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Deck The Halls - The Story Behind The Song
- 2024/12/06
- 再生時間： 6 分
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Deck the Halls": A Journey Through History and Holiday Cheer "Deck the Halls" is one of the most enduring and joyous songs of the holiday season. With its lively melody, timeless refrain of “fa-la-la,” and festive lyrics celebrating yuletide traditions, it has become a cornerstone of Christmas music. But the origins of this beloved carol are as rich and layered as the holiday season itself. Rooted in Welsh folk music and transformed by English-language adaptations, “Deck the Halls” is a fascinating blend of cultural history and seasonal cheer. The journey of "Deck the Halls" begins not with Christmas but with a 16th-century Welsh tune called “Nos Galan,” meaning “New Year’s Eve” in Welsh. This lively folk song celebrated the turn of the year with themes of merriment, dancing, and togetherness. The melody was vibrant and infectious, making it a favorite for gatherings and communal celebrations. "Nos Galan" was a true folk song, passed down orally through generations before eventually being documented in the 18th century by Welsh harpist and musicologist John Parry. In its original context, the song had nothing to do with Christmas. The Welsh lyrics of “Nos Galan” referenced joy, nature, and celebration without any specific mention of yuletide traditions. Instead, it was a reflection of the broader spirit of winter festivities, where people gathered to mark the changing of the year and enjoy the camaraderie of their communities. It was a time for dancing, feasting, and enjoying the beauty of the season. The leap from “Nos Galan” to “Deck the Halls” came in the mid-19th century when the tune crossed cultural and linguistic borders. In 1862, the song appeared in a collection of traditional Welsh airs published by John Thomas. The melody’s lively rhythm and undeniable charm caught the attention of English-speaking audiences, who saw its potential as a vehicle for holiday cheer. Around this time, Thomas Oliphant, a Scottish musician and lyricist, adapted the tune into English, creating the version of the song we recognize today. Oliphant was part of a movement to popularize ancient melodies by pairing them with new lyrics, often with an emphasis on themes that resonated with contemporary audiences. Oliphant’s English lyrics transformed the song into a Christmas carol, introducing themes of decorating homes with holly, enjoying festive gatherings, and embracing the yuletide spirit. The famous refrain, “fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la,” was carried over from the original Welsh version, providing a joyful and easy-to-remember element that made the song instantly appealing. While Oliphant retained the celebratory essence of the original, he framed it in the context of holiday traditions that were becoming increasingly popular in Victorian England and beyond. By the late 19th century, “Deck the Halls” had become firmly associated with Christmas. Its cheerful lyrics and vibrant melody made it a favorite for carolers and choirs, and its lighthearted tone resonated with audiences of all ages. Unlike more solemn carols that focused on the nativity or spiritual aspects of the holiday, “Deck the Halls” emphasized the joy, beauty, and communal aspects of the season. It invited people to celebrate with laughter, song, and festivity, embodying the secular side of Christmas that complemented its religious traditions. One of the reasons for the enduring popularity of "Deck the Halls" is its adaptability. The song’s structure and repetitive “fa-la-la” refrain make it easy to learn and sing, making it a staple of holiday parties, school concerts, and community events. Its message of decorating, celebrating, and spreading cheer is universal, transcending cultural and generational divides. The imagery of decking halls with boughs of holly and raising the yuletide spirit captures the timeless joy of the season, connecting people to centuries-old traditions. Over the years, "Deck the Halls" has been interpreted and performed in countless ways. It has appeared in films, television specials, and holiday albums by artists spanning every genre. Its lively tempo lends itself to playful and upbeat renditions, while its rich history allows for more traditional and reverent performances. The song’s adaptability and universality have ensured its place as one of the most enduring symbols of holiday cheer. The enduring charm of "Deck the Halls" also lies in its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. Modern performances often add new twists to the melody or harmonies, but the song’s core message of celebration and togetherness remains intact. Whether performed by a full choir in a grand cathedral or sung around the piano at a family gathering, "Deck the Halls" continues to bring people together in the spirit of the season. The song’s journey from a Welsh New Year’s tune to an international Christmas classic highlights the power of music to transcend time and borders. It is a...