Above: Jamie Grill via Getty Images
Irish Christmas carols have become an integral part of American holiday traditions, leaving a lasting impression on the festive season in Delaware and beyond. Beloved Irish carols such as “The Wexford Carol,” “Christmas in Killarney,” and “The Holly and the Ivy” have transcended their Celtic origins to become staples of the American Christmas repertoire. These songs, deeply rooted in Irish soil, now resonate in homes, churches, and community gatherings across the United States, embodying the universal spirit of joy and celebration that characterizes the holiday season.
“The Wexford Carol,” one of Europe’s oldest extant Christmas songs, hails from County Wexford in Ireland. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, often performed in both English and Irish, recount the nativity story with a distinctly Celtic flavor. This ancient carol has found a new home in American holiday festivities, its timeless beauty bridging centuries and cultures.
“Christmas in Killarney” paints a vivid picture of an Irish Christmas, brimming with imagery of traditional gatherings. Popularized by artists like Bing Crosby, this lively tune has become a favorite among Irish Americans, evoking nostalgia for the old country while simultaneously embracing the joy of new traditions in their adopted homeland.
While “The Holly and the Ivy” has English roots, its themes resonate deeply with traditional Irish sensibilities. The carol’s emphasis on nature and the intertwining of Christian and pagan traditions speaks to the Irish appreciation for the natural world and the complex tapestry of beliefs that have shaped Irish spirituality over the centuries.
These carols, along with many others, have become integral to the American Christmas experience, their Irish heritage enriching the diverse landscape of holiday music in the United States. However, perhaps no Irish contribution to the Christmas carol tradition has been more profound or far-reaching than that of Cecil Frances Alexander and her beloved hymn, “Once in Royal David’s City.”
Cecil Frances Alexander, born in Dublin in 1818, was a remarkable woman whose words came to touch the hearts of millions around the world. A prolific poet and hymnwriter, Alexander possessed a unique ability to convey complex theological concepts in simple, accessible language. This talent proved instrumental in the creation of “Once in Royal David’s City,” a carol that has become a cornerstone of Christmas repertoires on both sides of the Atlantic.
Alexander wrote hymns driven by a desire to teach children the fundamental tenets of the Christian faith. In 1848, she published a collection titled “Hymns for Little Children,” which included “Once in Royal David’s City” alongside other enduring favorites such as “All Things Bright and Beautiful” and “There Is a Green Hill Far Away.” Each hymn in the collection corresponds with a specific article of the Apostles’ Creed, with “Once in Royal David’s City” addressing the belief in Jesus Christ’s birth and incarnation.
The simplicity and grace with which Alexander narrated the nativity story in “Once in Royal David’s City” struck a chord with readers and worshippers alike. Her vivid imagery brought the humble circumstances of Christ’s birth to life, making the profound mystery of the Incarnation accessible to both children and adults. The hymn’s opening lines, “Once in royal David’s city / Stood a lowly cattle shed,” immediately transport the listener to the scene of the nativity, setting the stage for a powerful retelling of the Christmas story.
While Alexander’s words were powerful, the marriage of her poetry to music elevated “Once in Royal David’s City” to its status as a beloved Christmas carol. In 1849, just a year after the publication of “Hymns for Little Children,” English organist Henry John Gauntlett discovered Alexander’s poem and set it to music.
Gauntlett’s melody, known as “Irby,” perfectly complemented Alexander’s lyrics, its gentle, flowing lines enhancing the narrative quality of the words. The tune’s simplicity made it easily singable for congregations, while its dignified character suited the solemnity of the subject matter. This harmonious union of words and music proved to be a key factor in the carol’s enduring popularity.
The true turning point in the history of “Once in Royal David’s City” came in the early 20th century when it was incorporated into one of the most famous Christmas services in the world: the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College, Cambridge. This annual service, broadcast worldwide since 1928, has made the carol a global phenomenon and cemented its place in the Christmas tradition.
To understand the significance of this development, it’s important to explore the origins of the Festival itself. As reported in The News Journal on December 13, 2014:
“The festival is based upon a tradition dating back to Christmas Eve 1880, when E.W. Benson, later the archbishop of Canterbury, arranged a small Christmas Eve service comprised of nine carols and nine small lessons, which were read by various officers of the church. The program was soon adapted by other churches. King’s College in England has been presenting its festival annually since 1910.”
The inclusion of “Once in Royal David’s City” as the opening carol of this service forever changed the hymn’s fortunes. The Festival traditionally begins with a solo chorister singing the first verse unaccompanied, creating a moment of hushed anticipation that sets the tone for the entire service. As the remaining verses unfold, the choir and congregation join in, accompanied by the mighty organ of King’s College Chapel.
This dramatic opening has become one of the most recognizable and beloved elements of the Festival, anticipated each year by millions of listeners around the world. The soloist’s pure, clear voice rising in the vast space of the chapel has come to symbolize the very essence of Christmas for many, evoking a sense of wonder and reverence that perfectly captures the spirit of the season.
The influence of Cecil Frances Alexander and her hymns extended far beyond the shores of Ireland and England, reaching across the Atlantic to touch the lives of Americans, including those in Delaware. An article from The News Journal, dated March 18, 1944, provides a fascinating glimpse into how Alexander’s work has been celebrated and studied in the First State:
“The dramatic department of Wilmington’s West Presbyterian Church will present the third in a series of dramatizations concerning the lives of famous hymn writers and the stories behind the hymn tomorrow night at 7:30 o’clock in the church. Cecil Frances Alexander will be the hymn-writer dramatized. She has written such famous hymns as ‘There Is A Green Hill Far Away,’ ‘Jesus Calls Us O’er the Tumult,’ ‘Once in Royal David’s City,’ ‘Saw You Never in the Twilight’ and others.”
This event, taking place nearly a century after Alexander first penned her hymns, demonstrates the lasting impact of her work and the high regard in which she was held by Delaware congregations.
The influence of “Once in Royal David’s City” and the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols has been steady in Delaware, where numerous churches and community organizations have embraced this tradition, adapting it to their own contexts while maintaining its essential character. This adoption of an originally British service, featuring a prominently placed Irish carol, illustrates the complex cultural exchange that has shaped Irish American Christmas traditions.
Evidence of the Festival’s popularity in Delaware can be found in various newspaper articles from recent decades. For instance, The Morning News reported on November 29, 1975:
“The Cathedral Church of St. John at Concord Ave. at Market Sts. in Wilmington will offer special Advent programs during December. On Dec. 21, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will be presented with music by the Cathedral choirs.”
This adoption of the Festival by one of Wilmington’s most prominent churches set a precedent that would be followed by many others in the years to come. The News Journal provides several examples of this growing tradition:
On December 11, 1996: “FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS: 3 p.m, St. John the Apostle Church, 506 Seabury Ave., Milford. Nine readings of Scripture, congregational or choir Christmas carols, followed by reception.”
On December 20, 2001: “Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” at 8; candlelight Communion at 11. Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 525 Polly Drummond Hill Road, Newark.”
And on December 6, 2006: “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols • The Chancel Choir and Handbell Ensemble of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church with guests. Opus One Vocal Jazz presents a candlelit service of lessons and carols for Advent and Christmas. 7:30 p.m. St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Newark.”
These examples demonstrate how the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, with “Once in Royal David’s City” as its traditional opener, has become a beloved part of the Christmas season for many Delaware communities. The service’s blend of scripture readings and carols, including Alexander’s Irish contribution, has provided a meaningful way for congregations to reflect on the Christmas story and celebrate the season through music.
Churchyard, Church of the Holy Trinity, Churchtown, Carne, County Wexford, Ireland.
“Once in Royal David’s City,” originating from the pen of Irish poet Cecil Frances Alexander, has become a cherished part of Delaware’s Christmas traditions, illustrating how music can transcend national boundaries. The carol’s association with the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols has helped introduce a broader audience to Irish Christmas music. While its influence has been strong, the growing popularity of other carols like “The Wexford Carol” and “Christmas in Killarney” in the American Christmas holiday reflects a broader appreciation for Irish cultural contributions during the festive season.
The adoption of the Festival by Delaware churches and the enduring popularity of these carols have embedded Irish culture in the American Christmas canon. This influence extends beyond music, reflecting the warmth, spirituality, and community that characterize both Irish culture and the Christmas season.
As Delaware families sing these carols and participate in Festival services each year, they not only celebrate Christmas but also honor the rich cultural heritage that Irish immigrants brought to America. The story of Irish carols in Delaware highlights the diverse traditions that compose American culture, where old and new, local and global, blend to create something unique and meaningful.
Ultimately, the enduring popularity of “Once in Royal David’s City” and other Irish carols in the First State speaks to the universal themes of hope, joy, and wonder at the heart of the Christmas story. These songs, born in the green hills of Ireland, have found a new home in Delaware, enriching its social landscape and ensuring that the spirit of an Irish Christmas will remain a cherished part of Delaware’s holiday traditions for generations to come.
