This is a traditional French carol from Provence. Torchlight processions on Christmas Eve are a French tradition. Children dressed as shepherds carry torches or candles as they go to church for Midnight Mass while singing this and other carols along the way.
Traditional French carol, c.1553
The carol was first published in 1553 in France, and was subsequently translated into English in the 18th century. The song was originally not a song to be sung at Christmas, but rather dance music for .
The carol tells the story of two milkmaids, Jeanette and Isabella, who went to milk their cows in a manger in , only to find the baby sleeping in the hay. The two girls ran to town to tell the village of the coming of Christ, and the townspeople came with their own to view the sight for themselves. However, they had to keep their voices down so little Jesus could enjoy his dreams. To this day in the Provence region, children dress up as shepherds and milkmaids, carrying torches and candles to on , while singing the carol.
Un Flambeau, Jeanette, Isabelle,
Un Flambeau, courons au berceau.
C’est Jésus, bonnes gens du hameau,
Le Christ est né, Marie appelle:
Ah! Ah! Ah! Que la mère est belle,
Ah! Ah! Ah! Que l’enfant est beau.
C’est un tort quand l’Enfant someille
C’est un tort de crier si fort.
Taisez-vous l’un et l’autre d’abord!
Au moindre bruit Jésus s’éveille.
Chut! Chut! Chut! Il dort à merveille!
Chut! Chut! Chut! Voyez comme il dort.
Qui vient là, frappant de la sorte?
Qui vient là, frappant comme ça?
Ouvrez donc! J’ai posé sur un plat
De bons gâteaux qu’ici j’apporte.
Toc! Toc! Toc! Ouvrez-nous la porte!
Toc! Toc! Toc! Faisons grand gala!
Doucement dans l’étable close,
Doucement venez un moment.
Approchez, que Jésus est charmant!
Comme il est blanc, comme il est rose!
Do! Do! Do! que l’Enfant repose!
Do! Do! Do! qu’il rit en dormant!
