Yuletide carols being sung by a choir or a gaggle of neighborhood children is a quintessential Christmas scene.
About 16% of Americans say they go caroling, according to a 2013 survey by Pew Research Center. That's down from 36% who said they went caroling as children.
The tradition of singing songs for neighbors goes as far back as the 8th or 9th century, said Daniel Abraham, musicologist and director of choral activities at American University.
In feudal times, the visits may have been intended for people to take their harvest to their lords and get something in return, Abraham said.
Like Christmas trees, it was in the Victorian era when modern-day caroling was born — four-part harmonies and refrains in songs, Abraham said. Popular songs today — such as Good King Wenceslas, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and O Little Town of Bethlehem — became standards during this period, he said.
