I thought it would be interesting to show a few pages from the book in my December posts
This page shows the hymn God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen with a French Happy New Year postcard
The hymn is very old traditional, I found this about it
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen was
first published in 1833 when it
appeared in "Christmas Carols
Ancient and Modern," a collection of
seasonal carols gathered by William
B. Sandys. The lyrics of God Rest Ye
Merry Gentlemen are traditional olde
English and are reputed to date back
to the 15th century although the
author is unknown.
It is believed
that this particular carol was sung
to the gentry by town watchmen who
earned additional money during the
Christmas season. God Rest Ye Merry
Gentlemen continues to be enjoyed.
The lyrics to this simple carol are
reputed to be one of the oldest
carols.
The carol is referred to in Charles Dickens 'A Christmas Carol', 1843: "... at the first sound of 'God bless you, merry gentlemen! May nothing you dismay!', Scrooge
seized the ruler with such energy of action that the singer fled in
terror, leaving the keyhole to the fog and even more congenial frost."
Thank you for all the comments yesterday about the Crib displays.
And a special PS to Elaine.......They are gorgeous, love them. Thank you so much.
Back Tomorrow
Sue
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is one of my favourite carols.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful rendition of this hymn, which is my favourite. The first carol I've heard this year. Thank you so much for posting. As one, like you, who will spend Christmas with family, but without my husband for the first time, these words seem very apt. Many blessings, Sue.
ReplyDeleteA different Christmas for sure but my grandchildren will bring lots of happiness as I hope your family do too.
DeleteSomeone (who didn't know me at all) asked if I would cancel Christmas! No way!
It's a lovely tune and cheerful words - perfect for the season!
ReplyDeletexx
Ah, my husband's favourite Christmas carol. This book looks right up my street so I've put it on my list of books to look out for. Thanks, Sue. x
ReplyDeleteI think it would be lovely if we could just stick tothese old traditions - your page looks so inviting - instead of going overboard for all the rubbish these days.
ReplyDeleteI used to live round the corner from Edith Holden's house, on Kineton Green Road in Solihull. When all the interest in her and the associated marketing stuff came out, it was quite common to walk home from school and see (mainly) American tourists standing outside the house taking photographs. I never ever saw anyone in the house though! Whatever time of day I went past, it was always empty but the house was lived in. Must remember to drive past it on way to pals tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteA proper Christmas Carol. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the book info , It looks a beautiful book , I have just ordered one of Ebay for my friend as a finishing chemo present as she loves Christmas xxx
ReplyDeleteI love reading your posts and I am on the look out for the Chrustmas book for my daughter,
ReplyDeleteThank you Sue.
Hazel c uk
I think some shops have gone back to playing Carols here rather than the American Christmas songs - all for the better in my mind.
ReplyDeleteNow I can't stop humming that tune. At least it is a good one. :)
ReplyDeleteWell now I am singing "God Rest You Merry Gentleman" in my head.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that bit of history with all of us.
God bless.
I have never come across this book before, I have the other two you mentioned and enjoy them immensely. Nice to learn a little more about "God rest you merry gentleman"
ReplyDeleteSweetx
ReplyDeleteI've not commented for a while, but that is a lovely post, Sue.
ReplyDeleteMargaret P