Kling, Glöckchen, Klingelingeling

Christmas Carols Explained, 2

Now, this is going to shock you, but “Kling, Glöckchen, Klingelingeling” is German in origin. The title means “Ring, Little Bell,” and it was originally published circa 1850. Our best-known arrangement is courtesy of the unfortunately-named Wiener Sängerknaben, with lyrical origins tied to Karl Enslin and the music by Benedikt Widmann. I know who none of these people are, this is just what the searches told me.

The main thrust of the lyrics is an invitation to children to open the door for carolers, and thus welcome festive cheer into the home during the season. It gets a lot of play this time of year in Germany, especially by youth choirs, as you might guess.

You can read a side-by-side lyrical translation from German to English here.