Candlelight Christmas Carolers bring tears to Grandmother's Eyes

A brief history on Christmas Carols! The first known Christmas hymns are traced back to 4th century Rome. In the 13th century, in France, Germany, and particularly, Italy, under the influence of Francis of Assisi a strong tradition of popular Christmas songs in regional native languages developed. St. Francis of Assisi also started Nativity Plays in Italy.

In the 17th century, many orchestras and choirs were being set up in the cities of England and people wanted Christmas songs to sing, so carols once again became popular. Many new carols, such as 'Good King Wenceslas', were also written in the Victorian period.

New carols services were created and became popular, as did the custom of singing carols in the streets. Both of these customs are still popular today! One of the most popular types of Carols services are Carols by Candlelight, just before Midnight Mass begins on Christmas Eve.