Carol Singers Used To Curse Non-Givers

Radio Record, 9 December 1938, Page 41

Carol Singers Used To Curse Non-Givers

Christmas Singing In New Zealand

YULETIDE customs vary a great deal in different parts of the world, but carol-singing is one that is still common to most nations. One of the best examples of carolBinging to be heard today is the traditional festival service at King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, on Christmas Eve. It has been broadcast regularly for the past ten years, and thousands of people in all parts of re British Empire look forward to aring their own favourites as the glad season comes rouni. What is called "The Festival of the Nine Lessons and Carols" has Spread all over the Empire, and it is a happy coincidence that a similar service to that given annually at King’s College, Cambridge, is to be sung by King’s College, Otahuhu, Auckland. This particular service or festival was drawn -9 from sources ancient and modern by Archbishop Benson for cathedral use, and comprises a@ series of short scripture lessons alternated with the singing of earols. The lessons are selected with a view to presenting the whole story of the Redemption of the world, being read in order by eathedral ministers from chorister to Bishop. The fact that the King’s College, Otahuhu, service contains English, Welsh, Gaelic, German and French carole is an indication of the universality of Christmas carols, Of course @ carol service In a church is a different proposition

from the efforts of old-time "waits" and .mummers. The usual procedure in those days was for the entertainers to visit the houses of the "quality" and present, either outside or within doors, a play and 4% programme of carols. , Refreshments and gifts almost invariably followed, but in some parts of the country, whenever the | mummers drew a blank and no gifts were forthcoming, special verses were sung in revenge, after a refusal of money. But those aspects of carol-singing are now a thing of the past and of late years much of the actual rendering of carols has been corifined to churches of various denominations. In addition tc the King’s College, Otahuhn, rendering of "The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols," next Sunday, Woodford House School in Hawke’s Bay will also hold a Similar service on the following Sunday. "The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols" at King’s College, Otahuhu, on Sunday, December 11, will be relayed by 1YA, and the Service at Woodford House School, on Sunday afternoon, Eyoembor 18, will be relayed by