Nugu nugu nurmilindu
Melody: traditional, recorded to SKS archives from Suistamo poem singer and lamenter Oksenja Mäkiselkä
Lyrics: Armahan Sylvin Miruška 2022
This lullaby has as many versions as there are Karelians, so it was only natural to make a version of my own that speaks to me. It is a lullaby to our community: take rest in the safety of our strength and rise strong when you are ready.
This lullaby of mine was published in written form in Karoliina Niskanen’s book Muamo 4.4.2023, Bazar kustannus.
Translation of the lyrics:
Sleep sleep sweet siskin,
hush hush little wagtail,
sleep on the luscious grassland,
my reflection shiny golden.
Lay hidden from this big world,
free pineseed, dear of mine,
sleep with nature of the dawn,
welcome the sleep behind the door.
Wake up only when it’s time,
rise up with a mighty strength,
fortify your brilliant mind,
joyfully walk the path of life.
Feel free to link this video to any educational purposes that help grow awareness of Karelian language and culture. For commercial use that is not related to Muamo-book promotion, please contact [email protected] . For literary use licences please contact Finnish literary copyright society Sanasto.