The oldest Polish carols date back to the 16th century, and their lyrics express simple folk faith, love of tradition and deep religious feelings. Carols, from the Latin word calendae, were at first songs of praise that were sung in connection with important events, not necessarily related to Christmas. Over time, they took on a religious character, telling the story of Jesus' birth and emphasizing its symbolic meaning.

Among the oldest recorded carols are songs such as \“Angel to the Shepherds Spoke\” and \“From the Nativity of the Lord.\” They were created in different eras, often inspired by folk culture, and their simple yet profound message appealed to the hearts of people regardless of their origin. In times of partitions and wars, carols played not only a religious role, but also a national one, being an expression of consolation and upholding the national spirit. An example is \“God is Born,\” which - considered a Polish Christmas hymn - expresses strength and hope.

Carols are an integral part of Christmas Eve and the entire Christmas season. In many homes, immediately after Christmas Eve supper, families sit by the Christmas tree to sing carols together. This custom has not only religious significance, but also builds family ties, reminding us of the communal dimension of Christmas. Singing Christmas carols symbolizes the joy of the birth of Jesus and creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere among loved ones.

The Polish carol tradition is exceptionally rich and varied. Among the most popular carols that accompany the holiday season are:

• \“God is born\” - considered the most beautiful Polish carol, the words of which were written by Franciszek Karpinski. The text proclaims the birth of God and his victory over darkness, calling for collective thanksgiving.
• \“Lulajże Jezuniu\” - a beautiful, lullaby-like carol that is often sung during moments of silence and reflection. Its melody is meant to calm and soothe, and the words allude to Mary's maternal love.
• \“They came to Bethlehem\” - a joyful pastoral telling the story of shepherds who rush to welcome the born Jesus. Its light and cheerful character makes it much loved by children.
• \“Among the Silence of the Night \” - another reflective carol, often sung at the beginning of the Midnight Service, which proclaims the birth of Christ and evokes feelings of warmth and reverie.
• \“Silent Night\” - although it originated in Austria, it is very popular in Poland. Its peaceful melody and touching lyrics make it sung around the world, expressing peace and hope.

Pastorals - Folk Christmas Songs

Unlike Christmas carols, pastorals are songs that have a more folk, light and sometimes humorous character. They tell stories related to the birth of Jesus, but focus on rural scenes, shepherds and everyday images from the lives of ordinary people. This makes the pastorals lively, colorful and emotional. An example is \“Shepherds, hey!\”, which tells the story of shepherds who enthusiastically go to welcome the Child. Pastorałki often refer to nature and simple life, reflecting the atmosphere of the Polish countryside.

The first professional recordings of Polish carols and pastorals date back to the early 20th century, when technology made it possible to record singing on vinyl records. In the interwar period, well-known choirs and ensembles began recording carols, which were then played in the homes of Poles, setting the holiday mood. The earliest known recordings of Polish carols were made by the \“Halka\” and \“Lira\” choirs in the 1930s. Over time, these recordings became popular in Polish homes, and after World War II, record releases of carols were reissued, contributing to their further dissemination.

Nowadays, carols and pastorals are recorded by popular Polish artists, which means that the tradition remains alive, and carols enjoy enduring popularity among successive generations. Modern arrangements of carols introduce new elements, but their spirit remains the same - filled with joy at the birth of the Savior and the feeling of togetherness that accompanies Poles at the Christmas table and in churches.