What is the history of 'Deck the Halls'?

Originally called 'Deck the Hall', this traditional Christmas song first appeared in 1862. According to Wikipedia, the history of the lyrics to 'Deck the Halls' is:

"The English-language lyrics were written by the Scottish musician Thomas Oliphant. They first appeared in 1862, in volume 2 of Welsh Melodies, a set of four volumes authored by John Thomas, including Welsh words by John Jones (Talhaiarn) and English words by Oliphant."

The melody of 'Deck the Halls' is taken from "Nos Galan" ("New Year's Eve"), a traditional Welsh New Year's Eve carol published in 1794, although the actual melody is much older.

What is the meaning of the lyrics to 'Deck the Halls'?

There are many different interpretations of the lyrics to 'Deck the Halls', but one interpretation is that the song is about celebrating Christmas, no matter what your situation is. Another interpretation is that the song is about putting up decorations in preparation for Christmas, as you are "decking the halls with boughs of holly". Whatever the meaning of the lyrics may be, 'Deck the Halls' is a classic Christmas song that is often sung during the holiday season.

What are the lyrics to 'Deck the Halls'?

Deck the halls 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

Don we now our gay apparel
Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la, la, la
Troll the ancient Yule-tide carol
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la, la, la

See the blazing Yule 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 tell of Yuletide 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

Sing we joyous 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
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la, la, la

Here are some other songs you may like:

• Jingle Bells
• Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
• 12 Days of Christmas 
• Joy to the World