Christmas carols Archives - Appalachian History

Christmas in the region has reflected biblical mythologies in combination with local customs, including folk beliefs dating back centuries.

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.

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

Born in Viper, Kentucky, Jean Ritchie came from a family of musicians who have preserved folk traditions for generations.

John Jacob Niles released this song on ‘Early American Carols and Folksongs,’ an album of four 78 rpm discs in fall 1940.