Twelve Days (Before) Christmas

Day 11 - Lulajże, Jezuniu (Lullaby, Little Baby Jesus) [Poland]

Setting a more contemplative mood than yesterday's carols is the beautiful and well loved Polish carol Lulajże, Jezuniu (Lullaby, Little Baby Jesus/Sleep, Jesus). A traditional carol (author and composer unknown), this Koleda (Polish for "carol") is frequently sung in church at a special moment during midnight mass on Christmas Eve. The first written sources in which the words Lulajże, Jezuniu were found come from the beginning of the 18th century. It was first published in 1767 in Father Michał Marcin Mioduszewski's Kantyczki (Canticles) - hymns or chants, typically with a biblical text, forming a regular part of a church service. Later, in 1843, it was also included in Pastorals and Christmas Carols, songs for Christmas to be sung around the house. Lulajże, Jezuniu is a typical lullaby not only because of its delicate, romantic melody, but also because the text is full of maternal tenderness and caring. A pearl, a flower, a rose, an angel - these are just some of the caressing terms used to address the Child falling asleep in a manger. The carol - although devoid of biblical details and theological wisdom - conveys the extraordinary truth about Mary's love for her newborn Son and the beauty of her divine motherhood.

Lulajze, Jezuniu, moja perelko,
Lulaj, ulubione me piescidelko.
Lulajze, Jezuniu, lulajze, lulaj!
A ty Go, Matulu, w placzu utulaj.
Zamknijze znuzone placzem powieczki,
Utulze zemdlone lkaniem usteczki.
Lulajze, Jezuniu, lulajze lulaj!
A ty Go, Matulu, w placzu utulaj.

Lulajze, piekniuchny nasz Anioleczku,
Lulajze, wdzieczniuchny swiata Kwiateczku.
Lulajze, Jezuniu, lulajze lulaj!
A ty Go, Matulu, w placzu utulaj.

Lulajze, Rzyczko najozdobniejsza,
Lulajze, Lilijko najprzyjemniejsza.
Lulajze, Jezuniu, lulajze lulaj!
A ty Go, Matulu, w placzu utulaj.

Lulajze, przyjemna oczom Gwiazdeczko,
Lulaj, najsliczniejsze swiata Sloneczko.
Lulajze, Jezuniu, lulajze lulaj!
A ty Go, Matulu, w placzu utulaj.

Lullaby, little baby Jesus, my little pearl,
Lull, my favorite little cuddley one.

Lullaby, little baby Jesus, lullaby, lull,
And you, the mama, calm him down when crying.

Close your little eyelids, weary from weeping,
Relax your little lips, tired from sobbing.

Lullaby, little baby Jesus, lullaby, lull,
And you, the mama, calm him down when crying.

Lullaby, our most lovely little angel,
Lullaby, the most enchanting little flower in the world.

Lullaby, little baby Jesus, lullaby, lull,
And you, the mama, calm him down when crying.

Lullaby, the most gorgeous little rose,
Lullaby, the most pleasant little lily.

Lullaby, little baby Jesus, lullaby, lull,
And you, the mama, calm him down when crying.

Lullaby, lovely little star delighting our eyes,
Lullaby, the most beautiful little sun in the world.

Lullaby, little baby Jesus, lullaby, lull,
And you, the mama, calm him down when crying.

Hush, hush, hush, everyone get ready for bed,
Don't wake up my little baby.

Lullaby, little baby Jesus, lullaby, lull,
And you, the mama, calm him down when crying.

 

Lulajże, Jezuniu (Lullaby, Little Baby Jesus) - Skowronki Girls' Choir

Lulajże, Jezuniu (Lullaby, Little Baby Jesus) - Samitra Suwannarit, soprano, Warsaw Philharmonic Choir & Orchestra

 

Lulajże, Jezuniu (Lullaby, Little Baby Jesus)

This tune was even used by Chopin as a change of mood in his Scherzo in B minor, op. 20