O Filii et Filiae

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O FILII ET FILIAE

An Easter hymn of 12 three-line stanzas, with a triple Alleluia at the beginning and end of the hymn, and a single Alleluia after each stanza. Each verse has eight syllables and is embellished with end rhyme. The date and authorship are uncertain. Because of its simplicity it was formerly dated in the 12th century, but Julian claims 1650; others ascribe it to the Franciscan, Jean Tisserand (d. 1494). This hymn tells the story of the Resurrection: the coming of the holy women and the disciples, the message of the angel, the doubts of Thomas, and his act of faith. Numerous translations and variations exist of the text and melody.

Bibliography: f. a. march, ed., Latin Hymns (New York 1874). p. guÉranger, The Liturgical Year (Dublin 186893).

[g. e. conway]

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