Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming

Christmas Carols Explained, 1/25

Originally a German hymn, titled "Es ist ein Ros entsprungen”, this song dates back to at least 1599, though it may be older. (That’s just the first written version we know of.) The harmonized version came along ten years later, courtesty of musician Michael Praetorius.

There’s a prophecy in Isaiah that depicts Christ as a rose blossoming in winter, coming forth from “the root of Jesse.” Since the original version was German (and therefore Catholic), the lyrics went heavy on imagery about Mary, which was later edited by Protestants, so there are different versions of the second verse.

(I mean, denominations wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for squabbles about the lore, right?)

Praetorius, who was German, probably didn’t know his composition would endure to the extent that it has, but here we are. The English version came long thanks to Theodore Baker in the 19th century. It enjoys the most circulation among Anglicans and Lutherans, so if you’re an American you probably are less familiar with this song.