You are probably familiar with the Christmas carol, 'The First Noel,' but do you know what 'Noel' means? We'll go over its meaning and origin.
Noel is another word for Christmas, the Christian holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity. Most Christians celebrate the holiday on December 25, but it is celebrated on January 7 in the Orthodox Church due to the use of a different calendar.
English speakers borrowed noel from the French word noël, which is also used for both the Christmas holiday and a Christmas carol. It can be traced further back to the Latin word natalis, which can mean “birthday” as a noun or “of or relating to birth” as an adjective.
We've been singing it all season long, but what are we talking about? Find out what the word "noel" means and how to use it appropriately during the holidays.
Each December, voices rise to sing “The First Noel,” and families exchange “Joyeux Noel,” often without knowing the weight the word carries. Behind those five letters stands centuries of language, faith, music, and celebration.
What Does Noel Mean? The True Origin, Biblical Meaning and Christmas ...
Former Louisiana teacher Marisa Noel faces 25 charges, including indecent behavior with juveniles and first-degree rape, the sheriff's office said.
“Noel” is a word often sung at Christmas that means “birth” or “birthday,” especially the birth of Christ. It comes from the Latin natalis and French noël, referring to the celebration of Jesus’ birth.