In 129 AD a bishop decreed that a song called Angel’s Hymn should be sung at a Christmas service in Rome - that song is generally regarded as one of the first ever Christmas carols. At the time, singing celebrations were actually held during all four seasons, but only the tradition of singing carols at Christmas has really survived.Īs Europe was gradually Christianised, the birth of Jesus began to be celebrated around the same time as the Winter Solstice, and Christianity-themed hymns overtook the pagan songs. In pre-Christian times, pagans would sing songs at celebrations that marked the changing of the seasons, including at the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. The idea of singing carols at Christmas dates back thousands of years. Whether you're singing together with friends and family or just belting out some of your favourite German Christmas carols at home on your own, here is an overview of 10 of the most popular Christmas carols, with their original lyrics in German and an English translation.

People in Germany traditionally sing carols in the run-up to the Christmas holidays, either at their local church or at home around the Christmas tree.

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