Salmesang i Kina

Abstract

From the beginning of the nineteenth century Western missionaries in China translated hymns from their home churches and movements. The first book was printed in 1818. But the di$culties, both with poetry and music, resulted in discussions among missionaries and Chinese Christians. Some were sceptical to using Chinese poetry and music in the churches, while others promoted it. The result has been a combination of translated hymns and new Chinese hymns and music. During the twentieth century some influential ecumenical hymn books were made. Still the western hymns dominated, but the contribution by Chinese poets and musicians has become more and more influential. A national hymnody has been created. Of special importance is the hymnbook, Canaan Hymns. All the hymns there are written by the peasant woman Lü Xiaomin during the latest three decades. #ey still dominate the House Church movements all over the country, and many of her hymns are also used in Three-Self-churches.