The origin of "The First Noel" is uncertain, but the first printed words were found in Davies Gilbert's Some Ancient Christmas Carols, in 1823, in nine stanzas. Of these, some stanzas have been omitted during the recent times.
English Folk Carol
The origin of "The First Noel" uncertain. It is generally accepted to be of English folk carol origin. But before it found its way to the hymnbooks it is believed to date back to the 1600s. It also preserved the characteristics of the early English folk songs. During those times, church singing was done by the priests and choristers.
A further authenticity that it is a folk carol is found in the words or text. The shepherds did not see the star in the east. The Wise Men did so while they were "in the East" which indicated the birth of a King in the town of Bethlehem. The Wise Men did not see it in their journey, but "rejoiced" when they saw it on their way from Herod's palace, "guiding" them to Bethlehem.
Noël, Nowell, Noel
The word "Noël" creates a misconception that the carol is French instead of English. The old English Anglo-Saxon spelling of the word was "Nowell." History reveals that after England was captured by the Normans, it was unavoidable that some words were adopted from the Norman French Language. Early printed version of this carol used the word "Nowell."
William Sandys The First Noel
Eventually, the first "The First Noel" was published by William Sandys in Christmas Carols, Ancient and Modern, 1833. This is the most frequently used version. The melody came from a traditional West county tune, known to be unique among folk tunes, with the use of repetitive phrases.
The First Noel in Hymnals
Since then there have been alterations by which different versions of carol words usually happen. After the inclusion of the carol in Bramley and Stainer's Christmas Carols, New and Old 1871, The First Noel has been included in many hymnals of all Protestant denominations. The first occasion on which it appeared as a hymn was evidently in Congregational Hymnary, 1916.
The First Noel
(First Stanza)
"The First Noel, the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel."
Readers may want to check out the History of the Christmas Music.
Sources:
Milgate, Wesley and D'Arcy Wood. A companion to Together in Song, Australian Hymn book II. Sydney: Australian Hymn book Pty Ltd, 2000
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