Huron Carol
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The "Huron Carol" (or "'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime") is a Christmas hymn, written in 1643 by Jean de Brébeuf, a Christian missionary at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. Brébeuf wrote the lyrics in the native language of the Huron people; the song's original Huron title is "Jesous Ahatonhia". The song's melody is a traditional French folk song, "Une Jeune Pucelle" ("A Young Maid").
The English version of the hymn, in place of the more traditional Nativity story, uses imagery familiar to North American aboriginal cultures of the time of composition: Jesus is born in a "lodge of broken bark", and wrapped in a "robe of rabbit skin". He is surrounded by hunters instead of shepherds, and the Magi bring him "fox and beaver pelts" instead of the more familiar gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The hymn also uses a traditional Huron name, Gitchi Manitou, for God. The original lyrics are now sometimes modified to use imagery more familiar to Christians who are not part of the Huron culture.
Brébeuf was martyred in 1649. He is one of the eight Canadian Martyrs.
English lyrics were written by Jesse Edgar Middleton in 1926. The song remains a common Christmas hymn in Canadian churches of many Christian denominations. Bruce Cockburn has also recorded a rendition of the song.
English Lyrics
- 'Twas in the moon of wintertime when all the birds had fled
- That mighty Gitchi Manitou sent angel choirs instead;
- Before their light the stars grew dim and wondering hunters heard the hymn,
- Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.
- Within a lodge of broken bark the tender babe was found;
- A ragged robe of rabbit skin enwrapped his beauty round
- But as the hunter braves drew nigh the angel song rang loud and high
- Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.
- The earliest moon of wintertime is not so round and fair
- As was the ring of glory on the helpless infant there.
- The chiefs from far before him knelt with gifts of fox and beaver pelt.
- Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.
- O children of the forest free, O seed of Manitou
- The holy Child of earth and heaven is born today for you.
- Come kneel before the radiant boy who brings you beauty peace and joy.
- Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.
- 'Twas in the moon of wintertime when all the birds had fled
- That God the Lord of all the earth sent angel choirs instead;
- Before their light the stars grew dim and wondering hunters heard the hymn:
- Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, Glory be to God on high.
- The earliest moon of wintertime is not so round and fair
- As was the ring of glory on the helpless infant there.
- And when the shepherds then drew near the angel voices rang out clear:
- Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, Glory be to God on high.
- O children of the forest free, the angels' song is true.
- The holy Child of earth and heaven is born today for you.
- Come kneel before the radiant boy who brings you beauty peace and joy.
- Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, Glory be to God on high.
External links
- [J.E. Middleton's English lyrics to the Huron Carol (n.b., under Canadian copyright protection until 2011)]
- [Lyrics translated into Mi'kmaw by Mildred Milliea, with an MP3 of the song as sung by the Eskasoni Trio]
- [Original Wendat language (Huron) lyrics with pronunciation guide and translation]
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