The Oxen facts for kids
"The Oxen" is a famous poem written by the English writer Thomas Hardy (1840–1928). It's also sometimes called "Christmas Eve, and Twelve of the Clock" because of its first line. The poem tells a story about an old legend from the West Country in England. This legend says that on Christmas Day, farm animals like cows and oxen kneel down in their stalls. They do this to show respect for the birth of Jesus Christ. The poem was first printed in December 1915 in a London newspaper called The Times. Many people have also set this poem to music.
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The Oxen: A Christmas Poem
"The Oxen" is a short, beautiful poem that makes people think about old traditions. It brings to life a special Christmas legend. The poem helps us imagine what it might be like if animals truly did kneel on Christmas Eve.
The Legend of the Kneeling Animals
The main idea of "The Oxen" comes from a very old story. This story is popular in the West Country of England. People there believed that at midnight on Christmas Eve, farm animals would kneel. They would do this in their barns, just as they did when Jesus was born in a stable. This act of kneeling was seen as a sign of honor and wonder. Thomas Hardy grew up hearing these kinds of stories.
Who Was Thomas Hardy?
Thomas Hardy was a very important English writer. He lived from 1840 to 1928. He wrote many famous novels and poems. His stories often took place in the countryside of England. He liked to write about nature, old traditions, and how people lived in his time. "The Oxen" shows his love for old legends and the simple beauty of rural life.
When Was the Poem Published?
"The Oxen" was first shared with the public in December 1915. It appeared in The Times newspaper, which was a big deal. This was during World War I, a very difficult time. The poem offered a moment of peace and reflection for readers. It reminded them of the magic and hope of Christmas.
The Poem Set to Music
Because "The Oxen" is so popular and has such a lovely rhythm, many composers have turned it into songs. This means they wrote music to go along with Hardy's words. Famous composers like Ralph Vaughan Williams and Benjamin Britten are among those who have created musical versions of the poem. These musical settings help bring the poem's gentle message to even more people.
