CircassianMinstrels's video: Circassian Lullabies

Metronome Film Present “Circassian Lullabies” (2009): 1. Besleney Lullaby: “Auspicious Child!”; II. Adigean Lullaby. In the series “ Lullabies of the World”. Circassian Lullabies: Magic Blessings Cast for Bliss The Circassians had a broad repertoire of lullabies. Although the majority were sung by the mother, a number of songs were composed by the foster-parents (ataliq; атэлыкъ), to be addressed to their wards (qan, p’ur; къан, пIур). Besides their mundane function of lulling the young ones to sleep, the Circassians believed that lullabies contained magic powers, and were considered as charms cast upon the tiny tots to consecrate them, ensure their well-being, and enshrine their lives in good fortune. In this sense, the emotional and instinctive tie between mother and child was augmented by a sacred bond. The Circassians looked upon their progeny as bringers of good fortune and bliss. «ГУЩЭ УЭРЭД: НАНУ МАХУЭ!» Ла, лай, а нану! Лай, нахуэ, си нахуэ, Си нитIум язэу, си махуэ! Нану согъэджей, нынэ, Нану джеигъуафIэ, нынэ. Ла, лай, си нану! Лай, нахуэ, си нахуэ, Си махуамэ, си насып! Нанур согъэджей, нынэ, Нанур джеигъуафIэ, нынэ. Ла, лай, а нану! Нану цIыкIур ин къэхъун, Ин къэхъумэ къезгъэшэн, КъыщичахэкIэ си унэкъуэщ. Лай, махуэ, си кIалэ цIыкIу! КIалэ цIыкIур согъэджей, ДжеигъуафIэ, си махуай! “Circassian Lullaby: Auspicious Child!” Hush, little baby! Hush-a-bye, resplendent one, Precious as my eye, sweet godsend! I’m lulling the little one to sleep, Sweet dreams, my dear! Lullaby, hush-a-bye, tiny tot! Rock-a-bye, my splendid lot, My great fortune, my good luck! I’m singing my baby to sleep, Sleep well, cherished one! Hush-a-bye, shush, little babe! The tiny one will grow up one day, Then I shall marry him off, Though it be to one of my kin. Rock-a-bye, my sweet young child! The little kid I soothe to sleep, Sweet slumber, auspicious one! Transcribed & translated by Amjad Jaimoukha