Romanian Christmas Carols translated by Julia Kalman
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A Creature of Immense Power and Grace
Ever witnessed the spectacle of the Bear Dance?
It’s an enchanting sight that takes you back to a time when humans revered the natural world.
Imagine a bear, a creature of great power and grace, held in high esteem by ancient societies for its supposed magical and healing capacities.
Such was its allure that it found its way into their dances and rituals, immortalizing its spirit in their culture.
Picture the quaint villages of Bukovina, nestled among the hills, coming alive with the rhythm of drums. The air is crisp with anticipation. You see a figure emerge, covered in straw or bear fur, depending on the era. It’s the bear dancer, the focal point of this grand performance.
But the dancer is not alone; there’s a leader, the guiding force behind this spectacle.
The leader, wielding a whip attached to the head of the bear costume, directs the bear, who is also tethered to the end of the whip.
The Bear Dance
It’s a dance of control and freedom, of power and submission, all set to the pulsating rhythm of the drums. The bear dancers spring into action, performing gravity-defying acrobatics, engaging in mock battles, and playfully menacing the spectators.
But wait, there’s more! The bear mask made of straw isn’t just a prop. It’s symbolic. At the end of the dance, it’s thrown into a roaring fire. It’s a ritualistic representation of death and rebirth, a nod to the cyclical nature of life itself.
Anthropologists reckon that this masked bear dance symbolizes the death and resurrection of nature. It’s a dance that speaks volumes about our relationship with the natural world, a dance that reminds us of our place in the grand scheme of things. So, why the tradition of the bear dance? It’s a testament to the deep respect and reverence our ancestors had for the bear, a sacred beast that held, and perhaps still holds, a special place in our collective consciousness.
Good Evening, Dear Hosts!
Good evening, dear hosts, gather ‘round,
From the hills, our bear is renowned.
With your kind assent, we decree,
A warm welcome to our bear, with glee!
Na! Na! Na! Martine, sway!
Don’t resist, come join the play.
A sturdy switch, I firmly hold,
Its bewitching tales, let them be told.
Come, Martine, step down,
Hear the song, no need to frown.
Once a child so sweet and small,
Now you tower, make me fall!
Na! Na! Na! Martine, hey!
Turn around, my dear, my ray.
Dance, dance, old man Martine,
I’ll offer honey, oh, how serene.
Dance, dance, to the lively beat,
Like a gypsy, nimble and fleet.
My bear from Spain, you should know,
Sleigh-pulled through the winter snow.
Dance, Dance for Us
Dance, dance, you wild bear,
Or I’ll turn your skin to flare!
Na! Na! Na! Martine, sway!
Dance on, don’t delay!
Green leaves of the fir so fine,
My bear has cubs, a precious line.
Green leaves of the mulberry tree,
From Bacau, my bear’s journeyed to thee.
For you, Martine, he’s come to play,
To dance a bearish jig today.
Na! Na! Na! Martine, sway!
Join the dance, don’t turn away.
Dance, dance, oh mighty bear,
Blackberries will soon be rare.
Grow fatter, roam the houses near,
Leap higher, like the past year.
Now, bend down, give a cheer,
Greet the host, loud and clear!
Green leaves of the rye field tall,
Bear, step out, answer the call.
Green leaves of the mighty oak,
Health to you, dear folk!
For the next year, and “Cheers!”
May your days be full of joy and free of tears!
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.
