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Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella facts for kids

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Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella is a popular Christmas carol. It comes from the Provence region of France. This song was first created in the 1600s. It was originally dance music for French noble families. Later, it became a beloved Christmas song. The carol was translated into English in the 1700s.

The Song's History

This carol first appeared in a book in 1668. It was part of a collection of twelve Christmas songs. These songs were written by Nicolas Saboly. The tune was so popular that it was even used for a different song. A famous composer named Marc-Antoine Charpentier used it in 1672. He used the melody for a drinking song in a play by Molière.

What the Song is About

The song tells a sweet story about two farm girls. Their names are Jeannette and Isabella. They discover the baby Jesus and his mother, Mary, in a stable. They are very excited about this amazing find.

Jeannette and Isabella quickly run to their village. They want to tell everyone the good news. The villagers then rush to the stable to see the newborn baby. In the song, visitors are asked to be very quiet. This is so the baby Jesus can sleep peacefully and dream.

Christmas Traditions in Provence

Even today, this carol is very special in Provence, France. On Christmas Eve, children dress up like shepherds and milkmaids. They carry torches and candles. As they walk to Midnight Mass, they sing "Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella." It's a beautiful tradition that connects them to the song's story.

Lyrics

English Lyrics
Bring a torch, Jeanette, Isabella!
Bring a torch, to the stable call
Christ is born, tell the folk of the village
Jesus is born and Mary's calling.
Ah! Ah! Beautiful is the Mother!
Ah! Ah! Beautiful is her Child
Who is that, knocking on the door?
Who is it, knocking like that?
Open up, we've arranged on a platter
Lovely cakes that we have brought here
Knock! Knock! Open the door for us!
Knock! Knock! Let's celebrate!
It is wrong when the Child is sleeping,
It is wrong to talk so loud.
Silence, now as you gather around,
Lest your noise should waken Jesus.
Hush! Hush! See how He slumbers;
Hush! Hush! See how fast He sleeps!
Softly now unto the stable,
Softly for a moment come!
Look and see how charming is Jesus,
Look at Him there, His cheeks are rosy!
Hush! Hush! See how the Child is sleeping;
Hush! Hush! See how He smiles in His dreams!
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