Léiwer Härgottsblieschen
On Candlemas day (February 2nd), eve of St Blaise Day, children go through their neighborhood supervised by adults. They hold their "Liichtebengelcher" (lantern) and go from house to house asking for sweets and coins (formerly bacon, peas, or biscuits). Then they sing this song dedicated to St. Blaise.
Léiwer Härgottsblieschen
Dear Little St. Blaise
Candlemas Song
Candlemas Song
(Luxembourghish)
(English)
Léiwer Härgottsblieschen,
Gitt ons Speck an Ierbessen
Ee Pond, zwee Pond,
Dat anert Joer da gitt der gesond,
Da gitt der gesond.
Loosst déi jonk Leit liewen,
An déi al Leit derniewent*.
Kommt der net bal,
D'Féiss ginn ons kal.
Kommt Der net gläich,
Da gi mer op d'Schläich.
Kommt der net geschwënn,
D'Féiss ginn ons dënn.
Kommt Der net gewëss,
Da kritt Der e Schouss voll Nëss.
Dear little Saint Blaise,
Give us bacon and peas
One pound, two pounds,
Next year you will be healed,
Then you will be healed.
Let the young people live,
And the old people as well.
If you don't come soon,
Our feet will get cold.
If you don't come right away,
Then we'll go to the snakes.
If you don't come soon,
We're going to slip.
If you don't come for sure
Then you won't get a lapful of nuts.
Notes
*or "Loosst déi al Leit stierwen" (Let the old people die).
The reference to the snakes goes back to pre-Christian times when people went to check if snakes came out of their holes on February 1st: if they did it meant that Winter would soon be over as is done today on Groundhog's Day.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thanks and Acknowledgements
1929 version by Nik Welter (1871-1951). Translated by Monique Palomares.
Image: Lëtzebuergesch: Schëld "Mir gi liichten" zu Kanech by Gilpe, cc 3.0, edited by Mama Lisa.
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