Joyful songs or 'carols' are an integral part of many Christmas celebrations. On the first of November 2010, Alderney Post for the first time issued a very special the Christmas stamps series with the theme of 'Christmas Carols'.
The Alderney Christmas issue features a selection of seven carols on each stamp and have designed by Two desgrees North.
Adorning the 31p stamp is a beautiful bright green Christmas tree. 'O Christmas Tree' originally named 'O Tannenbaum' is a German carol paying tribute to the beauty of the fir tree.
A light emanating from the stable in which Christ was born is depicted on the 36p stamp illustrating the carol 'Away in a Manger.' This song was first published within a Lutheran Sunday school book in 1885; the music however was composed by William J. Kirkpatrick a decade later.
A humorous interpretation of the carol entitled 'While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night' is shown on our 45p stamp. Interestingly until 1782, this was the only Christmas carol officially sanctioned by the Church of England.
'Hark the Herald Angels Sing' is the carol shown on the 48p stamp, the author of this famous song was Charles Wesley, brother of John Wesley the founder of the Methodist church.
'O' Holy Night' has been heralded as among the most beautiful of all Christmas carols and it is this song that is depicted on our 50p stamp. This carol began life as the French poem 'Minuit, Chrétiens.'
A colourful representation of Bethlehem appears on the 58p stamp to illustrate the famous carol 'O Little Town of Bethlehem' which was written by American clergyman, Philips Brooks following a visit to the town.
A mighty 'Good King Wenceslas' appears on the 80p stamp, the final in this issue. This carol emphasizes the virtues of generosity and kindness and is a Christmas favourite even though its lyrics refer to St. Stephen's Day or Boxing Day.
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