True story behind ‘Good King Wenceslas’ carol – and tragic end he met
Every December, we sing the carol of Good King Wenceslas, but do you know the true story behind it?
The festive tune, penned by English hymn writer and translator John Mason Neale in 1853, echoes around the globe each Christmas season. It carries a heartwarming message that aligns perfectly with the spirit of the holidays, teaching us to be kind to one another – and it’s based on a real person.
TikToker @historyshortz revealed: “Good King Wenceslas bravely ventured into a blizzard on the feast of Stephen, to bring food and fuel to a poor man living on his estate”. He further explained: “The song describes how King Wenceslas, looking out on a cold day, saw an old man gathering winter fuel, and he directed his page to bring the man food and drink”, performing a good deed.
The carol honours the “compassion and generosity” of King Wenceslas “during the season of giving” – and interestingly, he was a real figure – the Duke of Bohemia, a Christian prince from the 10th century. “He carried a reputation of bravery and piety […], but tragically, his reign was cut short by his jealous brother”, who, according to NPR “, murdered” him, being “under the sway of their so-called pagan mother.”
The carol was composed to match the tune of the 13th-century spring carol ‘Tempus adest floridum’, and it tells the story of the Feast of St Stephen, also known as Boxing Day, which celebrates charitable acts during the Christmas season. Classic History provided a brief summary of the tale and its uplifting message.
They explained that the carol follows King Wenceslas, who wishes to “share the warmth of his own home and the food of the holiday with” a poor man gathering winter fuel. “Thus begins the King’s journey of goodwill through the wintery night with one of his servants”, they elaborated, describing how the men braved the snow to assist the man.
It is then believed that the page informed King Wenceslas that he could not continue walking in such conditions, to which Wenceslas responded by telling him to “follow boldly in his footsteps”. According to legend, the page followed in his footsteps and felt “pleasantly warmed”.
Finally, Good King Wenceslas arrived at “the poor man’s home, bringing him plenty of firewood and a wonderful dinner they all share together”. But what is the lesson of the story?
“Those who bless the poor shall themselves find blessing as well.”
Were you aware of the heartwarming meaning behind the carol?
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