🎄‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ - The Carol that demands Figgy Pudding & Festive Mischief!

OneMoreSong Chorus (SSA) & OneMoreSong Jr. Choral Ensemble singing 'We wish you a merry Christmas' (Arthur Warrell | arr. Emily Crocker)

🎄 Welcome, to ‘Christmas around the Piano’…a nostalgic musical journey!🎄

Day 25 - December 25, 2025:

“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” is one of the few Christmas carols that isn’t religious in origin. Its earliest roots trace back to the English West Country, likely the 16th century, where it was sung by carolers who visited wealthy households during the festive season. Unlike sacred hymns, this one was playful, social, and a bit mischievous.

The famous lines about figgy pudding weren’t just cute lyrics — they were a real demand. Carolers expected treats, drinks, or coins in exchange for their performance. The line “We won’t go until we get some” wasn’t metaphorical; it was a humorous, but pointed reminder to the rich that generosity was expected during Christmastide.

The version we know today became popular thanks to Arthur Warrell, a Bristol-based composer who arranged it for the University of Bristol Madrigal Singers in 1935. His arrangement, published by Oxford University Press as “A Merry Christmas: West Country traditional song” is the foundation of the modern melody and harmonization.

During the Middle Ages, caroling inside churches was banned. Songs like this thrived outdoors — in streets, manor houses, and public gatherings — helping revive the tradition of communal singing during the Victorian era.

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Quick Facts!

🍮It’s one of the few carols that directly asks for food, making it a rare “demand carol.”

🍮Figgy pudding is not pudding — it’s a dense, spiced, fruit-filled cake similar to Christmas pudding.

🍮The song’s cheerful tone hides a social commentary: the poor reminding the wealthy of their duty to give during Christmas.

🍮The carol’s author and original composer remain unknown, adding to its folk-mystery charm.

🍮It’s one of the most widely translated and globally recognized English carols today.

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I do hope you have enjoyed reading about this carol, as much as I have enjoyed presenting this to you.

Thank you for joining me on this festive journey! Wishing you and your loved ones, a season filled with light, laughter, love, and of course, MUSIC! 🌟🎄

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Christmas cheer and good tidings to you!

Larissa

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