I remember the notes of an old 10 inch LP by Jo Stafford, about 1952or so, singing "Southern Mountain Songs" with thr following info. about the Song 8th of January.
Christmass was celebrated on the 8th of Jan.in the British Islands. When the early Scots/Irish emigrants seteled in the remote sections of the App. Mts. they continued to use this date long after the date was changed to Dec.25.
The fiddle tune Called 8th of Jan. evolved about this time. I remember it as a Square dance tune back in the late 1940's. I believe Johnny Horton? used it for the song "The Battle of New Orlens. Were there any words to the origional tune?
When was the date changed?? ANy other info on this??