The Story Behind "Silent Night! Holy Night!"

There probably isn’t a more loved Christmas Carol than “Silent Night, Holy Night.”  It is sung around the world and this year marks its 200th anniversary.  The story behind the carol is shrouded in truth, mystery and folklore.
 
In 1818 this well known carol was sung for the first time in a small village church in Oberndorf, Austria.  It was originally written in German by a young priest, Joseph Mohr, in 1816 while he was assigned to a pilgrimage church in Mariapfarr, Austria.
 
The song has outlasted the originator of the words.  Historical records are reported that Father Joseph Mohr is buried in the tiny alpine ski resort in Wagrain, Austria.  Born into a poor family he died penniless in Wagrain where he had been assigned as the pastor of the church.  He was reported to be very generous, donating all of his earnings to be used for the care of the elderly and the education of the children in the area.  He was described as “a reliable friend of mankind toward the poor, a gentle, helping father” in a report to the bishop.
 
On December 24, 1818 it is said that Mohr travelled to the home of musician and school teacher Franz Gruber, a friend and organist and choir director at the church.  Mohr showed Gruber his poem from 1816 and asked him to compose a melody and guitar accompaniment so that it could be performed at midnight mass that evening.
 
The folklore that has been assigned to this carol has been commonly accepted but is not accepted by all, especially sincere historians.  It was Christmas Eve and the organist, accompanied by Father Mohr on his guitar and the choir were ready to sing this new carol as part of their worship service.  Arriving at the church, it was discovered that the church mice had eaten the bellows of the organ and the organ was rendered inoperable.  But the show must go on!  So, alone with his guitar, Mohr, Gruber and the choir introduced this new song to the congregation.  It was a hit!  And the folklore has survived.  In truth, all went well and the organ worked well.  Maybe!
 
A master organ builder and repairman, Karl Mauracher, from the Ziller Valley worked on the St. Nicolas organ often and he discovered a copy of the carol and took it home with him.  Its use spread to the point where it was referred to as a “Tyrolean Folk Song.”
 
Because of the carol’s folk-like composition it was adopted by two travelling folk singing families from the Ziller Valley, the Strassers and the Rainers .  If you are familiar with the music of the Trapp Family, from the Sound of Music, you’ll have an idea of the sound.  Its fame grew to the point where it was sung before Emperor Franz 1 and Tsar Alexander 1. It became a favourite of King Frederick William IV of Prussia who had it performed every year.  The melody changed over the years until it finally arrived as the familiar tune we know today.
 
Over the course of time, after the death of Mohr, the melody had been assumed to be the work of Haydn, Mozart or Beethoven, even though Franz Gruber wrote to the authorities in Berlin claiming to be the composer.  The controversy was settled in 1994 when a long-lost arrangement of “Stille Nacht” in the hand of Joseph Mohr was authenticated.  In the right hand corner of the arrangement Mohr had penned,  “Melodie von Fr. Xav. Gruber.
 
Apparently, this carol was first sung in America, in 1839, at the Alexander Hamilton Monument outside Trinity Church in New York City.  The performers were none other than the Rainer family,  from Ziller Valley.
 
In 1914, during the First World War, historian Stanley Weintraub, writing about the Christmas Day truce that happened on the battlefield, attributes German Officer and  sometime member of the Berlin Opera, Walter Kirchoff with singing the carol that encouraged the exchange of songs, greetings and gifts between opposing soldiers.  A strange peace indeed!
 
Even though the history of the carol is clouded, wrapped in truth and folklore, it’s incredible to think that an obscure pastor of a small mountain congregation, and a musician-teacher wrote a poem and composition that in time became one of the most well-known and liked carols that we sing today.  This song has turned hearts heavenward for 200 years and it’s likely to continue for many more ages to come. The hope and peace pronounced in the six verses are a message that have withstood the test of time, survived many rumours and myths and reveal to people all around the world the incredible gift of “God is with us – Immanuel.”
 
You’ll probably recognize the first 3 verses but verses 4-6 might not be familiar to you.  Together they make for a great Christmas Eve devotional.  MERRY CHRISTMAS!
 
1. Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright,
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child!
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace!
Sleep in heavenly peace!
 
2. Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from Heaven afar,
Heavenly Hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour, is born!
Christ, the Saviour, is born!
 
3. Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy Holy Face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth!
Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth!
 
4. Silent Night, Holy Night
Here at last, healing light
From the heavenly kingdom sent,
Abundant grace for our intent.
Jesus, salvation for all.
Jesus, salvation for all.
 
5. Silent Night! Holy Night"
Sleeps the world in peace tonight.
God sends his Son to earth below
A Child from whom all blessings flow
Jesus, embraces mankind.
Jesus, embraces mankind.
 
6. Silent Night, Holy Night
Mindful of mankind's plight
The Lord in Heav'n on high decreed
From earthly woes we would be freed
Jesus, God's promise for peace.
Jesus, God's promise for peace.
 
*** I am thankful for the research and writing of many who love this Carol.  I claim no originality and offer this blog as a compilation of many resources.  The stories associated with this carol abound and whether they are mere folklore or based on historical research do not change the wonderful message that has stood the test of two centuries.
​Roy MacGregor