who wrote we wish you a merry christmas

No single known person “wrote” We Wish You a Merry Christmas ; the original composer and lyricist are anonymous, and the song is considered a traditional English carol that likely emerged in the 16th century.

Quick Scoop

• The carol is traditional , meaning it was passed down orally rather than formally credited to one writer.

• Most historians think it began in the West Country of England and was sung by carolers visiting wealthy homes, asking for treats like figgy pudding as a reward.

• The version familiar today was powerfully popularized by Arthur Warrell, an English conductor and organist, who arranged it for choir and had it published in 1935 under the title “A Merry Christmas: West Country Traditional Song.”

So, if you need a one-line answer for “who wrote We Wish You a Merry Christmas ,” the most accurate reply is: it has no known original author and is a traditional English carol later arranged and popularized by Arthur Warrell.

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