Lance Carson
What is This Lovely Fragrance? is a 17th-century French traditional Christmas carol about the Nativity of Christ. The folk tune was used by John Gay in his satirical work, The Beggar’s Opera. The carol's lyrics call the shepherds to the manger, asking them about the lovely fragrance and light that they perceive. The melody and vocal harmonies are showcased in a cappella phrases, with brief instrumental interludes and a simple handbell part.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | What Is This Lovely Fragrance? |
| Type | French traditional Noël (carol) |
| Theme | Nativity of Christ |
| Melody | Folk tune |
| Melody Used In | The Beggar’s Opera by John Gay |
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What You'll Learn
What flowers is the fragrance reminiscent of?
"What is This Lovely Fragrance?" is a 17th-century French carol about the Nativity of Christ. The carol's lyrics compare the fragrance to the scents of flowers in spring. The shepherds in the song are called to the manger by the fragrance and the beauty of the sight.
The fragrance is described as "gentler than all the flow’rs of springtime" and "wafting from heav’n in sweet delight". This imagery evokes a sense of wonder and delight, as the shepherds are captivated by the fragrance that surrounds them.
In another version of the carol, the fragrance is compared to the scents of flowers in May: "Whence is that goodly fragrance flowing, Stealing our senses all away, Never the like did come a-blowing, Shepherds, in flow’ry fields of May". The fragrance is so captivating that it steals the senses of those who encounter it.
The specific types of flowers that the fragrance is reminiscent of are not explicitly mentioned in the carol. However, it is safe to assume that the flowers of springtime and May, such as lilacs, daffodils, and roses, could be among the blooms that come to mind when experiencing this lovely fragrance.
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Where is the fragrance coming from?
The fragrance is coming from the direction of Bethlehem. It is a wondrous, heavenly scent, like that of flowers in springtime. It fills the air, stealing the senses away.
Shepherds, out in the fields, are the first to notice this fragrance. They are bewildered by the scent and its source, wondering if it is the Morning Star so radiant, breaking upon the sky. They are drawn to it, their footsteps eager to seek out the cause of this wondrous aroma.
As they hasten towards Bethlehem, the fragrance grows stronger, and they are filled with anticipation. The scent is so powerful that it seems to be stealing their senses away, and they are compelled to follow it, guided by the promise of beauty and wonder.
The source of this lovely fragrance is a lowly manger in Bethlehem, where the Saviour, the Redeemer, Lord, and King lies. The shepherds, guided by this heavenly scent, come to adore and sing praises to their Redeemer.
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What is the source of the fragrance?
"What is This Lovely Fragrance?" is a 17th-century French traditional Christmas carol about the Nativity of Christ. The carol's lyrics refer to a lovely fragrance, akin to the scents of flowers in spring, filling the air on a wondrous night. This fragrance is described as wafting from heaven, stealing the senses, and accompanying heavenly caroling.
The source of this fragrance, as indicated in the carol, is heaven, bringing delight and wonder to the shepherds on a night like no other. The fragrance is so captivating that it prompts the shepherds to seek its source, leading them to the manger where the Saviour is born.
In the context of the carol, the fragrance represents something heavenly and divine, a sign of the miraculous birth of Christ. It serves as a metaphor for the beauty, grace, and holiness of the occasion, filling the air with sweetness and delight.
The reference to the fragrance being "gentler than all the flow'rs of springtime" and the mention of shepherds in flowery fields further emphasize the idea of a delicate, pleasant aroma that surpasses the beauty of nature.
This lovely fragrance, as described in the carol, sets the scene for a magical and sacred night, guiding the shepherds on their journey to witness the Nativity and pay homage to the newborn Redeemer.
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Is the fragrance natural or synthetic?
The question "What is that lovely fragrance?" is referenced in a 17th-century French traditional Christmas carol or Noël about the Nativity of Christ. The carol describes a lovely fragrance, gentler than all the flowers of springtime, filling the air on a wondrous night. The shepherds in the carol are called to the manger by this fragrance and the beauty of the night.
The answer to whether this fragrance is natural or synthetic depends on the source of the fragrance. If the fragrance is described as "wafting like the scents of flowers in spring," it is likely that the source is natural, coming from flowers in bloom. The carol describes the fragrance as "stealing our senses all away," indicating that it is pleasant and noticeable.
In the natural world, flowers and plants release fragrances through a process called volatilization, where volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released into the air. These VOCs can include terpenes, phenylpropanoids, and benzenoids, which are responsible for the unique scents of different flowers and plants. The specific flowers referenced in the carol, such as those found in "flow'ry fields of May," can provide clues about the possible natural fragrance sources.
However, it is also possible that the fragrance described in the carol is a symbolic or metaphorical representation of a spiritual or divine presence. In this case, the fragrance could be considered a synthetic creation, crafted to evoke a specific emotional response or convey a religious message.
Ultimately, the interpretation of the fragrance's nature is subjective and open to individual belief and perspective. While the carol suggests a natural floral source, the symbolic and spiritual context of the Nativity story allows for a more nuanced understanding of the fragrance as a possible synthesis of natural and supernatural elements.
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How can I acquire this fragrance?
"What is This Lovely Fragrance?" is a 17th-century French Christmas carol about the birth of Christ. The carol's lyrics describe a lovely fragrance and light filling the sky, guiding shepherds to the manger where the Lord lies.
If you are interested in acquiring or experiencing this fragrance yourself, there are a few ways to go about it:
Listen to the Carol: One way to immerse yourself in the fragrance described in the carol is to listen to the music and lyrics. You can find recordings of the carol online, on music streaming platforms, or on YouTube. Search for the title "What is This Lovely Fragrance?" to find various renditions and interpretations.
Purchase Sheet Music: If you play an instrument or enjoy singing, you can purchase the sheet music for "What is This Lovely Fragrance?" to perform it yourself. Websites like JW Pepper, FBC Radio, and Choristers Guild offer sheet music for this carol, often accompanied by vocal harmonies, handbell parts, or instrumental interludes.
Attend a Live Performance: During the Christmas season, particularly in religious or choir concert settings, you may have the opportunity to hear "What is This Lovely Fragrance?" performed live. Keep an eye out for Christmas concerts or carolling events in your area, where you might be able to experience the fragrance of the carol in a new light.
Create Your Own Fragrance: Drawing inspiration from the carol, you can try to create your own fragrance that captures the essence of the lyrics. Use floral scents, particularly those reminiscent of springtime flowers, to replicate the fragrance described in the song. You can find fragrance-making kits and guides online to help you blend your own signature scent.
By exploring these options, you can engage with the fragrance mentioned in "What is This Lovely Fragrance?" in a variety of ways, whether through listening, performing, or creating your own interpretation of this beloved French carol.
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Frequently asked questions
"What is That Lovely Fragrance" is a 17th-century French traditional carol about the Nativity of Christ.
The melody is graceful and is accompanied by exquisite vocal harmonies and brief instrumental interludes.
The song is about the shepherds being called to the manger and the birth of Jesus Christ.
