This is my first post, so I beg forgiveness if I’m posting in the wrong place…
Does anyone know of an English translation of the words of the song ‘Don Oiche Ud I mBeithil’ (That night in Bethlehem)? The ‘Wandering Whistler’ site gives two Irish verses, but I’ve searched the web in vain for a translation.
Thanks in advance.
I am not an expert in Gaelic but I believe a rough translation might be:
That night in Bethlehem, there was perpetual twilight
That night in Bethlehem, there was a healthy birth
The sky had glowing cheeks, the earth a blanket of white.
Baby Jesus in his basket, and Mary nursing with love.
On the slope of the mountain the shepherds cowered
As the sky opened and God’s messengers appeared.
A hundred glories to the Father in heaven above!
Peace on earth, goodwill to men!
I would appreciate any corrections by native speakers on the list.
Cheers,
David
P.S. The Gealic is:
Don Oíche úd I mBeithil, beidh tagairt ag grian go brách
Don Oíche úd I mBeithil go dtáinig an briathar slán
Tá gríosghrua ar spéarthaibh ‘s an talamh ‘na clúdach bán;
Féach Íosagán sa chléibhín, ‘s an Mhaighdean á dhiúl le grá.
Ar leacain lom an tslébhe go nglacann na haoirí scáth
Nuair in oscailt ghil na spéire tá teachtaire De ar fáil
Céad glóire anois don Athair I bhFlaitheasaibh thuas go hard!
Is feasta fós ar talamh d’fhearaibh dea-mhéin síocháin!
[ This Message was edited by: Feadan on 2001-11-07 22:34 ]
Much appreciated - thanks.
Yes, thank you so much. I’ve been looking for this for some time but I didn’t want to bother anyone on the list 
One benefit of being a newbie - you’re allowed to ask ‘stupid’ questions! It’s a beautiful melody isn’t it.
Yes, its a very beautiful melody indeed! Thanks again
David:
If you don’t mind, I’ll put your translation on my site. I occasionally (every couple of months or so) scour my printed resources and online resources for lyrics, and never was able to find the words to that tune…
Some time ago someone (also named David!) was kind enough to send them in email. I’d love to be able to put your translation up too!
Greg
On 2001-11-08 14:40, Wandering_Whistler wrote:
David:
If you don’t mind, I’ll put your translation on my site.…snip…
Some time ago someone (also named David!) was kind enough to send them in email. I’d love to be able to put your translation up too!
That “someone (also named David)” was me. If you want to use my rough translation that is okay with me, but keep in mind that I am not a Gaelic scholar and that I’ll bet there are folks on this board who could do a better job! I wish one of our native speakers would give some input on this.
Cheers,
David
[ This Message was edited by: Feadan on 2001-11-08 15:00 ]
David:
I wondered if it was you..but I was away from my home computer at the time I posted, so I couldn’t check my old emails to be sure.
I’ll use your translation until someone gives me corrections…I understand you don’t consider yourself a scholar, but I think the translation (inexact though it may be) is close enough to give people an idea of the meaning. Thanks again!
Greg