AUDIO: Thomas Riis on caroling songs and traditions

During the holidays, no matter how you celebrate or what your beliefs, music is almost always an important part of the celebration, according to Thomas Riis, a musicologist and retired director of the American Music Research Center in CU Boulder’s College of Music.

“Singing brings people together and is a natural and comfortable community activity,” says Riis.

While caroling is thought of as a holiday tradition, historically the carol originated as a dance song and was associated with country life in general and making merry, says Riis.

Listen as Riis talks more on caroling songs and traditions.