Story Behind "Good King Wenceslas"
Song Credits: "Good King Wenceslas" by Tenth Avenue North
Tenth Avenue North recently released a Christmas album called Decade the Halls that featured a song from each decade since the 1920s.
I think that was such a clever idea and all the songs are catchy and true to the time they represent.
The record kicks off with "Good King Wenceslas" in 1920s, phonographic style.
I remember playing this song on the piano years ago, but I hadn't heard it since and became curious about the origins of this song.
So here's what I found out:
This song was written by Rev. John Mason Neale in 1853.
It's not actually about Christmas, but rather tells a story that happened on December 26th during the Feast of St. Stephen (Close enough to Christmas time though)
Wenceslas was the Duke of Bohemia (not king) and lived in the 10th century.
He was known as "Wenceslas the Good" for his benevolence.
Here are the lyrics to "Good King Wenceslas":
Verse 1:
Good King Wenceslas look'd out, on the Feast of Stephen;
When the snow lay round about, deep, and crisp, and even;
Brightly shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel.
When a poor man came in sight, gath'ring winter fuel.
Verse 2:
"Hither page and stand by me, if thou know'st, telling,
Yonder peasant, who is he? Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence, underneath the mountain;
Right against the forest fence, by Saint Agnes' fountain."
Verse 3:
"Bring me flesh, and bring me wine, bring me pine-logs hither;
Thou and I will see him dine, when we bear them thither."
Page and monarch forth they went, forth they went together;
Through the rude wind's wild lament, and the bitter weather.
Verse 4:
"Sire, the night is darker now, and the wind blows stronger;
Fails my heart, I know now how, I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, good my page; tread thou in them boldly;
Thou shalt find the winter's rage freeze thy blood less coldly."
Verse 5:
In his master's steps he trod, where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod which the Saint had printed.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure, wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing.
Sources:
This classic song tells of Wenceslas's kindness to a poor man. While bringing gifts to the peasant, he also is generous to his page. When the page's feet are freezing, Wenceslas tells him to step in his footprints, so they'll keep him warmer.
The last stanza stuck out to me the most. When I heard Tenth Avenue North singing this, I was surprised to hear the word "Christian". I never knew Good King Wenceslas had Christian origins.
This is such a great reminder that we should give to those in need and be a blessing to others - not just around Christmas time, but every day.
Giving to those in need doesn't always require money.
Donating blankets, clothes, or food items is a possibility. Serving at a food pantry or with a local charity is another option.
Taking the time to smile, pray, and reach out a helping hand is a blessing to ourselves and the ones we minister to.