'Adeste Fidelis' Translated Into 120 Languages

Taupo Times, Volume 19, Issue 98, 17 December 1970, Page 5 (Supplement)

'Adeste Fidelis' Translated Into 120 Languages

"Adeste Fidelis" (O Come, All Ye Faithful) is one of the best-known Christmas carols in the world. It has been translated into more than 120 languages and dialects. Some scholars believe it may have been known to Francis of Assisi and that it might have been sung while the people gathered around the first creches.

Still others say that the great carol was written by St. Bonaventure, a contemporary of St. Francis, in the 13th century. Be that as it may, it is affirmed that the carol changed through the years, and was popular in Germany and France as early as the 17th century. The earliest recorded words and melody of "Adeste Fidelis" are found in "Cantus Diversi", a collection of hymns (1750) by John Francis Wade. The carols, hymns and songs that so enrich our Christmas season today are the products of many

countries and many centuries. This beautif ul music came to America with the early settlers. The Germans brought Luther's hymn for children, "Away In A Manger." "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" came from England. The French gave us "Cantique de Noel" or "0, Holy Night." American composers began early to fill the

roster of Christmas favorites. In 1730, Charles Wesley, younger brother of John Wesley, founder of the Methodist denomination, wrote "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing." "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" was composed in 1849 by Edmund H. Sears.