Mel Crawford (Canadian, B. 1925) "Christmas Carolling" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. Of all the joyous traditions associated with the holidays, perhaps none is more cherished than the custom of singing carols at Christmas. And, it may come as somewhat of a surprise that this beloved Christmas tradition has its roots in pagan customs in practice before the eleventh century. Although the early pagan carols were quite popular with the common people, they were hated and denounced by the Church. For seven centuries, the Catholic Church warned every man to "flee wicked and lecherous songs, dancings, and leapings," but despite all attempts to end caroling, the merriment continued. It was St. Francis of Assisi who introduced carols which were more acceptable to the Church. In many songs, he replaced worldly lyrics with sacred lines. However, the peace between the Church and the carol was not an easy one and for many years the carol was viewed askance by the clergy. It took centuries for the carol to evolve from a pagan rite of fertility into a beloved Christmas tradition sanctioned by the Church. But, in the twentieth century, the custom of singing carols has become a favorite Christmas tradition throughout both Canada and the United States. Today, many a Canadian family plans to spend a cold winter's night before Christmas strolling through the neighborhood serenading friends with the pleasing strains of Silent Night or O Little Town of Bethlehem. It is a Christmas tradition that grows more precious with each passing year. Image Size: 17 x 17 in. Overall Size: 20.25 x 20.25 in. Unframed. (B06804)