"Joulupuu on rakennettu" ("Christmas tree is built") is a Finnish Christmas carol that is among the most well-known among the Finnish population. [1] [2]
The song was first published by the name "Joulu-kuusi" (Christmas tree) in 1876 in the schoolbook Uusi Kuwa-Aapinen, instructing that it should be sung with the traditional folk melody that was known at that time as "Lapsen laulu" (Song of a Child), a song published by Jaakko Juteini originally in 1819, and the final stable version in 1835. [3]
Due to the childlike lyrics, this Christmas carol is sung mostly in preschools, elementary schools, and in family parties where young children are present.
| Original, archaic lyrics 1876 Gustaf Oskar Schöneman | Modernized lyrics trad. 20th century | English (2019 Ion Mittler) CC BY 4.0 | English, non-religious (2019 Ion Mittler) CC BY 4.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Joulupuu on rakennettu: Joulu on jo owella; | 1. Joulupuu on rakennettu: joulu on jo ovella; | 1. Christmas tree has been constructed, Christmas Eve is at the door. | 1. Christmas tree has been constructed, Christmas Eve is at the door. |
| 2. Kuusen pienet kynttyläiset Walasewat kauniisti; | 2. Kuusen pienet kynttiläiset valaisevat kauniisti; | 2. Candles that the tree so brighten, light this room beautifully, | 2. Candles that the tree so brighten, light this room beautifully, |
| 3. Kiitos sulle Jesuksemme, Kallis Wapahtajamme, | 3. Kiitos sulle Jeesuksemme kallis Vapahtajamme, | 3. Thank You, Jesus Christ, for being our precious Redeemer, | 3. Thank you, Santa Claus, for coming, giver of every present, |
| 4. Tullessasi toit Sä walon, Lahjat runsaat, rikkahat; | 4. Tullessasi toit sä valon, lahjat runsaat, rikkahat; | 4. When You came on Earth, You us brought gifts of light so bountiful: | 4. When you come, you make us joyous, many gifts you have us done. |
| 5. Anna, Jesu, Henkes hywän Meidän sydämmihimme | 5. Anna, Jeesus, henkes hyvän meidän sydämihimme | 5. Let, Jesus, Your noble Spirit come in our hearts to live, | 5. In our hearts a noble mood give, so that we of others care. |
Christmas in Poland is a major annual celebration, as in most countries of the Christian world. The observance of Christmas developed gradually over the centuries, beginning in ancient times; combining old Polish pagan customs with the religious ones introduced after the Christianization of Poland by the Catholic Church. Later influences include the mutual permeating of local traditions and various folk cultures. It is one of the most important religious holidays for Poles, who follow a somewhat strict traditional custom. Christmas trees are decorated and lit in family rooms on the day of Christmas Eve. Other trees are placed in most public areas and outside churches. Christmas in Poland is called "Boże Narodzenie", which translates to 'God's Birth'.
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