What comes to your mind when you think of Christmas? For us, it is the Christmas tree, the nativity scene, gifts, the Star of Bethlehem and – of course – carols, which hold a special place in the Polish Music Library!
The Star of Bethlehem (Christmas Star), associated with Christmas, has two meanings. It refers both to an astronomical phenomenon seen in the sky by the Three Wise Men from the East (or Three Magi) as they journeyed to Bethlehem, and to a flower shaped like a star, called poinsettia. December 12 was not chosen as the Day of The Star of Bethlehem by chance. The botanical name poinsettia commemorates Joel Roberts Poinsett – the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, who discovered the plant in 1828 and brought it home to the United States. Poinsett died on December 12, 1851, and a year later the U.S. Congress established this date as the Poinsettia Day (the Day of the Star of Bethlehem), celebrating the flower which brings a festive atmosphere into our homes.
However, the truly indispensable and traditional element of Christmas is carols. Sung by people of all ages, they bring us together in shared music-making at the Christmas Eve table and in the weeks that follow. And if you’re looking for carols, you will find them on our website! In the Polish Music Library, carols are available in various versions: we offer sheet music for voice, piano, violin and even accordion or guitar – everyone can find something for themselves! Explore the collection yourself – all you need is a free account! Below, we present a few of the most interesting selections – you may perhaps find one of them especially appealing to you.
Our carol suggestions:
For voice and piano
Jazzy version
For piano four hands
For violin and piano
For guitar
For accordion
Explore on your own! A wealth of inspiration awaits you here: Carols in the PBM.