WIBCI we knew more BACKGROUND?
We Wish You a Merry Christmas, is thought of as a harmless carol, making one think of kindergarteners on stage dressed as candy canes….no?
But the truth is that in Britain, a few hundred years ago, the practice of caroling had a much more sinister attitude. This was seen as a time for ‘king for a day’ where the poor asked, no demanded to be fed, given drink, allowed reign in homes, and basically harassed the rich. So much were the rich aggravated that Christmas was actually banned for more than 100 years.
Knowing this, now consider the lyrics below and picture them being sung by hungry poor, most likely serfs on your land, in masks, hungry and drunk in your own home:
We wish you a Merry Christmas,
We wish you a Merry Christmas,
We wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
Good tidings to you, wherever you are;
Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year!Oh, bring us a figgy pudding;
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding;
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding, and a cup of good cheer.We won’t go until we get some;
We won’t go until we get some;
We won’t go until we get some, so bring some right here.We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Last Updated on 01/05/2026 by Death of Hypatia Inc.
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