We all know the famous Christmas carol “Deck the Halls” that is sung during the festive season. This song is a traditional Welsh melody dating back to the 16th century. Its popularity has only increased over the years, and it has now become a classic Christmas carol sung not just in Wales, but worldwide.
One of the most recognized lines of the song is “Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly, Fa la la la la, la la la la.” Another popular line from the song is “Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la la la, la la la la.”
But what does the expression “gay apparel” mean? Does it have to do with homosexuality? This blog post will take a closer look at these lyrics and the origin of the phrase “gay apparel.”
The Meaning of “Deck the Halls”
The phrase “Deck the halls” essentially means to decorate for the holiday season. The word “deck” means to adorn or decorate something, and “halls” likely refers to the interior of a home or castle.
“Deck the Halls” is a traditional Welsh song that describes the joy of the holiday season, particularly the act of decorating the halls with festive items. This can include holly, ivy, mistletoe, and other evergreens. The song encourages people to create a festive atmosphere and celebrate the holiday spirit.
The song was originally written in Welsh, and the English version that we are more familiar with today was translated by Scottish musician Thomas Oliphant in the 1800s. Although the melody of the song has remained the same over the centuries, some of the lyrics have been altered.
The Meaning of “Gay Apparel”
The phrase “gay apparel” appears in the lyrics of the song and is usually interpreted as clothing that is colorful, bright, and festive. The word “gay” in this context means happy or joyful, rather than having any connotations with homosexuality.
When the song was originally written in the 16th century, “gay” meant something different than how we use the word today. At that time, it was used to describe something as being carefree, happy, or brightly colored. The word “apparel” has not changed much in meaning over the centuries, referring to clothing and dress in general.
The phrase “Don we now our gay apparel” was originally written as “Troll the ancient Yuletide carol” and was changed in the 1800s by Oliphant to better match the festive spirit of the song. The expression “gay apparel” has stuck ever since and is now part of common holiday vernacular.
The Controversy Around the Phrase “Gay Apparel”
In recent years, some individuals have criticized the use of “gay apparel” in the song, citing that the term “gay” has a different meaning today than when the song was written and that it may offend members of the LGBTQ+ community.
While the concerns are understandable, it’s important to remember the original context of the phrase and its intended meaning. The use of “gay” in this song has nothing to do with sexual orientation and instead refers to joyous and festive clothing.
It’s also worth noting that many LGBTQ+ individuals have reclaimed the word “gay” and use it proudly to describe their identity. Therefore, the phrase “gay apparel” does not necessarily have negative connotations for the community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the phrase “gay apparel” in “Deck the Halls” means festive clothing that is colorful and joyous. It has nothing to do with sexuality, despite what some people may assume.
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and unity. It’s important to recognize the historical context of phrases like “gay apparel,” while also acknowledging the evolving meaning of language. Ultimately, we can all come together to appreciate the festive traditions that have been passed down for generations.
FAQ
What is the meaning of gay apparel?
The phrase “Don we now our gay apparel” is a line that is commonly associated with the Christmas carol “Deck the Halls.” The word “gay” in this context, however, has a different meaning than its current usage. Traditionally, this word was used to indicate that someone was cheery, merry, jolly, or light-hearted. So, when you don your gay apparel, you get dressed in cheerful clothes.
The term “gay apparel” dates back to the 14th century, where the word “gai” was used to describe clothing that was brightly colored or showy. This term was used well into the 17th and 18th centuries to describe festive clothing, often worn during celebrations and holidays.
In the context of Christmas carols like “Deck the Halls,” “gay apparel” refers to the festive clothing that people traditionally wear during the holiday season. This could include bright colors, patterns, and decorations, as well as other festive elements like Santa hats or reindeer antlers.
Today, the phrase “gay apparel” can sometimes be ambiguous due to the changing meanings of the word “gay” over time. However, in the context of “Deck the Halls” and other holiday traditions, the phrase simply refers to colorful and festive clothing.
When was Deck the Hall written?
“Deck the Halls” is a beloved Christmas carol that is sung and enjoyed worldwide every year during the festive season. The lyrics to this popular Christmas song were written by a Scottish musician named Thomas Oliphant in 1862. Oliphant is known to have been a prolific songwriter during his time, and “Deck the Halls” is just one of many pieces that he composed.
The melody of the song is based on a traditional Welsh tune called “Nos Galan,” which is a song that is typically sung on New Year’s Eve in Wales. However, the lyrics to “Deck the Halls” were written in English by Oliphant, and the song quickly became a Christmas classic that has stood the test of time.
Since its inception, “Deck the Halls” has been performed by countless musicians and artists, with its popularity continuing to grow. The song’s upbeat and catchy melody, coupled with its festive lyrics about decking the halls with boughs of holly and singing joyfully, make it a perfect addition to any Christmas celebration.
“Deck the Halls” was written in 1862 by the Scottish musician Thomas Oliphant. The song has become a beloved Christmas classic and is known for its catchy melody and festive lyrics. Its popularity has continued to grow throughout the years, and it is now a staple of the holiday season around the world.
Where did the phrase Deck the Halls come from?
The phrase “Deck the Halls” comes from a traditional Christmas carol that has been sung for many years during the holiday season. It is a popular tune that is played in shopping malls, on the radio, and in homes all across the world during the festive season. The song is typically associated with Christmas and the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
The melody of “Deck the Halls” is Welsh, dating back to the sixteenth century. The original melody belongs to a winter carol known as “Nos Galan.” This tune was often sung by Welsh and Scottish communities during the winter months and was later adapted to fit the lyrics of “Deck the Halls.”
The English lyrics to the song “Deck the Halls” were written by the Scottish musician, Thomas Oliphant, in 1862. Oliphant was a music teacher and hymn writer who added the lyrics to the traditional Welsh tune. He actually wrote two sets of lyrics to the melody, one for New Year’s Eve and another for Christmas. The Christmas version became the most popular and is now the one that is most commonly sung.
The phrase “Deck the Halls” means to decorate the halls or rooms of a house. This is why the song is often associated with Christmas decorations and holiday cheer. The lyrics of the song encourage people to decorate their homes with holly, ivy, and other festive items. The song is also meant to call upon people to enjoy the company of their loved ones during the holidays and to spread goodwill and cheer.
“Deck the Halls” is a traditional Christmas carol that has been sung for many years during the holiday season. The melody of the song is Welsh and dates back to the sixteenth century, while the English lyrics were written by Thomas Oliphant in 1862. The lyrics encourage people to decorate their homes for Christmas, spend time with loved ones, and to spread good cheer during the holiday season.
