Nature Carols
by Astrid Sieger
Nature is intricately connected with Christmas time. Our most beloved carols either describe nature or use it as a metaphor to poetically explain the events that are most cherished during this season of peace love and giving. This is because the Christmas story is one of creation, birth and a new beginning. Those Christian themes were synchronized with pagan celebrations of nature, thus effectively keeping the Spirit of the birth of Christ while giving the celebration widespread popularity.Christmas Carols are rife with nature imagery. From still, snowy nights to the evergreen Christmas tree these carols convey the charm and nostalgia of the Season.
Angels, from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o’er all the earth;
ye, who sang creation’s story,
now proclaim Messiah’s birth:
(Angels, From the Realms of Glory)
The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown:
O, the rising of the sun,
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.
(The Holly and the Ivy)
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
How are thy leaves so verdant!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
How are thy leaves so verdant!
(O Christmas Tree)
Over the river and through the woods
To Grandmother’s house we go.
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
Through white and drifted snow.
(Over the River and Through the Woods)
The preceding is only a sample of the many, many Christmas Carols that rejoice in nature. What better way to spend the Holidays than in the pristine beauty of one of our national parks. Here you will find the peace and serenity you seek during the holidays and make wonderful memories for years to come.
