Morena me llaman, yo blanca nací: de pasear, galana, mi color pedrí Morena me llama el hijo del rey: si otra vez me llama yo me vo con el. Vestida de novia y de al tel-lí, que pase el galano a dar qedosín. La palomba blanca del ojo maví, llevalde esta carta al mi chelibí. Escalerica l’hizi d’oro i de marfil para qhe suva novio a dar kedoshim
I am called Morena (the Dark One) though I was born fair from walking (in the sun) I lost my color Morena I am called by the son of the king if once again he calls me I will go with him The garment of the bride is embroidered in red so that when the groom passes he will give her "kedoshim" (wedding vows) The white dove with blue eyes bring this letter to my beloved I made a ladder of gold and ivory, so the bridegroom could climb and give "kedoshim."
From Kanta Gayiko, Judeo-Spanish songs from Bulgaria, 2025 Orit Perlman: voice Yarden Erez : ud, guitar, gumbush, violin, keyboard and arrangements Zeev Yaniv : darbuqa, sonaja, bendir, cajón
This wedding song includes typically several themes: 1. from Song of Songs chapter 1 "Do not see me as being dark, for the sun has darkened me". 2. The sailing of the ship and the the son of the King calling 3. The clothing of the bride 4. The ladder built from precious materials symbolically elevating the groom who will be giving his bride "kedoshim" - sanctified marriage blessings.
This website was created by Orit Perlman with the collaboration and blessings of Dr. Susana Weich-Shahak in 2025