL ", " THE HOLLY AND THE IVY" , which pre-dates Christianity and Canada's first Christmas Song, " THE HURON CAROL " or " T'WAS IN THE MOON OF WINTERTIME ".( suite101.com /article.cfm/5086 )

NOW .... as time beats to a different drummer, I have discovered that many of the words and tunes have exceptional historical backgrounds. Each possesses an enlightening message and purpose for existence.

For instance, who hasn't sung, GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN, at the top of their lungs, simultaneously swaying back and forth with great enthusiasm.

"Go Tell It On The Mountain ", is an authentic spiritual, which probably dates back to the early 1800's.

The Black Slaves of the United States believed that the birth of a Saviour would set, " ALL MEN FREE " .

SO ... it was FOR this MIRACLE that they began singing, " GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN ". Jesus, had chosen lofty heights for his sermon on the mount. Therefore the Slaves appropriately chose the lofty heights of hope filling the world with song.

The song was popularized by the Fisk University, Jubilee Singers, who travelled throughout the U.S. and Europe earning scholarship fund money for " FISK ", a school founded to educate freed slaves.

One of the most beautiful pieces to sing is, " Sweet little Jesus Boy " written by Robert MacGimsey. It is recorded that he wrote this carol or spiritual on Christmas Eve( 1932 ) after a soul searching walk past the taverns and nightclubs of New York.

It was originally intended as an Art Song but somehow ended up in the quasi-spiritual category of musical repertoire.( http://acadia.pair.com )

The spiritual significance of the song is directly related to, " the Negro in his, native state, of America because usually he sings the song to himself. In spirituals, he talks to himself about his troubles, his hopes, his fears and hold personal communion with God- without an audience. The result is a simple, sincere and an intimate expression of feeling ".....

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