I have loved this song for quite some time, but it takes a lot of courage to try to translate a Native American language. They are very unique, particularly in their pronunciation, as many of the phonemes produce the characteristic humming that people associate with Native American languages (like the “hn” sound).
A note: the Huron/Wendat language is from a Canadian tribe near Quebec. They are Native American because we are speaking of the North American continent, not modern America and its borders. Perhaps it would be better to call the Wyandot people a tribe indigenous to North America for clarity’s sake.
Anyway, I love this song, though you’ll have to forgive me. French is NOT my strong suit. 😀
As always, click CC for your subtitle options — Huron/Wendat and French, or English.
Lyrics:
Ehstehn yayau deh tsaun we yisus ahattonnia
Have courage, you who are humans; Jesus, he is born.
O na wateh wado:kwi nonnwa ‘ndasqua entai
Behold, the spirit who had us as prisoners has fled.
Ehnau sherskwa trivota nonnwa ‘ndi yaun rashata
Do not listen to it, as it corrupts the spirits of our minds!
Iesus Ahattonnia, Ahattonnia, Iesus Ahattonnia.
Jesus, he is born, he is born, Jesus, he is born.
Ayoki onki hm-ashe eran yayeh raunnaun
They are spirits, sky people, coming with a message for us.
Yauntaun kanntatya hm-deh ‘ndyaun sehnsatoa ronnyaun
They are coming to say, “Rejoice (Be on top of life),
Waria hnawakweh tond Yosehf sataunn haronnyaun
Marie, she has just given birth. Rejoice!”
Iesus Ahattonnia, Ahattonnia, Iesus Ahattonnia.
Jesus, he is born, he is born, Jesus, he is born.
Chrétiens, prenez courage, Jésus Sauveur est né!
Christians, take heart, Jesus the Savior is born!
Du malin les ouvrages à jamais sont ruinés.
Evil is destroyed forever.
Quand il chante merveille à ces troublants âppats
When the beautiful but deceitful singing lures you,
Ne prêtez plus l’oreille: Jésus est né. Jesous ahatonhia.
Do not pay attention: [remember] Jesus was born! Jesus, he is born.
Oyez cette nouvelle, dont un ange est porteur!
Hear the news carried by an angel
Oyez! Âmes fidèles, et dilatez vos coeurs.
Oh faithful souls, enlarge your hearts.
La Vierge dans l’étable entoure de ses bras
The virgin in the barn has her arms around
L’Enfant-Dieu adorable: Jésus est né. Jesous ahatonhia.
The adorable baby God: Jesus was born. Jesus, he is born!
Let Christian men take heart today
The devil’s rule is done;
Let no man heed the devil more,
For Jesus Christ is come
But hear ye all what angels sing:
How Mary Maid bore Jesus King.
Iesus Ahattonnia, Jesus is born, Iesus Ahattonnia.
Three chieftains saw before Noel
A star as bright as day,
“So fair a sign,” the chieftains said,
“Shall lead us where it may.”
For Jesu told the chieftains three:
“The star will bring you here to me.”
Iesus Ahattonnia, Jesus is born, Iesus Ahattonnia.
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