The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #1005   Message #44961
Posted By: George Seto af221@chebucto.ns.ca
11-Nov-98 - 08:00 AM
Thread Name: Origins: An Cóineachan / The Fairy Lullaby
Subject: RE: Gaelic Lullaby
That is a song called An Coineachan, also known as the fairy lullaby. There are two versions of the chorus, and the second one has the title, Mo Chubrachan.

Both titles have a meaning of "fragrant one". Makes you wonder just HOW fragrant.

According to the legend, the woman was out picking berries, and had placed her baby down to quickly grab some berries just out of reach. After circling the bush, she couldn't find the basket with her babe. So, she sings this song. The song I have been able to come up with a total of 8 verses. I'll post it later this week on the web. If you need it, I can e-mail it to you. Actually, I see your message is about a year and a half old. Do you still require it?

Anyway, she apparently never finds the baby. There is another tale which has been married to this story to create a happier ending.