The Oldest Christmas Carol in the World: A Historical Journey Through Time
Introduction
The history of Christmas carols is rich and profound, with these songs serving as powerful expressions of faith and joy throughout the ages. One question often asked by enthusiasts and historians alike is: What is the oldest Christmas carol in the world?
Religious Historians Are Unclear
It's important to note that religious historians do not definitively know what the oldest Christmas carol is. Despite the belief that carols have their origins in the 6th century, historical records have been lost over time. One of the oldest carols that is widely recognized and still performed today is God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, which dates back to around 1764.
The Oxyrhynchus Hymn
The Oxyrhynchus Hymn
A hymn recorded on papyrus in the 3rd century A.D., also known as the Oxyrhynchus Hymn, is one of the earliest known examples of early Christian hymns. Despite being an early example, it is not specifically associated with Christmas celebrations.
Candidates for the Oldest Christmas Carol
1. “Corde natus ex Parentis”
Of the Father’s Love Begotten
Another potential contender for the oldest Christmas carol is Corde natus ex Parentis, or “Of the Father’s Love Begotten.” This hymn was created between 348 and 413 AD by the Christian poet Aurelius Prudentius Clemens, a Roman statesman and regional governor, who lived in the Roman province of Tarraconensis, which is modern-day Northern Spain.
Prudentius wrote and collected hymns towards the end of his life. The words of this hymn were originally written in Latin and were later paired with a medieval plainchant melody called Divinum mysterium. Today, two English translations of the hymn are used in its performance, one by John M. Neale from 1851 extended by Henry W. Baker a decade later, and the other by Robert Furley Davis for the English Hymnal in 1906. The words of the hymn translate roughly to “Of the Father’s heart begotten.”
2. “Jesus Refulsit Omnium”
Jesus Light of All the Nations
A second contender for the title of the oldest Christmas carol is Jesus Refulsit Omnium, or “Jesus Light of All the Nations.” This carol was composed in Latin by St. Hilary of Poitiers in the 4th century, around 310 to 367 A.D. St. Hilary is believed to have created this song after the first recorded Christmas celebration in 336 A.D.
The hymn is an early Christian hymn and is considered one of the earliest known Christmas songs. It is believed to be sung in some churches today, preserving a piece of musical history.
Conclusion
While religious historians cannot definitively state the oldest Christmas carol, several candidates stand out. Whether it is Corde natus ex Parentis or Jesus Refulsit Omnium, these hymns represent a significant part of Christian and musical history. Both are still performed in some churches today, continuing their legacy and preserving their importance.