Csordapásztorok facts for kids

Csordapásztorok (which means "Shepherds" in English) is one of the oldest and most loved Hungarian Christmas carols. It tells the story of the shepherds who were the first to hear about the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. This song has been sung for hundreds of years, making it a special part of Hungarian Christmas traditions.

How Old Is This Song?

The words for "Csordapásztorok" are very old. They were first written down in a book called Cantus Catholici in 1651. This book was put together by Benedek Szőlősy. The book simply called it an "old song," showing it was already well-known back then!

The music for this carol was recorded later. It first appeared in a special handwritten book called the Deák-Szentes manuscript. This book was created by Mózes Szentes between 1741 and 1774. So, while the words are from the 1600s, the music we know today was written down in the 1700s.

What the Lyrics Tell Us

The lyrics of "Csordapásztorok" tell a beautiful story from the Bible. It's about the night Jesus was born.

The Shepherds' Surprise

The song begins with shepherds watching their sheep in the fields near Bethlehem at night. Suddenly, angels from God appear to them. The shepherds are very scared because of this amazing sight!

Good News from the Angels

But the angels bring wonderful news. They tell the shepherds not to be afraid. Instead, they announce great joy: "Today your salvation was born!" This means Jesus, the Savior, has arrived. The angels tell the shepherds to go quickly to the city. There, they will find Jesus lying in a manger.

Finding Baby Jesus

The shepherds listen to the angels and hurry to Bethlehem. They find Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus, just as the angels said. They greet Mary, who explains that her holy son is sleeping in his swaddling clothes. He is resting on straw in a cold manger, not in a soft bed or a fancy palace.

A Prayer and Praise

The shepherds then ask Mary to wake up Jesus so they can see him, because they came because of the angels' message. They greet Jesus as the "Shepherd of Shepherds" and the "Holy Lord Saviour." They ask him to forgive their sins. The song ends with a prayer to Mary, asking her to pray for them. It also gives glory to God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

This carol helps people remember the simple, humble beginnings of Jesus and the important message of hope and joy that Christmas brings.