History and Legacy of the Christmas Carol "Deck the Halls"

The Story Behind the Classic "Fa La La La La" Lyrics

You've likely heard the familiar "Fa la la la la, la la la la" melody during the holiday season, but where did this iconic tune originate from? The history behind these classic Christmas lyrics is an interesting one.

The Origins of "Deck the Halls"

The "fa la la la la" lyric is from the well-known Christmas carol "Deck the Halls." This song dates all the way back to 16th century Wales, where it began as a New Year's Eve folk song. The original Welsh title was "Nos Galan," meaning "New Year's Eve." It was later adapted into an English Christmas carol in the 18th century under the name "Deck the Hall." Over time, the lyrics evolved into the "fa la la" version we all know today.

Adaptations Over the Centuries

The tune and lyrics have gone through several changes from the 16th century Welsh folk song to the Christmas carol as we now know it. The melody itself is believed to be adapted from an even older pagan winter solstice tune. As the song spread to England, the lyrics were changed from a New Year's song to a Yuletide carol welcoming the Christmas season. Different regional adaptations emerged over time before it evolved into today's familiar version.

A "Fa La La" Sensation

The current lyrics with the iconic "fa la la la la" motif first appeared in print around the early 19th century. By the middle of the 1800s, "Deck the Halls" with its catchy "fa la la" chorus had become a hugely popular Christmas carol on both sides of the Atlantic. As the song continued spreading internationally in the 1900s, it became a staple tune during the holiday season as both a classic to sing and popular Christmas melody.

Why Do We Sing "Fa La La"?

"Fa la la la la" is known as a nonsense syllable, meaning it carries no literal meaning but is used melodically to accompany the lyrics. Similar examples are "tra la la" and "hey nonny nonny" in folk songs. The repetitive and catchy syllable gives "Deck the Halls" its lighthearted feeling that encapsulates Yuletide joy. The tune likely originated long ago as an accompaniment for dancing before later incorporated into lyrics.

The "Fa La La La" Legacy

Over many decades, "Deck the Halls" cemented its status not just as a popular Christmas carol but also as one of the most iconic holiday tunes of all time. Anytime someone hears or sings those "Fa la la" lyrics, it immediately evokes nostalgic feelings of the Yuletide season. It captivates modern audiences the same way it did centuries ago.

A True Christmas Classic

The timeless appeal of "Deck the Halls" has made its "fa la la la la" chorus a true Christmas standard that's recognizable even from just the first few notes. Every holiday season it can be heard everywhere from holiday playlists to Christmas movies to carolers singing outside. It's become one of those special tunes that never fails to get everyone into the festive spirit.

Covered by Countless Artists

A testament to its legacy is the astounding number of renowned artists across genres who have covered "Deck the Halls," including Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and many more. More contemporary covers have been done by artists like Whitney Houston, Glee cast, and Pentatonix. The fact that every decade new artists continue remaking it shows its lasting impact.

Inspiring New Renditions

"Fa la la la la" has proven itself so musically and lyrically adaptable that it inspires creative new interpretations every season. Jazz versions, piano instrumentals, heavy metal covers, and many other reimaginings keep the classic carol feeling fresh. Even after hundreds of years at the heart of Christmas music, it still captures creative minds.

Conclusion

For centuries to the present day, once those first joyous "Fa la la's" kick off a performance of "Deck the Halls," young and old alike start brimming with the Christmas spirit. It has become such an iconic encapsulation of Yuletide joy and merrymaking that it's unlikely to ever fade from popularity. Even as new holiday music emerges year after year, "fa la la la la" will always occupy a special place among the season's most beloved traditions.

FAQs

What are the origins of the "Deck the Halls" Christmas carol?

The melody and lyrics of "Deck the Halls" originated from a 16th century Welsh New Year's folk song called "Nos Galan." It was later adapted into an English Christmas carol in the 18th century.

How did the "fa la la" lyrics come about?

The exact origin of the signature "fa la la" lyrics is unknown, but they first appeared in printed versions of "Deck the Halls" in the early 19th century. The nonsense syllables were likely an adaptation of a melodic accompaniment used when singing and dancing to folk tunes.

Why has this carol endured over so many decades?

Its catchy melody and chorus, themes of Christmas celebration, adaptability to different styles of music, and sense of nostalgia have allowed "Deck the Halls" to remain a holiday favorite after over 200 years.

What artists have covered this Christmas song?

"Deck the Halls" has been remade bymusic legends like Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Whitney Houston, and many more. New covers continue to be released every holiday season in styles across musical genres.