Deck the Halls

“Deck the Halls and Let’s be Merry”

“Deck the Halls”, also known by its’ Welsh title “Nos Galen”, is a traditional Christmas Carol and New Years Song!

The melody is an old Welsh air, first found in a musical manuscript by Welsh harpist John Parry dating back to the 1700’s, ‘though it probably originated much earlier than that, as a Medieval Ballad. Even Mozart and Haydn liked this tune, and referenced it in some of their compositions.

There have been different sets of lyrics over the years; one verse, based on a literal transition from a Welsh publication, goes:

“The best pleasure on new years’ eve,
Is house and fire and a pleasant family, A pure heart and brown ale,
A gentle song and the voice of the harp”

The words that we sing today have made it a carol synonymous with the Holiday Season, and makes particular reference to “Yule” - a pagan holiday that celebrated this time of the year. In old England, Yule season was the merriest time of the year.

A strong green tree was cut from the forest and became the yule log to be burned in the ceremonial fire. As long as the log burned, the celebration continued, sometimes up to several weeks. Greenery such as holly, ivy and mistletoe decorated the hall and added to the festive mood of the season.

Play or Sing along to the Sounds of the Organ