A lively tune called “Branle de l’Officiel” first appears in a book of French dances written in the 1500s. Four centuries later, it was turned into a Christmas carol called "Ding, Dong, Merrily on High."

In this hour, the story behind this and other songs of Christmas—including one that began as a celebration of spring flowers, as well as the original—and very different—“Silent Night.”