Laudes creaturarum o Cantico del Sole

The Laudes creaturarum, also known as the Cantico di Frate Sole or "Canticle of Brother Sun," is one of the earliest known Italian poems, attributed to St. Francis of Assisi around 1225. Written in a rhythmic prose that echoes biblical verses, it praises God through his creation using assonance instead of rhyme.1

This work is likely accompanied by music and is considered a precursor to the lauda, a common form of religious song sung by lay confraternities. The lauda tradition often focused on themes of spiritual poverty and critiques of the church. The term "canticle" itself refers to a scriptural hymn text used in Christian liturgies, distinct from the Psalms.12