Origins: Chad Gadya: non-traditional version

Subject: Origins: Chad Gadya: non-traditional version
From: GUEST,Steve Baggish
Date: 12 Apr 24 - 01:10 PM

Happy (Almost) Passover! My family has been singing a beautiful version of Chad Gadya for generations, but we don't know its origin and I can't find any references or recordings online. It's a slow, lilting waltz, in a minor key. If anyone might know it, I'd be thrilled
to commune with you! Thanks. Steve

Here is my dear old Aunt Tsippy singing it: https://youtu.be/fd1R1hbWGgE

Chad Gadya: non-traditional version

Subject: RE: Origins: Chad Gadya: non-traditional version
From: Felipa
Date: 29 Jun 25 - 02:26 PM

I can't help directly with Steve Baggish's query, but I found some very interesting information on songs and poetry based upon "Chad Gadya", and links to further information at: https://www.jewishfolksongs.com/en/one-only-kid#poetry

The same site also has a page about the many cumulative songs found in various countries of Europe which bear a strong resemblence to Chad Gadya. https://www.jewishfolksongs.com/en/chad-gadya-related-folksongs

Subject: RE: Origins: Chad Gadya: non-traditional version
From: GerryM
Date: 29 Jun 25 - 06:45 PM

Chava Alberstein sings Chad Gadya to an Italian tune, with some additional stanzas, at https://youtu.be/DHdVYy5B6JM?si=rimFBwscSJshAn8U

Subject: RE: Origins: Chad Gadya: non-traditional version
From: Joe Offer
Date: 30 Jun 25 - 12:20 AM

Chava Alberstein has a gorgeous voice and her singing always makes me melt. Sometimes, though, I wonder how authentic her arrangements are, and whether her alterations are good or bad.

Subject: RE: Origins: Chad Gadya: non-traditional version
From: Jack Campin
Date: 30 Jun 25 - 10:50 AM

Cumulative songs are from all over, and once you've got the idea it can't be hard to construct new ones. I doubt "The Rattling Bog" has any definite filiation to the "Chad Gadya" family.

What range of purposes do they serve? Pub singalongs? Lullabies? Metaphysical parables for initiation rituals?

Subject: RE: Origins: Chad Gadya: non-traditional version
From: Felipa
Date: 01 Jul 25 - 02:09 PM

Jack Campin, the Rattlin' Bog (of which there is indeed a Yiddish version, probably an adaptation of a German song) is not particularly close to Chad Gadya, but if you have a look at the site https://www.jewishfolksongs.com/en/chad-gadya-related-folksongs you will see examples of songs with very similar motifs to those in Chad Gadya.