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Silent Night

What is silent night?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

title Silent Night / Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht[1]
type Christmas carol[3]
lyricist Joseph Mohr[1]
composer Franz Xaver Gruber[1]
year 1818[1]
place Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria[1]

Silent Night is a Christmas carol about the birth of Jesus Christ and peace.

Context

Silent Night is a beloved Christmas carol with a rich history. Originally written in German as 'Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,' it was composed in 1818 in Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. The carol is widely known for its themes of the birth of Jesus Christ and peace. It has been translated into over 300 languages and is commonly sung as a Christmas hymn. The carol is often confused with the literal phrase meaning a quiet or noiseless night [2].

Documented claims

  • The carol's themes include the birth of Jesus Christ and peace. [1]
  • It was originally written in German and has been translated into over 300 languages. [1]

Questions and answers

Who wrote the lyrics for Silent Night?

Joseph Mohr wrote the lyrics for Silent Night [1].

When was Silent Night composed?

Silent Night was composed in 1818 [1].

What are the main themes of Silent Night?

The main themes of Silent Night are the birth of Jesus Christ and peace [1].

Sources

  1. Silent Night — sbbc4deaf.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. “SILENT NIGHT” Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com — dictionary.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. 'Silent Night' captures the meaning of Christmas in song — catholicherald.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Culture