The Origins of Caroling

The festive nature of the holiday season makes it an ideal time to sing, especially in groups. Perhaps it's no surprise then that caroling, a tradition that dates back many centuries, ultimately collided with Christmas.

Caroling and Christmas caroling are two different things. According to History.org, the origins of modern Christmas caroling can be traced to wassailing, a term that has evolved for more than a millenium. What started as a simple greeting gradually became part of a toast made during ritualized drinking. Time magazine notes that the word "wassail," which appeared in English lite...