Cantico di Frate Sole

work by Francis of Assisi

Also known as: “Canticle of Brother Sun”, “Canticle of the Creatures”, “Canticle of the Sun”, “Praises of Creatures”(Show More)

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June 23, 2026

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The Cantico di Frate Sole (Canticle of Brother Sun) is one of the earliest Italian poems, likely composed around 1225 by St. Francis of Assisi. Written in the Umbrian dialect, it praises God through his creation. The poem uses rhythmical prose with assonance instead of rhyme, reminiscent of biblical verses. It is believed that St. Francis may have also composed a musical accompaniment for it. This work is significant in the development of religious poetry and the lauda tradition, which became a common form of religious song for laypeople. St. Francis of Assisi was an Italian friar known for his life of poverty and Christian charity, who founded the Franciscan order.12

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St. Francis of Assisi
The Franciscan rule of St. Francis of Assisi
In his “Canticle of the Creatures” (less properly called by such names as the “Praises of Creatures” or the “Canticle of the Sun”), he referred to “Brother Sun” and “Sister Moon,” the wind and water, and even “Sister Death.”
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In his “Canticle of the Creatures” (less properly called by such names as the “Praises of Creatures” or the “Canticle of the Sun”), he referred to “Brother Sun” and “Sister Moon,” the wind and water, and even “Sister Death.”
Read More

Italian literature
Religious poetry
The famous Laudes creaturarum o Cantico di Frate Sole (c. 1225; “Canticle of Brother Sun”), of St. Francis of Assisi was one of the earliest Italian poems. It was written in rhythmical prose that recalls the verses of the Bible and uses assonance in place of rhyme. In the Umbrian…
Read More
The famous Laudes creaturarum o Cantico di Frate Sole (c. 1225; “Canticle of Brother Sun”), of St. Francis of Assisi was one of the earliest Italian poems. It was written in rhythmical prose that recalls the verses of the Bible and uses assonance in place of rhyme. In the Umbrian…
Read More