Kalanta Xristougenon facts for kids
"Kalanta Hristougenon" (Κάλαντα Χριστουγέννων) is a special Greek Christmas carol. It's often just called "Kalanta" or "Kalanda." Other names for this song are "Kalin Iméran" and "Christos Genate." People usually sing this carol around Christmas time. They often play light instruments with it, like the Triangle (musical instrument) and Guitar.
This traditional Greek Christmas carol became very popular outside of Greece. A famous singer named Nana Mouskouri helped share it. She performed it many times across Europe.
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What is Kalanta Hristougenon?
"Kalanta Hristougenon" means "Christmas Carols" in Greek. These songs are a big part of Greek traditions during holidays. Children often go from house to house singing them. They do this on Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and Epiphany Eve.
How are Kalanta Sung?
When kids sing kalanta, they often play small musical instruments. The Triangle (musical instrument) is very common. You might also hear a Guitar or other simple percussion. After singing, the homeowners usually give the children money or sweets. This is a fun way to celebrate the holidays.
The Story of the Carol
The lyrics of "Kalanta Hristougenon" tell the story of Christmas. They talk about the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. The song mentions angels singing and shepherds showing their faith. It also speaks of the Three Magi who brought gifts. The carol ends with a wish for good luck for the house and its owner.
Lyrics of Kalanta Hristougenon
Here are the words to the "Kalanta Hristougenon" carol. You can see the original Greek, how to say it (transliteration), and the English translation.
| Καλήν εσπέραν άρχοντες (Greek) | Kalanta Hristougenon (Greek) Transliteration | Christmas Carol (English) Translation |
|---|---|---|
|
Καλήν εσπέραν άρχοντες, αν είναι ορισμός σας, Χριστού τη Θεία γέννηση, να πω στ' αρχοντικό σας. Χριστός γεννάται σήμερον, εν Βηθλεέμ τη πόλη, οι ουρανοί αγάλλονται, χαίρεται η φύσις όλη. Εν τω σπηλαίω τίκτεται, εν φάτνη των αλόγων, ο βασιλεύς των ουρανών, και ποιητής των όλων. Πλήθος αγγέλων ψάλλουσι, το Δόξα εν υψίστοις, και τούτο άξιον εστί, η των ποιμένων πίστις. Εκ της Περσίας έρχονται τρεις μάγοι με τα δώρα άστρο λαμπρό τους οδηγεί χωρίς να λείψει ώρα. Σ' αυτό το σπίτι που 'ρθαμε, πέτρα να μη ραγίσει κι ο νοικοκύρης του σπιτιού χρόνια πολλά να ζήσει. |
Kalin esperan arhontes an ine orismos sas Hristu ti thia genissi na po st' arhontiko sas Hristos gennate simeron en Vithleem ti poli i ourani agalonte herete I fissis oli En to spileo tiktete en fatni ton alogon o vassilefs ton ouranon ke piitis ton olon Plithos agelon psalousi to Doxa en ipsistis ke touton aksion esti I ton pimenon pistis Ek tis Persias erhonte tris magi me ta dora astro lambro tous odigi horis na lipsi I ora S'afto to spiti pou'rthame petra na mi ragisi ki o nikokiris tou spitiou hronia polla na zisi |
Good evening noblemen If this is your will, Christ's holy birth May I sing in your noble house Christ is being born today In the town of Bethlehem Heavens rejoice All nature rejoices Inside the cave (He) is being born In a manger for horses The King of the heavens The Creator of everything. A crowd of angels are singing, "Glory in the highest!" And this is holy, The faith of the shepherds. From Persia three magi arrive With their gifts A bright star shows them the way Without any delay. In this house we have come May no stone ever crack And the landlord May live for many years. |
