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December 22

"'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime" (also known as the "Huron Carol") is Canada's oldest Christmas song, written in the Huron language by a Jesuit missionary. I've always found this to be a very beautiful hymn, and I'm not quite sure the banjo does it justice. Though I'd planned to include this all along, my mother specifically requested it.

I hope you've been enjoying Hark! The Herald Banjo Rings so far. If you'd like to download all the songs at once, a zip file with all 27 songs will be available on December 24. Also, if you play the banjo and are interested in the tablature for any of these songs, just send me an email.

Downloads: mp3 ogg

'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime

Words: Jean de Brebeuf, c. 1641 (Huron); English text: Jesse Edgar Middleton, 1926.
Music: UNE JEUNE PUCELLE, French carol, 16th century.

'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.
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 you 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.

Sources and more information