Del recently asked about Polish Christmas songs – kolędy
The Polish Christmas carol or koleda is derived from the Latin word Calendae, meaning “first day of the month”. Polish Christmas carols are almost all anonymous, having been composed by the people. Their origins date from the fourteen century, and many from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. W Zlobie Lezy, believed to have been composed in the fourteenth century, is considered to be the first Polonaise.
The Polish carol has an essentially folk song quality which makes it specifically national. The melodies are characteristically Polish – cheerful, tender, and even humorous – typical of the Polish peasant or mountaineer. The Infant Jesus, poor, homeless, and born in a stable surrounded by the familiar domestic animals, appeals to the hearts and imaginations of all peoples. Koledy are very joyful songs announcing the coming of Christ on earth and through His grace, the rebirth of our souls.
Some of the more popular Christmas carols are: “Jesus, Heaven’s Infant” (Jezus Malusieńki), “To the Town of Bethlehem” (Przybieżeli do Betlejem), “Let Us All Go ” (Pójdźmy Wszyscy), “Rejoice Bethlehem” (Dzisiaj w Betlejem), “God is Born” (Gdy sie Chrystus rodzi), “Midst Quiet Night” (Wsrod Nocnej Ciszy), “Hush-A-Bye Little Jesus” (Lulajże Jezuniu).
Lyrics and more about Polish carols can be found here
