Romanian Christmas Carols translated by Julia Kalman
Please make sure to spend a minimum of 30 seconds reading my story.
I truly cherish the interaction of authentic readers. Thank you very much!
Who doesn’t love a good party? And what better than a party that’s steeped in tradition, alive with music, and brimming with good humor?
Welcome, my friends, to the sparkling celebration of the New Year in Romania — a time when we embrace the rhythm of jingles and drums and get swept away by the Goat Carol.
Now, you might be thinking, “A goat… at a New Year’s party?”
Well, yes! This is no ordinary party and certainly no ordinary goat.
It’s a delightful dance ritual, dating back to our agrarian roots, performed to usher in fertility for the coming year.
Picture a charming little goat, decked out in carpets and jewelry, prancing about from household to household, spreading cheer and prosperity. It’s quirky, it’s fun, and it’s one of our most beloved New Year customs. So, let’s take a closer look at this unique tradition and see what makes it tick.
Verse 1
From the mountain comes the goat,
With a small white star, afloat.
Antlers adorned with branches wide,
Some large, some small, a scenic guide.
On the mountain, flowers sway,
Where shepherds let their goats graze.
My goat, with beads and charm so fine,
She’s a beauty, truly divine.
A lovely goat, as you will see,
With a carpet and headwrap, fancy and free.
Chorus
Tsa, tsa, tsa, little goat, tsa,
The Carpathian deer passed by,
To dance with all, oh, how they fly!
With a carpet adorned so bright,
Starry lanterns illuminate the night.
On fields with blossoms so petite,
On waters with pebbles sweet,
From hooves, a spark does play,
Opening paths along the way.
The world rejoices, heart at play,
Tsa, tsa, tsa, little goat, tsa.
Verse 2
With a carpet and a headwrap too,
For the upcoming year, we sing anew.
May only goodness reach our ear,
In the coming year, and many cheer.
The goat from the mountain comes,
With white stars on her head, it sums.
This, a true goat, I state,
Tsa, tsa, tsa, little goat, tsa!
Chorus
Tsa, tsa, tsa, little goat, tsa,
May the hosts grant you your due,
And your goblet fill with brew.
Come, little goat, let’s dance away,
Tsa, tsa, tsa, little goat, stay.
Verse 3
As many shingles on the roof,
As many coins beneath, a woof.
As many feathers on the cocks,
As many children with charming locks.
As many flowers in the orchard bloom,
As many coins in the chest, a room.
As many coals in the oven burn,
As many cattle in the pen, they churn.
Speak, my friend, but speak with glee,
Count the blessings that you see.
Chorus
May the hosts grant you your due,
And your goblet fills with brew.
Come, little goat, let’s depart,
Tsa, tsa, tsa, little goat, start.
Outro
Tsa, little goat, tsa!
Source: www.crestinortodox.ro
Please, clap, engage, and… stay tuned for the next Christmas story…! But, most importantly, a profound thank you to each one of you. Your unwavering support has been invaluable.
Julia Kalman 