Alilo, pronunciation
from Georgian Folk Songs I by Village Harmony/Northern Harmony
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about
A Christmas wassailing song, or 'alilo'. This version is from the mountainous region of Rach'a in northwestern Georgia.
Found in many variations in almost every part of Georgia, the 'alilo' was traditionally sung by groups making the rounds of the village homes on Christmas Eve, bringing greetings to each family and in return being met with sweets and drinks.
It is generally thought that the word 'alilo' is a cognate of 'alleluia', although some ethno-musicologists believe that both the ritual and the song may have older, pagan origins.
Found in many variations in almost every part of Georgia, the 'alilo' was traditionally sung by groups making the rounds of the village homes on Christmas Eve, bringing greetings to each family and in return being met with sweets and drinks.
It is generally thought that the word 'alilo' is a cognate of 'alleluia', although some ethno-musicologists believe that both the ritual and the song may have older, pagan origins.
lyrics
Alilo. Alilo da ali
alilo da aka ali, alilo
Aka alilo, aka alilo, aka alilo shoba
Shoba ghmertma gagi, gagitenos
Aka alilo, aka alilo, aka alilo bevri
Bevri akhal tsel, tselitsadi
Aka alilo, aka alilo, aka alilo ali
Alilo da ali, alilo
Tseli alilo, aka alilo!
Alilo [alleluiah]!
May god bring us Christmas this morning.
And many new years!
Alilo, and alilo!
alilo da aka ali, alilo
Aka alilo, aka alilo, aka alilo shoba
Shoba ghmertma gagi, gagitenos
Aka alilo, aka alilo, aka alilo bevri
Bevri akhal tsel, tselitsadi
Aka alilo, aka alilo, aka alilo ali
Alilo da ali, alilo
Tseli alilo, aka alilo!
Alilo [alleluiah]!
May god bring us Christmas this morning.
And many new years!
Alilo, and alilo!
credits
from Georgian Folk Songs I,
released November 7, 2014
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