"Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella" ("French: Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle") is a Christmas carol which originated from the Provence region of France in the 17th century.
The carol was first published in France, and was subsequently translated into English in the 18th century.
The song was originally not meant for Christmas; it was considered dance music for French nobility.
[1] in a collection of twelve Provençal Christmas carols by Nicolas Saboly.
[2] The popularity of the melody is attested by its use four years later by Marc-Antoine Charpentier for the drinking song, "Qu'ils sont doux, bouteille jolie" in a 1672 revival of Molière's Le Médecin malgré lui.
[3] To this day on Christmas Eve in Provence, children dress as shepherds and milkmaids, bringing torches and candles while singing the carol on their way to Midnight Mass.
The characters "Jeannette" and "Isabelle/Isabella" are two female farmhands who have found the Baby Jesus and his mother Mary in a stable.
Excited by this discovery, they run to a nearby village to tell the inhabitants, who rush to see the new arrivals.
Visitors to the stable are urged to keep their voices quiet, so the newborn can enjoy his dreams.
C'est Jésus, bonnes gens du hameau, Le Christ est né; Marie appelle, Ah!
Qui vient là, en frappant comme ça?
Ouvrez-donc, j'ai posé sur un plat De bons gâteaux, qu'ici j'apporte Toc!
It is Jesus, good folk of the village; Christ is born and Mary's calling: Ah!
Open up, we've arranged on a platter Lovely cakes that we have brought here Knock!