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O Holy Night
by Adolphe Adam
Adolphe Adam -1856 -sized.JPG
Adolphe Adam
Native name Minuit, chrétiens
Genre Classical, Christmas
Text Placide Cappeau
Language French, English
Meter 11.10.11.10.11.10.11.10.10
Composed 1847 (1847)

"O Holy Night" is a very famous Christmas song. It was first created to celebrate the new organ in a church in the town of Roquemaure, France.

The story of "O Holy Night" began in 1843. A French poet named Placide Cappeau wrote a poem. He was also a wine merchant. He called his poem Minuit, chrétiens, which means "Midnight, Christians."

The poem talks about the birth of Jesus. It also speaks about how people can find goodness. The music for the poem was written by Adolphe Adam. He composed it around the year 1847.

Many famous singers have performed this song. Some of them include Mariah Carey and Céline Dion.

The Song's Meaning

The lyrics of "O Holy Night" tell a story. They describe the night Jesus was born. The song shares a message of hope and peace. It reminds listeners about the importance of love.

The original French poem has three parts. Each part shares a different idea. The first part talks about the special moment of Jesus' birth. The second part guides people to the manger where Jesus lay. The final part speaks about freedom and love for everyone.

An American writer named John Sullivan Dwight later translated the song into English. His version is very popular today. It keeps the main ideas of the original poem.

Who Created the Song?

Placide Cappeau: The Poet

Placide Cappeau was born in France in 1808. He was a poet and a merchant. He wrote the poem Minuit, chrétiens in 1843. This poem became the lyrics for "O Holy Night." Cappeau wrote it for his local church. He was asked to create a Christmas poem.

Adolphe Adam: The Composer

Adolphe Adam was a French composer. He was born in Paris in 1803. Adam wrote many operas and ballets. His most famous ballet is Giselle. He composed the music for Cappeau's poem in 1847. This music made "O Holy Night" a beautiful and lasting song.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: O Holy Night para niños

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