The Huron Carol

The Huron Carol is the oldest and most famous Canadian Christmas carol. It was written by Jean de Brebeuf, a Jesuit missionary among the Hurons of Canada. He wrote the lyrics in the native language of the Huron people. The well-known English lyrics were written by Jesse Edgar Middleton.

Instead of the original nativity story, the English lyrics use imagery familiar to the natives of Canada. For example, 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, is visited by chiefs from afar and is given fox and beaver pelts.

The carol begins as follows:

'Twas in the moon of winter-time
When all the birds had fled,
That mighty Gitchi Manitou
Sent angel choirs instead.

The English version uses Gitchi Manitou, the traditional Huron name, for God. This is not used in the original version. The Huron Carol also has a French version.

The Huron Carol is a popular hymn in many Canadian churches. It has a melody which is ideal for instruments with a limited range such as the flute. Canada's most famous Christmas carol helped to introduce Christianity to the natives of Canada.