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Canadian Saint Wrote
The Huron Carol
The very first Canadian Christmas Carol was written in 1643, by
Father Saint Jean de Brebeuf, 1593-1649 It was meant as a
gift and teaching aid for the Huron People. Father Brebeuf was a
Jesuit Missionary and Linguist stationed at Ste. Marie Among the
Hurons.
Written originally in the Huron language; the carol at some
point in time, was translated into French. Mr. Jesse Edgar
Middleton translated the carol into English in 1926, from a
French Translation and gave it a new name.
I had wondered about the differences in wording between the Huron
Carol and Middleton's Twas In The Moon Of Winter. Mr Steckley; a
translator at Humber College; pointed out, it was Middleton who
created the lyrics for Moon of Winter probably because of
difficulty with the flawed French Translation.
Even when all the translation difficulties are taken into
consideration, The Huron Carol or Twas In The Moon Of
Winter Time does not lose Father Brebeuf's message.
Father Saint Jean de Brebeuf lost his life March 16 1649, during
the Iroquois uprising of 1648/1650, when he was captured and
slain by the Iroquois. On June 29 1930 Father Brebeuf was
canonized by Pope Pius XI.
The music known as Jesous Ahatonhia is based on a 16 th century
French Canadian Melody. The following audio clip is used with
permission of The Nylons, a well known quartet that sing A
Cappella Style. The clip is from The Nylons Christmas Album ...
A Wish For You
In keeping with our Native theme, the following is the Huron
Carol; in the Huron Language; complete with pronunciation guide
and translation; the First Canadian Christmas Carol.
Jesse Edgar Middleton's 1926 Translation Right Panel
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'Twas In
The Moon of Winter Time
'Twas in the moon of
winter time, 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.  O
children of the forest free, O sons 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.
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