Old Traditions Still Live Well

Since it is that time of the year again, I thought this would be apropos. Let’s remember the past fondly at this time and appreciate the traditions that have brought us here. Although times have changed, those old traditions continue to live on within us.

Riu Chiu is a traditional Old Spanish Christmas song from the 16th century. For those of you who know Spanish, this will be an interesting novelty; those who don’t will find it a challenge. No worries, though, as I provide a translation.

Anyone curious about hearing this song will find a variety of recordings available and accessible throughout the Web. However, one of the most current and easily retrievable is in the realm of Pop culture. Believe it or not, The Monkees performed the first two verses (in Spanish) a Capella (without background accompaniment) at the close of their second-season Christmas show (broadcast date: 25 December, 1967). This is/was an interesting context to feature such a song, and it fit in just well. Such traditions have no limit as to the extent of their influence.

RIU CHIU

Refrain:

Riu, riu chiu
La guarda ribera
Dios Guardo’ el lobo de nuestra cordera
Dios guardo’ el lobo de nuestra cordera

V I
El lobo rabioso la quiso morder
Mas Dios Poderoso la supo defender
Quisola hacer que no pudiese pecar
Ni aun original esta virgen no tuviera

(Refrain)

V II
Este que nacido es El Gran Monarca
Cristo Patriarca de carne vestido
Hemos redemido con se hacer chiquito
Aunque era infinito, finito se hiziera

(Refrain)

V III
Muchas profecias lo han profetizado,
Y aun en nuestros dias lo hemos alcancado.
A Dios humanado vemos en el suelo
Y al hombre en el cielo porqu’er le quisiera.

(Refrain)

V IV
Yo vi mil Garzas que andavan cantando,
Por aqui volando, haciendo mil voces,
Deciendo con fuerza “Gloria sea en el cielo!”
Y paz en el suelo qu’es Jesus nacido.

(Refrain)

V V
Este viene a dar a los muertos vida
Y viene a reparar de todos la caida;
Es la luz del dia acueste mocuelo;
Este es el cordero que San Juan dijera.

(Refrain)

V VI
Pues que ya tenemos lo que deseamos,
Todos juntos vamos presentes llevemos;
Todos le daremos nuestra voluntad,
Pues a se igualar con el hombre viniera.

(Refrain 2X)

TRANSLATION:

Refrain:

River roaring river
guard our homes in safety
God has kept the black wolf from Our lamb Our Lady
God has kept the black wolf from Our Lamb Our Lady

V I
Raging mad to bite her, there the rabid wolf did steal,
But our God Almighty defended her with zeal.
Pure He wished to keep her so She could never sin,
That first sin of man never touched the Virgin Sainted.

(Refrain).

V II
He who’s now begotten is our mighty Monarch,
Christ, our Holy Father, in human flesh embodied.
He has brought atonement by being born so humble,
Though He is immortal, as mortal was created

(Refrain)

V III
Many prophesies told of his coming,
And now in our days have we seen them fulfilled.
God became man, on earth we behold him,
And see man in heaven because he so willed.

(Refrain)

V IV
A thousand singing herons I saw passing,
Flying overhead, sounding a thousand voices,
Exalting, “Glory be in the heavens,
and peace on Earth, for Jesus has been born.”

(Refrain)

V V
He comes to give life to the dead,
He comes to redeem the fall of man;
This child is the light of day,
He is the very lamb Saint John prophesied.

(Refrain)

V VI
Now we have gotten what we were all desiring,
Go we together to bear him gifts:
Let each give his will to the God who was willing
To come down to Earth man’s equal to be.

(Refrain 2X)

Many of the ideas and motifs in this song, from the Virgin to the black wolf (symbolizing the devil and the temptation to sin, reminiscent of the serpent in the Garden of Eden) to the importance of purity, are still valued throughout the world today and in a variety of different faiths. Whether or not one believes in the literalness of such events, their meanings resonate with thoughtfulness and wisdom that can apply to everyone, namely to live a good, honest life and to be strong enough to defend those things that are important and dear to us.

This an inspirational song, and so I thought I’d share it with everyone. I don’t mean to direct attention to Christianity and ignore other faiths; that’s not my style. I respect all beliefs equally. I chose this particular song for its cultural, linguistic and historical significances, not to mention out of a desire to pay tribute to old traditions and how they have influenced us today.

Happy Holidays and Peace to all!

Disclaimer – As far as I know, this song is not strictly copyrighted, so I felt it safe to post. This song is also around five hundred years old, which infers the 75-year grace/restriction period is obviously expired. Again, no infringement is intended on this particular piece. If I am in error on this point, please let me know and I will gladly acknowledge the copyright owner.

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