Dandini Dandini Dastana facts for kids

"Dandini Dandini Dastana" is a very popular Turkish nursery rhyme. It is often sung to babies and young children to help them fall asleep. This sweet song is like a lullaby, filled with gentle words and a soothing rhythm.

What "Dandini Dandini Dastana" Means

This special song is more than just words; it tells a story. It's a traditional Turkish lullaby, meaning it's sung to calm and comfort children. Many Turkish families have sung this song for generations.

The Story in the Song

The song has a few different parts, each with its own little message.

First Part: The Calves in the Garden

The first part talks about calves (baby cows) that have wandered into a garden. The singer asks the gardener to chase them away quickly. Why? Because they might eat all the tasty cabbages! This part is a playful way to talk about protecting something precious, like a garden.

• Original Turkish:
  • Dandini dandini dastana
  • Danalar girmiş bostana
  • Kov bostancı danayı
  • Yemesin lahanayı
  • Huuu huuu huuu

• Meaning:
  • Dan-dini dan-dini dastana
  • Into the garden the calves did stray.
  • Gardener quickly chase them away.
  • They will eat the cabbages without delay,
  • Huuu- huuu- huuu

Second Part: A Child's Birth and Protection

The next part of the song celebrates the birth of a child. It compares the child to a beautiful moon, showing how precious they are. It also asks for God's protection from any harm or bad luck, often called the "Evil Eye" in some cultures. This shows how much parents wish for their child's safety and happiness.

• Original Turkish:
  • Dandini dandini danadan
  • Bir ay doğmuş anadan
  • Kaçınmamış yaradan
  • Mevla korusun nazardan
  • Huuu huuu huu hu

• Meaning:
  • Dan-dini dan-dini
  • A moon is born from a mother's womb,
  • God has not withheld anything from him
  • May God protect him from the Evil Eye
  • Huuu- huuu -huu hu

Third Part: Hopes for the Future

The third section talks about hopes and dreams for the child's future. It mentions having shiny, well-kept pots, which symbolizes a good home. It also wishes for the daughter to marry into a grand mansion and the son to live in a palace. These are wishes for a prosperous and happy life.

• Original Turkish:
  • Dandini dandini danaylı
  • Kaplarımız kalaylı
  • Kızım konak gelini
  • Oğlum olsa saraylı
  • Huu huu huu hu

• Meaning:
  • Dan-dini Dan-dini
  • May our pots be coated with tin
  • May my daughter be a bride in a mansion
  • And my son dwell in a palace
  • Huuu –huuu- huu hu

Fourth Part: Growing Up and Finding Love

The final part of the song talks about the child growing up. It mentions a son being ten months old, but then says even if he were younger, the most important thing is that he finds a beautiful partner when he grows up. This part focuses on love and companionship in the future.

• Original Turkish:
  • Dandini dandini danaylı
  • Benim oğlum onaylık
  • On olmasın beş olsun
  • Güzellere eş olsun
  • Eee eee eee

• Meaning:
  • Dan-dini Dan-dini
  • My son is ten months old
  • Even were he only five months old
  • May he find beauties as brides
  • Eh-e, eh-e eh-e eh-e!!

Why Nursery Rhymes Are Important

Nursery rhymes like "Dandini Dandini Dastana" are very important for children. They help babies and toddlers learn about language and rhythm. They also connect children to their culture and traditions. For many Turkish children, this song is one of the first they hear, creating a special memory.