See translation for Christmas song “På loftete sidder nissen”
I’ve lived in Denmark over 30 years and Christmas here is rich with traditions. It’s such caphofony of events and gatherings and rituals that it was easy to enjoy them and also slip in the American traditions I loved, for example Christmas stockings. So, apart from being far from family, Christmas is great for an American living in Denmark.
One of the subtle differences between a Danish and American Christmas is the tree. Not so much how it looks, although many trees here are covered with Danish flags. (Here the flag is associated more with celebration than with patriotism.) No, the difference is in where it is placed. In the US, the tree is often in a corner or against a wall unless you have a spacious home with a room rarely used. In Denmark, you’ll find the tree placed in the center of the living room – even if that means no clear view of the TV or a a forced detour to get to the bathroom. The tree has to be placed with maximum space around it because of the venered tradition of dancing around the Christmas tree. Yes, it’s for real, and not just a scene from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” On Christmas Eve, most Danish families hold hands and dance around the tree. If it’s a little family that can’t reach around the tree, they extend the circle by holding dish towels (helpful hint).
Dancing around the tree is a highlight everyone looks forward to. When I asked people what songs are most important to sing around the Christmas tree, everyone (and I mean everyone from pre-teen to senior), mentions this one about dancing around the Christmas tree.
So here is a translation if any Danes with English-speaking families would like to incorporate this into their Christmas tradition. I tried to stay fairly accurate with the translation except for two points.
In the 1840’s, when this song was written, it was common to hang small cones filled with raisins on the tree. They were a big treat. Even though it’s not done much anymore, everyone in Denmark knows about this tradition. Since Americans don’t, I changed the reference to candy canes.
Back then the dad may have relaxed on the couch while the mom was busy in the kitchen, but that’s not something we want to immortalize. So while the verses retain traditional roles for girls and boys, at least mom and dad both get to relax in my version.
I'm pretty rusty and was never good at carrying a tune, but here is a sound file so you can hear how the words fit to the melody. Below the sound file are the lyrics, then an instrumental version of the song as well as the song sung in Danish.
From the top of the Christmas tree © Wendy Walsh, 2024
Verse 1
High upon the Christmas tree,
The star is bright and proud.
Piano man, play merrily,
Kids let’s start the dance now.
Lay your graceful hand in mine,
Don’t you touch that candy cane!
First we need to see it,
Later we can eat it.
Verse 2
Oh my, kids, it’s going well,
Dancing is so pleasant.
Let’s just let the little girl
Have her Christmas present.
Only help with the red string,
Look, your hands are trembling!
Don’t you pull the yarn tight,
Or you’ll choke our wee tyke!
Verse 3
Peter’s eye is on the bough,
Where the drum is hanging.
Every time we pass it now,
His dancing turns to standing.
Well, your wish is my command,
As long as you can understand
Not to beat the drums
‘Til my song is done.
Verse 4
Anna, she can’t settle down,
A gift will make it better.
It’s a box chock full of yarn,
To knit a winter sweater.
Girl you’re one that costs a lot!
Still, the skill to knit you’ve got.
We’ll all save some money,
Ain’t that right, my honey?
Verse 5
This new flag’s for you Henrick,
I give to you to hold her.
You are strong and you are quick,
You will be soldier.
The way he holds it is perfect
He deserves our respect!
Know that it’s an honor
For all our sons and daughters.
Verse 6
Oh this hat is soft and warm,
What a lovely color!
Shields grandpa from cold and storm,
And goes down to his collar.
Laura, she should be so proud,
Knitted it without a doubt!
Couldn’t have been Renae,
She can only crochet.
Verse 7
OK kids, now I’m worn out,
There’s no more this year.
Mom and I will find the couch,
And have a cup of good cheer.
You should have seen our bank account,
It used to have a huge amount!
Christmas is so lovely,
But costs a lot of money.
Højt fra træets grønne top (original in Danish by Peter Faber, 1847)
Verse 1
Højt fra træets grønne top
stråler juleglansen,
spillemand, spil lystigt op,
nu begynder dansen.
Læg nu smukt din hånd i min,
ikke rør' ved den rosin!
Først skal træet vises,
siden skal det spises.
Verse 2
Se, børnlil, nu går det godt,
I forstår at trave,
lad den lille Sine blot
få sin julegave.
Løs kun selv det røde bånd!
Hvor du ryster på din hånd!
Når du strammer garnet,
kvæler du jo barnet.
Verse 3
Peter har den gren så kær,
hvorpå trommen hænger,
hver gang han den kommer nær,
vil han ikke længer.
Hvad du ønsker, skal du få,
når jeg blot kan stole på,
at du ej vil tromme,
før min sang er omme.
Verse 4
Anna hun har ingen ro,
før hun får sin pakke:
fire alen merino
til en vinterfrakke.
Barn, du bli'r mig alt for dyr,
men da du så propert syr,
sparer vi det atter
ikke sandt, min datter?
Verse 5
Denne fane, ny og god,
giver jeg til Henrik,
du er stærk, og du har mod,
du skal være fændrik.
Hvor han svinger fanen kækt!
Børn, I skylder ham respekt!
Vid, det er en ære
Dannebrog at bære.
Verse 6
O, hvor den er blød og rar,
sikken dejlig hue,
den skal sikre bedstefa'r
imod frost og snue.
Lotte hun kan være stolt,
tænk jer, hun har garnet holdt;
det kan Hanne ikke,
hun kan bare strikke!
Verse 7
Børn, nu er jeg blevet træt,
og I får ej mere,
moder er i køkkenet,
nu skal hun traktere.
Derfor får hun denne pung,
løft engang, hvor den er tung!
Julen varer længe,
koster mange penge.
Here is an instrumental version of the song .
Here is the song sung for kids.
This song has always been really high for my alto, so here’s a version that’s a bit easier to handle
Have fun!
Comments