Beloved around the world for its infectious joy and sing-along refrain, Deck the Halls traces its origins not to Christmas Day, but to a centuries-old Welsh New Year's celebration.
The melody dates back to Nos Galan, a traditional Welsh folk tune whose name means "New Year's Eve." First documented in the 16th century, the tune was originally sung during winter festivities in Wales, marking the turning of the year with music, feasting, and communal celebration.
The song's now-iconic "fa-la-la" refrain reflects Renaissance musical practice, when joyful syllables were commonly used as vocal ornamentation. Designed for communal singing, these refrains emphasized celebration and participation rather than lyrical meaning-an approach that helped the tune endure across generations.
The version recognized today took shape in 1862, when Scottish poet and antiquarian Thomas Oliphant penned new English lyrics to accompany the traditional Welsh melody. Rather than translating the original Welsh words, Oliphant crafted verses inspired by Victorian holiday customs, including decorating homes with greenery, festive gatherings, and seasonal cheer.
Through Oliphant's lyrics, Deck the Halls became firmly associated with Christmas, transforming a New Year's folk song into a holiday staple. While some imagery-such as holly and evergreen boughs-draws from pre-Christian winter traditions, the song was embraced by Christian communities as an expression of joy, hope, and warmth during the darkest season of the year.
Today, Deck the Halls remains one of the most enduring and widely performed Christmas carols, cherished for its simplicity, exuberance, and communal spirit. From concert halls to church services and family living rooms, the song continues to invite listeners to celebrate together-linking ancient folk tradition with modern Christmas joy.
