Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem Christmas Bells is one of the most treasured literary works associated with Christmas. Written during the American Civil War, it is a poignant reflection on despair, hope, and the possibility of peace. The poem, later adapted into the beloved Christmas carol I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, carries a timeless message that continues to resonate across generations. Its origin story is deeply intertwined with Longfellow’s personal struggles and the national turmoil of the United States in the 1860s.
Longfellow penned Christmas Bells on December 25, 1863. By that time, he had experienced tremendous personal tragedy. His wife, Frances Appleton, died in a devastating fire in 1861, and Longfellow himself was badly burned while trying to save her. Grief-stricken, he struggled to find solace in his writing. Adding to his sorrow, his son Charles enlisted in the Union Army against Longfellow’s wishes and was severely injured in battle. These personal trials occurred against the backdrop of the Civil War, which was tearing the country apart. Through Christmas Bells, Longfellow sought to reconcile his grief and the horrors of war with the enduring message of hope and peace symbolized by Christmas. The poem reflects the poet’s struggle to hold onto faith and his eventual reaffirmation of divine justice.
Full Text of Christmas Bells (Public Domain)
Christmas Bells
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.
Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound the carols drowned
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.
It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn the households born
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.
And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail, the Right prevail,
With peace on earth, goodwill to men.”
When Longfellow wrote Christmas Bells, the Civil War was at its height, and the nation was grappling with immense loss and division. The “cannon thundered in the South” referenced in the poem is a direct allusion to the war’s devastating impact. For Longfellow, these national struggles mirrored his personal grief, creating a deep connection between his internal world and the external realities of the time. Despite the despair conveyed in the poem’s middle stanzas, Christmas Bells concludes with a note of hope. The final stanza, proclaiming the ultimate triumph of good over evil, reflects Longfellow’s resilient faith in humanity and divine justice. This duality of despair and hope makes the poem deeply relatable, transcending its historical context to speak to universal human experiences.
In 1872, John Baptiste Calkin adapted Christmas Bells into the carol I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. To make the poem suitable for musical performance, Calkin omitted the stanzas referencing the Civil War. This adaptation emphasizes the universal themes of hope and peace, allowing the song to reach a wider audience.
Full Text of I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day (Public Domain)
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.
I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.
And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail, the Right prevail,
With peace on earth, goodwill to men.”
The adaptation of the poem into a carol helped cement its place in popular culture. The carol’s simple melody and profound message made it accessible to audiences around the world. Performances of the carol have ranged from solemn choral arrangements to modern renditions by contemporary artists, showcasing its versatility and timeless appeal.
Themes and Symbolism
Christmas Bells explores the juxtaposition of despair and hope, a duality that defines the human experience. The bells symbolize the enduring message of peace and goodwill, even in the face of hardship. They serve as a reminder of universal truths that persist despite the chaos of the moment. The imagery of cannons and earthquakes conveys the destructive power of war and its impact on individuals and communities. Yet, the concluding stanza shifts focus to the resilience of faith. Longfellow’s assertion that “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep” reflects his belief in the ultimate triumph of justice and goodness.
Legacy
Both Christmas Bells and its carol adaptation have become enduring symbols of the Christmas season. The carol’s simple yet profound message has made it a favorite among choirs and recording artists, ensuring its place in holiday traditions. The poem, with its historical references and raw emotional depth, continues to resonate with readers. It offers a window into Longfellow’s personal struggles while addressing broader themes that remain relevant today.
Timeless Appeal
The enduring popularity of Christmas Bells and I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day lies in their universal themes. Longfellow’s ability to balance despair with hope speaks to a timeless human experience, making his work as meaningful now as it was in the 19th century. Whether read as a poem or sung as a carol, the message of peace and goodwill continues to inspire.