Deck the Halls facts for kids

"Deck the Halls" is a very old and popular Christmas and New Year's song. It's known for its fun "fa-la-la" parts. These "fa-la-la" sounds were first played on musical instruments called harps. The music for this song comes from a very old Welsh tune. Many famous singers have sung "Deck the Halls," like James Taylor and Nat King Cole.

What is "Deck the Halls"?

"Deck the Halls" is a type of song called a Christmas carol. Christmas carols are traditional songs sung during the Christmas season. This song is all about decorating for the holidays. It talks about putting up holly and singing carols.

The Song's History and Origins

The tune of "Deck the Halls" is very old. It comes from a traditional Welsh air, which is a type of melody. This tune is believed to be from the 16th century. It was originally a Welsh winter carol called "Nos Galan," meaning "New Year's Eve."

How the "Fa-la-la" Began

The famous "fa-la-la" parts of the song are very old too. They were part of the original Welsh tune. These sounds were often played on harps. Harps are stringed instruments that were very popular in Wales. The "fa-la-la" adds a cheerful and festive feeling to the song.

When Did It Become Popular in English?

The English words we sing today were added much later. They were written by a Scottish musician named Thomas Oliphant. He wrote them around 1862. This is when the song became widely known in English-speaking countries.

Meaning of the Lyrics

The lyrics of "Deck the Halls" describe many holiday traditions. "Deck the halls with boughs of holly" means decorating your home with green branches. Holly is a plant with red berries often used for Christmas decorations. The song also mentions "don we now our gay apparel," which means putting on festive clothes. It encourages everyone to be joyful and sing together during the holidays.

Famous Singers and Performances

Over the years, many artists have recorded their own versions of "Deck the Halls." These include jazz singers, pop stars, and classical musicians.

• James Taylor is a well-known American singer-songwriter. He recorded a popular version of the song.
• Nat King Cole was a famous American jazz singer and pianist. His smooth voice made his version a classic.

These different versions show how timeless and loved "Deck the Halls" is. It continues to be a favorite song for families and friends during the holiday season.

Images for kids

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  Pennsylvania School Journal, 1877

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  Melody of "Deck the Hall", from John Hullah, The Song Book (1866)