Carol

Carol is a term with several related meanings. The most common reference is to a Christmas carol, a festive song—often with religious themes—performed during the Advent and Christmas season in churches, schools, concerts, and by door-to-door carolers. The concept also covers secular holiday songs and, in earlier usage, any lively song or dance performed at celebrations. The plural "carols" is used for the body of such songs.

Etymology: The word carol derives from Old French carole, meaning a circle dance or song, from Late Latin choraula and Greek khoros meaning "chorus." The term originally described a circle-dance tradition and only later came to denote a Christmas song in English.

History and form: Medieval carols were typically sung by groups with refrain and often performed as part of community celebrations and processions. The form evolved in England and elsewhere, and during the 19th century the Victorian revival helped establish the modern Christmas carol repertoire, combining traditional tunes with newly written lyrics. Today carols appear in church services, secular concerts, and media adaptations; many carols have iconic melodies and enduring lyrics.

Name: Carol is also a feminine given name. It has been borne by many public figures, including the American actress and comedian Carol Burnett and the former U.S. senator Carol Moseley Braun. The name continues to be used in English-speaking countries with various spellings and variants.