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Zurich Citizens News, 1974-12-23, Page 17MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1974 ZURICH CITIZENS NEWS PAGE 1'7 First Christmas Carols The first carols were dance songs, or ring songs, sung by villagers around a Maypole, or to celebrate other festive oc- casions throughout the year, during the Middle Ages, Later they became more ex- clusively associated with Christmas, The word "carol" derives from the Greek and Latin word "choraules" meaning "chorus." The phrase, "Christmas Carols" first appeared during the 16th century in England in little songbooks printed by Wynken de Worde and Richard Kele. DANCE CAROLS — Best examples of these rounds or ring dances are still to be found in Sweden, where people dance around the tree singing many rollicking songs. Elsewhere, dance carols are merely sung, although many of the tunes are known to inspire dancing feet. SFIEPHERD CAROLS, of and about the shepherds to whom the angels appeared, and their coming to the stable with humble gifts are the most human and appealing accounts of Christ's birth. They were sung to accompany the vivid portrayals of this scene in the medieval "mystery" plays, which were common in England as well as all other European countries, Best known today is the traditional English carol, "While Shepherds Watched." LULLABY CAROLS were among the ear- liest Christmas songs and like all cradle songs have a rocking, lilting rhythm and a simple melody. "Cradle rocking" carols or "Kindelwiegen" were a part of the church ritual in Germany and Austria, A good example of this type of carol is the 16th century English carol, "What Child Is This?" which was sung to the 16th century dance tune, "Greensleeves." An- other is the 19th century American anony- mous carol, "Away In A Manger." One of the most beautiful of all lullaby carols is the "Coventry Carol," which was a part of one of the English medieval "mysteries." It is sung by a group of women, portraying Bethlehem mothers just before Herod's soldiers slaughter their babies. CAROLS OF THE MAGI — The arrival of the Magi with precious gifts for the Christ Child is the most picturesque and colorful part of all Christmas pageants. The Magi songs all tell this rich, spiritual story, Among the most familiar of these to Americans is "We Three Kings," the words and music for which were written by John Henry Hopkins, Jr. in the 19th century. NATIVITY CAROLS — There are .many varieties of these. The first hymns in honor of the Nativity were written in Latin during the 5th century, when Christmas wa fully established as one of the great church feasts, It was not until the 13th century. when St. Francis of AsHisi inspired his friends to write in their native tongue, that Nativity Songs were written for the people to sing. From Italy, these Nativity Songs spread throughout all Europe, Two of the most familiar of these to u3 are: "Joy To The World," written by Isaac Watts in the 17th century and the 18th century German "Stille Nacht" (Silent Night) by Joseph Mohr. The original mu- sical called for a guitar accompaniment, LEGENDARY CAROLS spring from the folklore of people throughout the world inspired by superstitions and pre -Christian beliefs. One thing they have in common is that they all tell a story, Most well known of these is the tradi- tional English "I Saw Three Ships," "The Boar's Head Carol" both from the Middle Ages, the latter of which is still sung at Christmas dinner at Queens College, Ox- ford, as the boar's head is ceremoniously brought in. "Good King Wenceslas," writ- ten by J. M. Neale in the 19th century is about a fervent Christian Duke of Bohemia, CAROLS OF CUSTOM deal with pre - Christmas customs that have become attached to Christmas celebrations. For example, the yule log and mistletoe of England go back to the Druids. Decking the halls with boughs of holly and ever- green come from the Hebrews, Egyptians, Romans and other ancient peoples, for whom the evergreens were symbolic of life triumphant over death. The wreath came originally from the ivy crown worn by Romans in Bacchanalian festivals. "Was- sail" was the Anglo-Saxon drinking pledge, "Waes-Hael" which means "Be in health" and which was part of Early Saxon feasts. "0 Tannenbaum" (0 Christmas Tree 1 the traditional German carol goes back to the early days of wandering tribes, who would always leave a grove of trees in the middle of the land they cleared. CAROLS FOR THE 7'WEI,VE DAYS — During the 6th century, the 12 days from Nativity to Epiphany were declared a fes- tive season, celebrated in medieval England by many gay. customs including, jousts, banquets, caroling and "mumming," which originally was a sort of pantomime dance performed by masked and costumed groups. Best known of these carols are the tradi- tional English "God Rest Ye Merry," and "The Twelve Days of Christmas," which is based on an old French rhyme and chant. Snowmobiles high Snowmobiles are skimming into the popularity picture across Canada, revolutionizing winter travel and establishing a new social life for winter -bound families. They're also of proven value for works of mercy, rescue missions and for tracking down criminals. It is estimated that more than a million of the subnosed machines have hit the trails across North America in the last few years. They travel 50 miles an hour and more on a rubber belt turned by a motor, and on ski runners on the front. In many parts of Southwestern Ontario snowmobiling for winter fun has become a way of life. And in the northern parts of Ontario, the machine has become more than a fact of fun life. In such sections of the province the snowmobile is a necessity for much of the winter, without which some folks might never get out of the house. Snowmobile manufacturers have gone all out to place a snow- mobile with every family, They have come out with a whole line of smaller lightweight machines, stressing the fact that they are not only less costly than their larger forebears, but they can be handled by Mom and Junior as wel as Dad. Manufacturers, too, are aiming to get two snowmobiles in the family garage — FROM ARROW PETROLEU GAS - FURNACE OIL DIESEL - STOVE OIL CALL 236-4555 ZURICH BOB HAMILTON AGENTS 296-4579 SLT TOM MILLAR 296-4932 Oddly enough, the brightly - colored snowmobiles on display at any racing event have had a profound effect on what people feel they should wear at a snow- mobiling outing. Says winter apparel designer Marvin Walker, the "in" crowd wears strong, primary colors that are at least a match for the colorful machines. And this applies both on and off the track. Snowmobile outfits are de- signed quite differently from ski togs. They have to be, While there is not much differ- ence in actual weight, clothing designed for the snowmobile set must take into consideration the fact that snowmobile riders move around a lot, Therefore, the snowmobile outfit is less form- fitting, or clinging, than ski clothes and is designed to allow more room to move around, We hope you enjoy everything this wonderful season has to offer. Thank you, friends. YUNGBL UT'S Meat Market TERRY RAU - PROPRIETOR food tidings are coming your way from the bottom of our hearts on this special day, and with our wishes go our thanks for letting BEST WISHES FROM GRACE,IRVIN and FAMILY MARTIN EL CTRIC "H0E HEATING SERVICE" PI IONEE 236-4898 ZURICH