Romanian Christmas Carols translated by Julia Kalman
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Get ready, darlings!
Because from this very day, December 22, 2023, we’re about to embark on a journey through the enchanting world of Romanian carols, evocative verses, and captivating videos — a cultural adventure that’s sure to spice up your everyday routine!
“White Flowers” — “Florile Dalbe”
Imagine
Underneath a blanket of stars, Christmas Eve is upon us.
Picture this — young lads, their breath misty in the winter air, cradling an icon that whispers the tale of Christ’s birth. They serenade the sleeping houses with the melodic strains of “White Flowers,” a carol as delicate and ethereal as its namesake.
But that’s not all. They hold aloft “Steaua,” a glowing star, crafted from paper, its light piercing through the frosty dusk. It’s like holding a piece of the night sky, a celestial beacon guiding them through the quiet streets. This enchanting carol, a beautiful tradition, was collected by the poet Vasile Alecsandri.
Can you hear it? The soft rustle of the paper star, the harmonious chorus of voices, the crunch of snow underfoot. Can you see it? The warm glow of “Steaua,” casting dancing shadows on the cobblestones. Can you feel it? The chill nipping at your cheeks, the thrill of Christmas magic in the air.
This is more than a carol. It’s a memory, a tradition, a slice of culture wrapped up in a melody.
Verse 1:
Wake up, wake up, noble folk so grand,
White flowers bright,
Awake, O Roman plowers of the land,
White flowers bright,
For carolers are on their way,
White flowers bright,
In the night, by singers they’ll sway,
White flowers bright.
Chorus:
And they bring a newborn God,
White flowers bright,
To save you from the dark’s facade,
White flowers bright,
A newborn God with lilies adorned,
White flowers bright,
True God, by the sun’s rays adorned,
White flowers bright.
Verse 2:
Wake up, wake up, noble folk so grand,
White flowers bright,
Awake, O Roman plowers of the land,
White flowers bright,
For in the sky, a sign’s displayed,
White flowers bright,
A star, an emperor’s light arrayed,
White flowers bright.
Chorus:
A comet star shining so clear,
White flowers bright,
Destined for happiness, drawing near,
White flowers bright,
Now the world begins to bloom,
White flowers bright,
The earth regains its youthful room,
White flowers bright.
Verse 3:
Singing in the meadow, doves in flight,
White flowers bright,
By the window, swallows take their height,
White flowers bright,
And a beautiful corn, just arrived,
White flowers bright,
From the sunset, it has thrived,
White flowers bright.
Chorus:
A white flower it brings so fair,
White flowers bright,
On the cradle, placed with care,
White flowers bright,
He will wish you a life so sweet,
White flowers bright,
In many happy years complete,
White flowers bright.
Verse 4:
And may you blossom like the trees,
White flowers bright,
As you age with grace and ease,
White flowers bright,
So let the joy forever be,
White flowers bright,
In the garden of eternity,
White flowers bright.
Please, clap, engage, and… stay tuned for the next Christmas recipe…! But, most importantly, a profound thank you to each one of you. Your unwavering support has been invaluable.
Julia Kalman 