"Joulupuu on rakennettu" ("Christmas tree is built") is a Finnish Christmas carol that is among the most well-known among the Finnish population.[1][2]
The song was first published by the name "Joulu-kuusi" (Christmas tree) in 1876 in the schoolbook Uusi Kuwa-Aapinen, instructing that it should be sung with the traditional folk melody that was known at that time as "Lapsen laulu" (Song of a Child), a song published by Jaakko Juteini originally in 1819, and the final stable version in 1835.[3]
Lyrics
Due to the childlike lyrics, this Christmas carol is sung mostly in preschools, elementary schools, and in family parties where young children are present.
| Original, archaic lyrics 1876 Gustaf Oskar Schöneman |
Modernized lyrics trad. 20th century |
English (2019 Ion Mittler) CC BY 4.0 |
English, non-religious (2019 Ion Mittler) CC BY 4.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Joulupuu on rakennettu: Joulu on jo owella; |
1. Joulupuu on rakennettu: joulu on jo ovella; |
1. Christmas tree has been constructed, Christmas Eve is at the door. |
1. Christmas tree has been constructed, Christmas Eve is at the door. |
| 2. Kuusen pienet kynttyläiset Walasewat kauniisti; |
2. Kuusen pienet kynttiläiset valaisevat kauniisti; |
2. Candles that the tree so brighten, light this room beautifully, |
2. Candles that the tree so brighten, light this room beautifully, |
| 3. Kiitos sulle Jesuksemme, Kallis Wapahtajamme, |
3. Kiitos sulle Jeesuksemme kallis Vapahtajamme, |
3. Thank You, Jesus Christ, for being our precious Redeemer, |
3. Thank you, Santa Claus, for coming, giver of every present, |
| 4. Tullessasi toit Sä walon, Lahjat runsaat, rikkahat; |
4. Tullessasi toit sä valon, lahjat runsaat, rikkahat; |
4. When You came on Earth, You us brought gifts of light so bountiful: |
4. When you come, you make us joyous, many gifts you have us done. |
| 5. Anna, Jesu, Henkes hywän Meidän sydämmihimme |
5. Anna, Jeesus, henkes hyvän meidän sydämihimme |
5. Let, Jesus, Your noble Spirit come in our hearts to live, |
5. In our hearts a noble mood give, so that we of others care. |