How to Say A Very Drunken Christmas Carol in Spanish
Introduction
Celebrating Christmas is a cherished tradition around the world, with different cultures adding their unique flavor to the festivities. In Spain, one popular way to add some merriment to the holiday season is by singing traditional Christmas carols, or “villancicos.” Among the vast collection of villancicos, there is one that stands out for its jovial and humorous nature – “A Very Drunken Christmas Carol.” In this article, we will explore how to say the lyrics of this lively song in Spanish.
Understanding the Context
Before we dive into the lyrics, it’s essential to understand the context of “A Very Drunken Christmas Carol.” This song, also known as “Riu, Riu, Chiu,” is a traditional Spanish villancico that dates back to the 16th century. Though the title refers to drunkenness, it’s important to note that it actually depicts the nativity story with a touch of humor. It celebrates the birth of Jesus and the victory over evil.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “A Very Drunken Christmas Carol” are rich with symbolism and poetic language. Here is a breakdown of the key phrases and their Spanish equivalents:
1. Riu, riu, chiu, la guarda ribera; Dios guardó el lobo de nuestra cordera.
Translation: Riu, riu, chiu, the river bank guards; God protected the wolf from our lamb.
2. El lobo rabioso la quiso morder, mas Dios poderoso la supo defender.
Translation: The rabid wolf wanted to bite it, but the powerful God knew how to defend it.
3. Riu, riu, chiu, la guarda ribera; Dios guardó el lobo de nuestra cordera.
Translation: Riu, riu, chiu, the river bank guards; God protected the wolf from our lamb.
4. Este que es nacido es el gran monarca, Cristo patriarca de carne vestido.
Translation: The one who is born is the great monarch, Christ patriarch clothed in flesh.
5. Riu, riu, chiu, la guarda ribera; Dios guardó el lobo de nuestra cordera.
Translation: Riu, riu, chiu, the river bank guards; God protected the wolf from our lamb.
Pronunciation Tips
To pronounce these Spanish lyrics accurately, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the correct pronunciation of certain sounds in the language:
1. “Riu, riu, chiu” – The “r” sounds in Spanish are trilled, similar to the rolling “r” in Scottish or Italian accents.
2. “La guarda ribera” – Roll the “r” in “ribera” and emphasize the “d” sound in “guarda.”
3. “Dios guardó el lobo de nuestra cordera” – Practice the soft “o” sound in “lobo” and the strong “e” sound in “cordera.”
Conclusion
“A Very Drunken Christmas Carol” is a delightful Spanish villancico that adds a touch of humor to the traditional nativity story. By understanding its context and learning the lyrics, you can join in the merriment of this jovial Christmas carol. So, gather your loved ones, sing along, and embrace the festive spirit with this unique Spanish holiday tradition. ¡Feliz Navidad!
A Very Cold War Christmas
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.