Oshki-Niibaa-anama’aa Gete-akiing (New Christmas in the Old World)

A vibrant red cardinal perched on a snow-covered pine branch, creating a striking contrast against the white winter landscape

A poem by Margaret Noodin from the book, What the Chickadee Knows

This poem is a prayer for the shortest days of the year, when we look for the brightest light in the sky for spiritual strength and hold one another close. It includes the Ojibwe word for Christmas which is Nibaa-anama’aa, literally the prayers said when the world is asleep. Most likely, this is a reference to midnight masses, but if we imagine a world where people pray together with mutual respect it could also be a reference to the importance of traditional ceremonies held over multiple days where songs and prayers are said through the long night.

Oshki-Niibaa-anama’aa Gete-akiing

New Christmas in the Old World

Aambe miskobineshiinh
ogiji-ayaayang bimaagonagaag biboong
anami’aadaa epiichi boonaanimag.

Gaaskanazodaa
ishpaa-ayaayang gaawaandagoog
ishpaandaweyang giizhigong.

Bagosendandaa gakina
awiiya gashki-noondaadiwaad
bakaani’anama’aa-nagamowaad.

Maajaadaa omaa ingoding
maada’azhang naasaab anang
jiibay-miikanang waabamang.

New Christmas in the Old World

Come along cardinal
over winter’s wing
let’s pray while the world is still.

Let’s whisper
above the evergreens
climb high in the heavens.

Let’s hope all
souls are able to hear
different hymns.

Let’s leave here eventually
following the same star
we all see in the milky way.

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