Dave Tabler, Author at Appalachian History

Cherry Tree Carol broadside with color illustration, 1909

The Cherry Tree Carol (abridged)

We might be better served to think of this 15th century English hymn as the “Cherry Tree Carols,” since it exists in many versions.

December 21, 2018 Appalachian music / Christmas traditions / Hymns / Kentucky

Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head

John Jacob Niles (1892-1980) began collecting Appalachian folk songs and composing music as a KY teenager.

December 20, 2018 Christmas traditions / Memoirs / West Virginia

We didn’t trim a tree at home; we didn’t have any trimming

The kids oohed at the sparkling rope & the red balls. Then they all approached the bare, green, beautiful tree. For a moment it was quiet.

Well, the chittlings, a part of them Alice sent over by Pete. They were intestines cleaned ready to cut into short pieces to fry. I told Tillie she needn’t fry any for me.

Nativity scene of entrance to cave, inside is holy family, cow, and donkey peering into cradle in Christ child.

December 18, 2018 Christmas traditions / Folklore

Ms. Horse, Ms. Mule and Ms. Cow — a Christmas fable

Christ’s birth includes animals. That’s why horses always eat, mules don’t ever get to be parents, & cows get to chew their cud after dinner.

Author: Dave Tabler

The Cherry Tree Carol (abridged)

Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head

We didn’t trim a tree at home; we didn’t have any trimming

Put the children’s packages in their stockings

Ms. Horse, Ms. Mule and Ms. Cow — a Christmas fable