Maja_nawotczynska_za_kominem_swierszczyk_spal

The phrase (A cricket slept behind the chimney) refers to a classic Polish Christmas carol or pastorałka (pastoral song) written by Wanda Chotomska with music by Teresa Niewiarowska.

Through his simple music, the cricket summons a peaceful sleep for the Child, transforming a cold winter night into a dream of summer meadows. Performance Context maja_nawotczynska_za_kominem_swierszczyk_spal

The cricket looks around and sees that this Child, lying in a simple manger, has no music to soothe Him. He asks, "Who will play for Him?". The phrase (A cricket slept behind the chimney)

Realizing he has his own "green fiddle" (his wings/legs), the cricket takes his place by the manger. He begins to play the most beautiful lullaby, one filled with the scents of "mother-of-thyme and chamomile" and memories of "warm, green days". He asks, "Who will play for Him

The story told in the song is one of unexpected awakening and humble service. While the world outside is frozen and dark, a small cricket is tucked away in the warmth behind a kitchen chimney, intending to sleep through the entire winter.

His slumber is interrupted by a "novena"—a piece of miraculous news: a Child has been born.