“Silent Night! Holy Night!” around the world

It is moving to know that every year on December 24th, this simple song is sung around the world, everywhere people celebrate Christmas.

Soon after it began spreading, the text was translated into many different languages. Today, it is known to exist in over 330 languages and dialects. Some of these translations are quite freely interpreted. Usually only three of the six verses were translated, since church hymnals only distributed verses 1, 2 and 6. In the most common languages, this has since been corrected and verses 3-5 have been added.

The customs surrounding the song vary widely in different places. In some countries, it is even used as a lullaby that is sung throughout the year. In many places, “Silent Night! Holy Night!” can be heard from speakers as early as October, while in other places it is tradition to sing this song only during the Christmas holidays. This is also the case in Oberndorf.

Every year, the people of Oberndorf celebrate a devotional service in front of the Silent Night Chapel with visitors from around the world. As a finale, everyone sings “Silent Night! Holy Night!” – each in their own language, yet together!