Forty Days and Forty Nights

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Doctrinal Content

The text helps the young child remember the forty days and forty nights Christ spent in the desert and the length of time the Church spends in preparation for the great Season of Easter.

Origin of Text

George Hunt Smyttan (1822-1870)

Origin of Melody

Hymn Tune: Heinlein by Martin Herbst (1654-1681)
The origin of this hymn is the Lutheran tradition. It is appropriate for Catholics to borrow from other Christian denominations that which is good and true and can assist us in our journey together.

Musical Analysis

Minor key
Time signature – 4/4
Note values – quarter and half notes
Intervals – descending 5th, half step MI-FA, DO-TI, LA-TEH, ascending and descending minor 3rd

Teaching Recommendations

Rhymes in the poetry help the youngest children memorize the words.
It is not recommended with children who are not yet reading to ask them to sing more than one verse.

Melody –  Public Domain

Text –  Public Domain

Location 

See Hymnary.org