Wendat Carol (Huron Carol)

 Wendat Carol (Huron Carol) 

Written by Saint Jean de Brébeuf (25 March 1593 – 16 March 1649), derived from a French Song. There are versions in English and in Wendat. - Hymns of Carols and Christmas website, and Heritage Canton website.  

I do not know how accurate and exact the English translation and Wendat versions are. It is entirely possible that the one written in the native language had a less condescending tone, though I can't imagine it being absent the colonizing aspect. Maybe it at least had accurate Wendat words – "Gitchi Manitou" is Cree/Algonquian for "Great Spirit", "Orenda" is Wendat. 'Wendat' and 'Wendake' are 2 of the more accurate names I found for this tribe. "Huron" comes from French, meaning 'boar's head', 'rough', and 'boorish'.  

 

 

Twas in the moon of winter-time  
When many animals slept  
Orenda's sturdy winter friends  
Wandered on instead;  
Through rest or play the stars grew dim,  
And wandering hunters heard the hymn:  

  
I am your winter's winds, I bring dancing snow.  

On this grand and icy land  
  
Within a lodge of Alder bark  
Community was found,  
Luxurious robe of animal fur  
Kept us warm and sound;  
But as the hunter group drew nigh,  
The 'ohcha song rang loud and high...  

  
I am your winter's winds, I bring dancing snow.  

On this grand and icy land  
  
The earliest moon of wintertime  
frosted and so fair   
Shining on the glorious  
Wind-blown branch and hair.  
As family we pause to kneel,  
Descendants and ancestors heal.   

  
I am your winter's winds, I bring dancing snow.  

On this grand and icy land  
  
O children of the forest free,  
Orenda's family  
The yearly cycle's wheel of time  
Is known so well to thee   
The sculpture of the glistening ice  

Shines, a diamond paradise.  

  
I am your winter's winds, I bring dancing snow.  

On this grand and icy land