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:
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.
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 Pink Flower Bead Necklace, Freshwater Pearls
PrettyGonzo
Beaded Window Crystal – Swarovski Crystal Rainbow and Asfour Crystal Prism
SolanakaiDesigns
Turquoise Bracelet, Beach Jewelry, Charm Bracelet, Ocean Jewelry
Treasures of Jewels
Pretty Poinsettia Hanging Dish Towel With Hand Knit Topper and Ties
HollyKnitterCreation
Purple Flower Bracelet
BlueMorningExpressions
Personalized Circus Carnival Favor Tags or Thank You Label Party
Adorebynat
Spirit of the Sea Brass Wire Wrapped Handmade Dichroic Fused Glass Pendant
Umeboshi
Classic Irish Crochet Roses in White Lace
RSSDesignsinFiber
Granny Square Afghan
Cathy Creates
HandmadeTwisted Multi colour neck warmer
tricotetcuivre
Chakra Rainbow Handmade Earrings Swarovski Zen Beaded Jewelry Cluster
Shadowdogdesigns
Fish Charm Bead Weave Purple and Aqua Two Strand Bracelet Petite Size
DianesDangles
Guitar Wall Hanging Clock Handmade From Cherry Wood Fender Stratocaster Style
KevsKrafts
Multicolored Seed Bead Earrings Wire Wrapped Spiral Med Hoop Leverback
TheSingingBeader
Aztec Ethnic Double Cord BOHO Ladybug Charm Burgundy Artisan Bracelet
Katsallthat
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
Thank you Julie ..will share it on facebook and I will PIN IT too :O)..
ReplyDeleteI hope lots of buyers "fa la la" over to our shops! :) These are beautiful items! Thank you for showing my seed bead earrings. Sharing on Facebook and will pin items, too.
ReplyDeleteThank you Julie and Blu for another great post. Thank you also for including my afghan. Shared.
ReplyDeleteI could sing to each of these amazing finds! Thanks so much for including my pendant! All pinned up and sharing.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful finds! Thanks so much for including my Irish cable neckwarmer.
ReplyDeleteeveryone has been shared! One of the most fun things about this is seeing how many have expanded, changed or grown over the last few years. There are some really exciting new techniques and designs!
ReplyDeleteThank you Julie & Blu for taking us caroling with you! Thanks for including my coffee cup sleeve :-) Have pinned all your lovely selections - wishing everyone lots of sales!
ReplyDeleteThank you Julie for including my bracelet, will share this fun blog.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting original version! Love the "quaffing all together" line in the decking one- will really do so "fa la la-ing" after that - LOL! Fascinating post, Julie. Many thanks for pulling it together and for inlcuding my chakra earrings. Will share with the world now. And Seamus says he'll share some virtual treats with Blu but alos hopes Blu gets some real treats (:
ReplyDeleteThis part made me LOL! "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." Perhaps you are right. I think a lot of us have been at that point at some time in our lives! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for including my beaded window crystal in this glorious and melodious blog post, Julie and Blu! Will share far and wide!
Interesting post with lots of gorgeous handmade items. Thanks for including my blue lampwork beads covered in frit.
ReplyDeleteI think we should get "quaffing all together" for sure! :) Excited over your choice of the Christmas carol theme this year (I love carols). Thanks, Julie and beautiful Blu, for this extra promoting and for including my necklace with all these beauties. Will be sharing! ... Hey, just noticed that Catherine was attracted to the community "quaffing" too. lol. As usual, treats for our furred pals should be included in such yummy fun. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Julie and Blu for another wonderful selection of gift giving ideas, and for including my BOHO textured wrap bracelet. I love the Christmas carol theme...can't wait to see if you pick one of my very favorites of all time. Can we just say chestnuts and an open fire! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Julie and Blu for sharing a wonderful Christmas Blog. Love the original version LOL..Interesting how time passes and so do the lyrics. Off to share.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post! And those handmade items you selected are simply awesome! Thank you for including my Circus Tags. Off to share.
ReplyDelete