Day 9 - Adoração dos pastores (The Adoration of the Shepherds)
The tradition of singing Christmas carols is celebrated in most Christian countries, from the Philippines to Poland, passing through Greece and Ukraine. Even in less cold Christmases, such as in Australia and New Zealand, there is a custom of singing by candlelight on the nights preceding and following December 25th. On the Iberian Peninsula, various cultural differences gave rise to different ways of singing Christmas carols. In Spain, Villancicos, inspired by medieval dances, are popular; in Portugal, the theme is its own; poets like Camões used the form, but applied it to themes that were anything but Christmas related.
The story of The Adoration of the Shepherds (Adoração dos pastores) in Christmas carols harks back to the biblical narrative of the shepherds who were the first to receive the news of Jesus' birth, symbolizing humility, simplicity, and God's acceptance of the marginalized. These events have been transformed into hymns and songs that celebrate this encounter with the Savior, reinforcing the message of love and gratitude.
Um pastor vindo de longe
A shepherd from afar
À nossa porta bateu
Knocked at our door
Trouxe recados que dizem
He brought tidings that say
O Deus menino nasceu.
The Baby God is born.
Este recado tivemos
We received this message
Já meia noite seria
It was already midnight
Estrelas do céu lá vamos
Stars in the sky, let's go
Dar parabéns a Maria.
To congratulate Mary.
Vamos ter com os mais pastores
Let's go with the other shepherds
Não se percam no caminho
Don't get lost on the way
Vamos todos e depressa
Let's all go quickly
Visitar o Deus Menino.
To visit the Baby God.
Ai, que formoso Menino!
Oh, what a beautiful Child!
Ai, que tanta graça tem!
Oh, what grace He has!
Ai, que tanto se parece
Oh, how much He resembles
Com sua Senhora Mãe!
His Lady Mother!
Adoração dos pastores - Coro Ninfas do Lis
Adoração dos pastores - Coro Areias de Vilar
. . . and one last version by Pelo Cancioneiro do Grupo
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