The term carol is currently applied to a song or hymn on a Christmas theme. Probably derived from the carole, a round dance accompanied by unison singing, the carol emerged during the 14th and 15th centuries as a strophic song with refrain.
Most carols are English in origin.
The carol was tied more strictly to the Christmas season in the 19th century, and Christmas songs from other countries also began to be included in the category of carols.