Dear Rotarian
“Do you hear what I hear? A song, a song, high above the trees. With a voice as big as the sea.”
Carols were first sung in Europe thousands of years ago, but were not the Christmas Carols we know and love today. They were pagan songs, sung in celebration of the Winter Solstice while dancing around stone circles. The word carol actually means dance or a song of praise and joy!
A common legend says that Christmas carols were named after Carol Poles, a little English girl who supposedly went missing in London during the holiday season in the late 19th century. People supposedly searched for her by going door-to-door, singing to declare their good intentions.
Before carol singing in public became popular, there were official singers called “Waits” who were led by important town leaders so they were not deemed beggars. They were called Waits because they would only sing on Christmas Eve which was called “waitnight” in remembrance of the shepherds watching their sheep when the angels came to them to share the news of the birth of Jesus.
Every year I wait with bated breath, for the program we get to enjoy this Tuesday. I have heard the same feelings from many of you! With thanks to Russ Batzer, we have the North Medford High School Choir to help us get in the spirit of the holidays! This will be the perfect afternoon to begin a day of Rotary celebration with our Christmas party that same evening! I hope to see you at both events even if you have to come “over the river and through the woods!”
Yours in Holiday Rotary Service!
Michelle Corradetti, President
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