Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Deck the Halls

In case you haven’t noticed, we’re going caroling this year! 

This delightful carol has been around since 1877, but the Welsh melody it is based upon has been around since the 16th century and belonged to another carol (aka – dancing song) all together. 

I will bet that somewhere it was a drinking song, since much of the hymns, carols and other older songs that we know seem to have begun in a bar somewhere. Fa la la was a remnant of the original song and may have been part of a medieval ballad. I can see raising a pint of grog and yelling Fa La La! Maybe after a few pints that’s the only words you have left.

Here are the original words before they went all decking the halls on us.
Oh! how soft my fair one's bosom,
fal lal lal lal lal lal lal lal la:
Oh! how sweet the grove in blossom,
fal lal lal lal lal lal lal lal la:
Oh! how blessed are the blisses,
[instrumental flourish]
Words of love, and mutual kisses,
fal lal lal lal lal lal lal lal la:
Here is the original carol before we got ahold of it.

Deck the hall with boughs of holly,
Fa la la la la la la la la.
'Tis the season to be jolly,
Fa la la la la la la la la.
Fill the meadcup, drain the barrel,
Fa la la la la la la la la.
Troul the ancient Christmas carol,
Fa la la la la la la la la.
See the flowing bowl before us,
Fa la la la la la la la la.
Strike the harp and join the chorus.
Fa la la la la la la la la.
Follow me in merry measure,
Fa la la la la la la la la.
While I sing of beauty's treasure,
Fa la la la la la la la la.
Fast away the old year passes,
Fa la la la la la la la la.
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses!
Fa la la la la la la la la.
Laughing, quaffing all together,
Fa la la la la la la la la.
Heedless of the wind and weather,
Fa la la la la la la la la.
See.. there’s drinking! Lots of it and bosoms, too.
Let’s strike the harp and join the chorus (as the more modern version goes), and do some holiday shopping from these wonderful artists and their colorful wares.

Blue Green Aqua Terra Jasper Beaded Gemstone Bracelet

ElunaJewelry

Blue Green Aqua Terra Jasper Beaded Gemstone Bracelet

Blue Pink Flower Bead Necklace, Freshwater Pearls

PrettyGonzo 

Blue Pink Flower Bead Necklace, Freshwater Pearls, Handmade Jewelry

Beaded Window Crystal – Swarovski Crystal Rainbow and Asfour Crystal Prism

SolanakaiDesigns 

Turquoise Bracelet, Beach Jewelry, Charm Bracelet, Ocean Jewelry

Treasures of Jewels

Turquoise Bracelet, Beach Jewelry, Charm  Bracelet, Ocean Jewelry

Pretty Poinsettia Hanging Dish Towel With Hand Knit Topper and Ties

HollyKnitterCreation

Pretty Poinsettia Hanging Dish Towel With Hand Knit Topper and Ties

Purple Flower Bracelet

BlueMorningExpressions 

Personalized Circus Carnival Favor Tags or Thank You Label Party

Adorebynat

Personalized Circus Carnival Favor Tags or Thank You Label Party

Spirit of the Sea Brass Wire Wrapped Handmade Dichroic Fused Glass Pendant

Umeboshi 

Spirit of the Sea Brass Wire Wrapped Handmade Dichroic Fused Glass Pendant

Classic Irish Crochet Roses in White Lace

RSSDesignsinFiber

Opaque Medium Cobalt Blue Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads With Raku Frit
Covergirlbeads 
Opaque Medium Cobalt Blue Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads Raku Frit fb242 Shiny
Coffee Cup Sleeve, Tie Dye Doggie Bones, Cold Drink Wrap, reusable, eco-friendly
Sew Amazin
Tie Dye Doggie Bones Coffee Cup Sleeve | SewAmazin

Granny Square Afghan

Cathy Creates

HandmadeTwisted Multi colour neck warmer

tricotetcuivre

HandmadeTwisted Multi colour neck warmer

Chakra Rainbow Handmade Earrings Swarovski Zen Beaded Jewelry Cluster

Shadowdogdesigns 

Swarovski Chakra Rainbow Handmade Earrings Sterling Cluster Zen

Fish Charm Bead Weave Purple and Aqua Two Strand Bracelet Petite Size

DianesDangles

Fish Charm Bead Weave Purple and Aqua Two Strand Bracelet Petite Size
Handknit Neckwarmer Ladies Rich Berry Irish Cables Caron Simply Soft
Jazzitupwithdesignsbynancy 
Scarf Irish Cable Neckwarmer Burgundy Wine Caron Simply Soft Yarn Sunset

Guitar Wall Hanging Clock Handmade From Cherry Wood Fender Stratocaster Style

KevsKrafts

Guitar Wall Hanging Clock Handmade From Cherry Wood Fender Stratocaster Style

Multicolored Seed Bead Earrings Wire Wrapped Spiral Med Hoop Leverback

TheSingingBeader

Multicolored Seed Bead Earrings Wire Wrapped Spiral Med Hoop Leverback

Aztec Ethnic Double Cord BOHO Ladybug Charm Burgundy Artisan Bracelet

Katsallthat

Aztec Ethnic Double Cord BOHO Ladybug Charm Burgundy Artisan Bracelet



See something you just cannot live without or that would make a great gift for someone on your gift list? Buy it now because handmade, artisan jewelry is HOT, HOT, HOT and sells fast! 

Enjoy all of these goodies, and if you don’t see what you’re looking for, you can find more at: 

Week 1
Week 2
Here We Come A’Wassailing

All of these handmade designers are ready to make something for you. Just ask them! 

Enjoy,
Julie and Blu