‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime

“‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime” is considered the first Canadian carol.  It was originally written in the Huron Indian language in 1640 by a Jesuit priest named Jean de Brebeuf.  It was set to an old French tune.  When Father Brebeuf was retelling the story of the Nativity, he used symbols and figures that could be understood by the Hurons.  This hymn entered the tribe’s oral tradition and was sung by the Hurons in Ontario until 1649.  The Iroquois drove the Hurons from their home and many of them escaped to Quebec.  The carol re-emerged and was translated into English and French. 

Often called The Huron Carol, the words were translated into English by J.E. Middleton in 1926. The music is a French Canadian melody, Jesous Ahatonhia.  Here is the English Version of the Huron Carol.

‘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 wond’ring 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

And as the hunter braves drew nigh,

The angel song rang loud and high:

Jesus, your King, is born;

Jesus is born!

In excelsis gloria!

O children of the forest free,

O songs of Manitou

The Holy Child of earth and heav’n

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!

Besides playing this carol on the Handbells, I remember teaching this carol to my students at McNally School over thirty-five years ago.  We sang this carol at the School’s Christmas Concert and members of my class dressed as chiefs and braves as they acted out the Nativity story.  It was an opportunity to discover some of the stories of the Indigenous  Peoples of Canada.

Have a great day everyone.  Enjoy singing the songs of the Christmas season.

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