Christmas Carols: "The Little Drummer Boy" Story

"The Little Drummer Boy" is one of the most traditional Christmas carols. This carol carries a wonderful story behind it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50NmrzELj5U

Originally known as "The Carol of The Drum," surprisingly, the carol carries Czech origins and it was later modified as an English Christmas carol.

It was modified by Katherine Kennicott Davis from St. Joseph, Missouri who composed the late known riff of the hymn.

The most definitive characteristic of it is the sounds of the drums and The drum rhythm. However, it was added by an accident!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9kfdEyV3RQ

Davis had written it in order to help the chorus harmonize between a soprano tune and tenor and bass parts for their rehearsals only. Then, it was kept in the performances.

Regarding the story of the song, it revolves around an orphan boy whose city witnessed the born of "the new king" who is Jesus Christ.

He keeps watching the people while presenting gifts to the Virgin Mary and Jesus. The boy feels sorrow as he poor and has nothing to give.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPgS2pL1g8s

So, he keeps playing the drums for him and for the Virgin Mary, then she looks at him and smiles as well as Jesus Christ, the newborn king.

The moral of this song is giving as much as you can! Giving without thinking. The concept of giving and appreciation is one of the original concepts in Christianity.

In addition, it is one of Jesus Christ's most asserted values.