The term evolved in Spanish, becoming "villano," meaning "villager."
Here's how the connection to music came about:
* Early villancicos were simple, folk songs sung in the countryside by commoners.
* Over time, they transitioned from rural to urban settings, becoming popular among the general population.
* In the 15th and 16th centuries, villancicos gained prominence in church music and were often incorporated into liturgical celebrations.
* Today, villancicos are primarily associated with Christmas carols in Spain and Latin America. They are often characterized by their festive melodies and religious themes.