Published: Dec. 17, 2018 By

During the holidays, no matter how you celebrate or what your beliefs, music is almost always an important part of the celebration, according to Thomas Riis, a musicologist and retired director of theAmerican Music Research Centerin CU Boulder’s College of Music.

“Singing brings people together and is a natural and comfortable community activity,” says Riis.

While caroling is thought of as a holiday tradition, historically the carol originated as a dance song and was associated with country life in general and making merry, says Riis.

Listen as Riis talks more on caroling songs and traditions.

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Carols