People everywhere love Christmas – but we don’t all celebrate it the same way.
Mama Lisa’s Christmas Around The World is a celebration of the diversity and love with which many different cultures mark this joyful time of year.
You’ll read about:
- How in Italy it’s not Santa Claus who gives gifts to all the children. It’s La Befana, a friendly witch!
- How Scandinavians mark the end of the season by “plundering” the Christmas Tree on St. Knut’s Day. That’s a fun way to get children to help with the post-holiday clean-up!
- How in Colombia, in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s usually warm in December. So Christmas is celebrated like a giant outdoor block party!
The first part of the book covers some of the traditions that take place on days other than Christmas itself, like St. Nick’s Day and Epiphany. The history and meaning of these holidays is discussed, often with examples of traditional songs.
The second part presents beloved traditions and songs from many different nations. The songs are given in the original languages and with English translations.
What makes the book really special is the many comments from Mama Lisa’s correspondents who have shared stories and memories from their own lives. The memories of childhood touch us forever!
Many of the songs featured also include links to the Mama Lisa website, where you can find recordings, videos and sheet music.
Merry Christmas!
THIS IS A DOWNLOADABLE EBOOK AVAILABLE INSTANTLY.
Order Here!
April 7th, 2009 at 6:54 am
Jag söker efter den norska texten till Födelsedagssangen ” Hurra for dig dom fyller ditt år ! ”
Mvh, Björn
Approximate English Translation:
I am looking for the Norwegian text of the Birthday song ” Hurra for dig dom fyller ditt år ! ” (“Hooray for you celebrating your years!”).
Björn
April 7th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
I believe these are lyrics to Hurra for deg som fyller ditt år! It’s a birthday song written by Margrethe Aabel Munthe (1860 – 1931):
Hurra for deg som fyller ditt år!
Ja, deg vil vi gratulere!
Alle i ring omkring deg vi står,
og se, nå vil vi marsjere,
bukke, nikke, neie, snu oss omkring,
danse så for deg med hopp og sprett og spring,
ønske deg av hjertet alle gode ting
og si meg så, hva vil du mere? Gratulere!
Høyt våre flagg vi svinger. Hurra!
Ja, nå vil vi riktig feste!
Dagen er din, og dagen er bra,
men du er den aller beste!
Se deg om i ringen hvem du vil ta!
Dans en liten dans med den du helst vil ha!
Vi vil alle sammen svinge oss så gla’
og en av oss skal bli den neste – til å feste!
Here’s an English translation I came up with (I welcome criticisms and corrections!)…
Hurray for you for celebrating your birthday!
Yes, we congratulate you!
We all stand around you in a ring,
And look, now we’ll march,
Bow, nod, curtsy, we turn around,
Dance for you and hop and skip and jump!
Wishing you from the heart all good things!
And tell me, what more could you want? Congratulations!
We wave our flags up high! Hurray!
Yes now we’ll really celebrate!
The day is yours, the day is great,
But you’re the best!
Look in the ring who you want to choose!
Dance a little dance with who you want to!
We’ll all turn around together so joyfully,
And one of us shall be the next – to celebrate!
Here’s a Danish version I found…
Hurra for dig som fylder dit aar!
Ja dig vil vi gratulere!
Alle i ring omkring dig vi staar
og se, nu vil vi marsjere,
bukke, nikke, neie, snu os omkring,
danse for dig med hop og spret og spring,
Ønske dig av hjertet alle gode ting!
Sig mig saa, hvad vil du mer!
Høit vore flag vi svinger. Hurra!
Ja, nu vil vi rigtig feste!
Dagen er din, og dagen er bra,
men du er den allerbedste!
Se dig om i ringen, hvem du vil ta!
dans en liten dans med den du helst vil ha!
Vi vil allesammen svinge os saa glad;
En av os skal bli den næste.