Mionbhlag: Comhaireamh Síos go dtí an Bhliain Úr

 

We’re coming to the end of Oíche Chinn Bhliana (New Year’s Eve), also known as Oíche na Coda Móire (the night of the big portion), so you might want to count down to the stroke of midnight.  It’s not always so easy to count backwards in a language you’ve learned, so in case you’re getting ready, seo é:

 

a deich

 

a naoi

 

a hocht

 

a seacht

 

a sé

 

a cúig

 

a ceathair

 

a trí

 

a dó

 

a haon

 

Athbhliain faoi Mhaise! a flourishing new year, lit. new year under adornment or beauty

 

Some people add “faoi shéan,” which has a similar meaning to “faoi mhaise.”  “Séan” means “sign,” “omen,” “good luck,” and “prosperity.”   “Faoi” (under) causes lenition (can’t escape that even on the cusp of the new year), giving us “faoi shéan” (fwee hayn). 

 

I did once see the second phrase written with a misplaced long mark, that is, the síneadh fada was over the “a,” not over the “e.”  A rather drastic mistake, showing us the importance of long marks.  The phrase had been written as “faoi Sheán,” which would mean “under Seán.”  To which I can only chuckle.  So on that note, I’ll schedule this blog to appear in the last minute of the old year, in case you want to shout it out loud with your friends or family.