Week #7: "The Birch Tree" from Russia
Music VideoClick on link to listen to another version of "Little Birch Tree"
http://www.folkways.si.edu/little-romani-music/world/tools-for-teaching/smithsonian BackgroundThis week's folk song is a traditional song, "Little Birch Tree." Birch tree, or "bereza," is an important symbol in Russian culture. It means Spring, light and beauty. Ancient Russians (Slavs) believed that birch trees had special "spirits" that would protect them so they planted them around their villages.
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Song LyricsLittle Birch Tree
Standing in the field, little birch tree Waving in the breeze, little birch tree Loo-lay-loo, little birch tree Loo-lay-loo, little birch tree More Lyrics... See the lovely birch in the meadow, Curly leaves all dancing when the wind blows. Loo-lee-loo, when the wind blows, Loo-lee-loo, when the wind blows. Oh, my little tree, I need branches, For the silver flutes I need branches. Loo-lee-loo, three branches, Loo-lee-loo, three branches. From another birch I will make now, I will make a tingling balalaika. Loo-lee-loo, balalaika, Loo-lee-loo, balalaika. When I play my new balalaika, I will think of you, my lovely birch tree. Loo-lee-loo, lovely birch tree, Loo-lee-loo, lovely birch tree. Map of Russia
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RUSSIAN MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SLIDE SHOW: Scroll over image and click "Play" Language:Russian is the main language of Russia.
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The most popular sports in Russia are soccer, basketball, ice hockey and bandy.