Masters in this Hall
The Christmas Carol Series: William Morris, 'Sir Galahad, A Christmas Mystery,' and the Arts and Crafts Movement
“Masters in this hall, hear ye news today
Brought from over sea, and ever I you pray.”
Welcome to the first installment of my Christmas Carols series! Be inspired and filled with wonder, just as those before us have been. I hope you weave all the beauty, joy, and anticipation that this season holds into your days. So, pour yourself a cup of something warm, settle in, and let the beauty under this Winter moon fill your heart.
Masters in This Hall is a Christmas carol with lyrics written around 1860 by the English poet and artist William Morris. The melody is adapted from a French dance tune, "Marche pour les Matelots," composed by Marin Marais in 1706 for the opera Alcyone, and later arranged by Edmund Sedding. Much like we do today, 19th-century artists revived and reimagined older traditions, and Masters in This Hall is a perfect example how Morris, inspired by medieval art and culture, created work that felt both timeless and full of life within the Victorian era.
If you’re not familiar with William Morris, you’ve likely seen his renowned patterns—designs that evoke the richness of seasons, history, and the beauty of nature.
That’s what we’re after: a revived sense of richness that reaches deep into the Christmases of the past, enriching our present traditions with a sense of wonder and meaning. Together, let’s remember the Christmases of old while imagining how we’ll carry these traditions forward into the future, joining with brothers and sisters along the way. Not for tradition's sake alone, but for the story—the one almost too miraculous to believe: Christmas. The King of kings, God of all gods, Lord of all, wrapped Himself in flesh to rescue mankind. Whatever your beliefs or feelings this season, I pray you may you find yourself swept up in the great wonder of this season, and the invitation therein.
Masters in this Hall
Masters in this hall, hear ye news today
Brought from over sea, and ever I you pray.
Refrain:
Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Nowell, sing we clear!
Holpen are all folk on Earth, born is God's Son so dear.
Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Nowell, sing we loud!
God today hath poor folk raised and cast a-down the proud.
Going o'er the hills, through the milk-white snow,
Heard I ewes bleat while the wind did blow.
Refrain
Then to Bethlem town we went two and two,
And in a sorry place heard the oxen low.
Refrain
Therein did we see a sweet and goodly may,
And a fair old man upon the straw she lay.
Refrain
And a little child on her arm had she,
"Wot ye who this is?" said the hinds to me.
Refrain
This is Christ the Lord, masters be ye glad!
Christmas is come in, and no folk should be sad.
William Morris
William Morris (1834–1896) was a multifaceted artist, designer, poet, and social reformer who profoundly influenced decorative arts and the broader culture of the 19th century. I have long admired his patterns and designs and have started collecting written works of his. He sought to revive handcrafted traditions and ensure that objects of daily use were rich with meaning and artistic worth. Repeating patterns, nature motifs and rich, earthly tones graced his works. He desired craftsmanship over mass production, a value we are coming back to in society as well.
Morris also had a fascination with medieval art, literature, much of which came out in his art, life and the way he portrayed beauty and wonder.
How to have an Arts & Crafts Christmas
The Arts and Crafts Movement (late 19th to early 20th century) was a response to industrialization, emphasizing craftsmanship, natural materials, and the beauty of handmade goods. Led by visionaries like William Morris, it sought to revive traditional techniques, blending art and utility. Rooted in medieval romanticism, the movement championed simplicity, nature-inspired designs, and the dignity of labor, leaving a lasting legacy in design and sustainable practices. A few key practices of the movement:
Emphasis on Craftsmanship:
Advocated for high-quality, handcrafted goods over machine-made items.
Integration of Art and Utility:
Believed beauty and function should coexist in everyday objects.
Inspiration from Nature and Medieval Designs:
Often featured floral motifs, natural forms, and medieval-inspired patterns.
Social Reform:
Tied to a desire to improve workers' lives by fostering pride in craftsmanship and combating exploitative labor practices.
Simplicity and Honesty in Design:
Valued simplicity, functionality, and the authentic use of materials.1
Arts and Crafts Christmas —
Craft, Handmade & Homemake - Make or give that which connects to nature — herbal sachets, beeswax candles, or hand-stitched stockings. Wrap them in fabric or kraft paper stamped with block prints, inspired by Morris’s designs.
Winter is a wonderful time to settle in and learn a Craft or Hobby Trade — If you have had the desire to learn something, now’s the time!
Support and gift goods from Craftsman and Artisans
Decorate with antique, thrifted, once-loved finds and use modern trappings like Pinterest, Marketplace, etc. to help with vision!
Bring in the Greenery! Rich florals and be inspired by Morris’s prints HERE!
Sir Galahad, A Christmas Mystery
A Christmas poem that’s worth pondering, sitting down with my Electuary - Elderberry Chai (an ancient combination of spices, which completely fits the theme here:)
This a poem by William Morris, first published in 1858, it delves into the introspective journey of Sir Galahad, one of King Arthur's knights, during the Christmas season, exploring themes of faith, solitude, and quest.
The poem Sir Galahad tells the story of the knight renowned for his purity and devotion, chosen to seek the Holy Grail. Unlike other knights, Galahad is set apart by his unwavering faith and spiritual focus, which guide him on a quest that is both physical and deeply symbolic. Throughout the poem, Galahad reflects on the sacrifices he must make to stay true to his mission. He chooses to live without the comforts of companionship, earthly pleasures, or romantic love, dedicating himself entirely to a higher calling. Maidens appear in the poem, representing both beauty and the temptation of worldly desires, but Galahad resists, remaining steadfast in his pursuit of divine grace.
As Galahad journeys, he experiences moments of divine revelation—visions of angels and glimpses of the sacred light of the Grail. These moments affirm his faith and remind him of the purpose behind his struggles. His quest is not just for personal glory but for something much greater: a gift of redemption and hope for the world.
At its heart, the poem is about the tension between the worldly and the divine, the sacrifices required for growth, and the ultimate reward of faith and perseverance. Galahad’s story invites us to consider our own pursuits—what we are willing to let go for something greater.
I will be re-reading this season and a wonder-filled piece that explores themes of hope, redemption, and the intersection of human and divine. I’d love to know what you think of it!
Sir Galahad, the Quest for the Holy Grail" by Arthur Hughes (1870)
or Find Sir Galahad, A Christmas Mystery online HERE.
Written with assistance from OpenAI's ChatGPT.
Welp, you've got me on another rabbit-hole journey, haha! I've never heard this carol OR read this poem, so I'm really looking forward to encountering both in more depth. Thanks for this beautiful recap of Morris & co. I LOVE the extension of ideas to adapt their vision to our own times!
(I became a bit addicted to Ruggables because of their Morris rugs...SO beautiful!)