'Twas In The Moon of Winter Time

In honour of my Solstice Birthday today, Dec. 22nd, I'm posting my favourite carol! I love pictures of the moon and deer. The bottom two I took outside my door.

The Huron Carol ('Twas In The Moon of Winter Time)

'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.

Words: Jean de Brebeuf, ca. 1643; trans by Jesse Edgar Middleton, 1926

Music: French Canadian melody (tune name: Jesous Ahatonhia)

For several years when I taught Gr. 3 Native Peoples of Canada and Pioneers, we would enact this carol for the concert. We got away with the religious content because it was related to curriculum. Everyone, imcluding myself, would dress as pioneers or natives of The Huron Tribe and sing this as some children moved on the stage. We had a giant silver foil moon and four blue floodlights focused on the whole scene. The kids thought it was cool, especially when the electric guitar solo twanged. They all sang their hearts out and were really "in role".

It was eerily beautiful, and to this day it is my absolute favourite carol.