ᓵᐧᓈᓂᐦᐋᐤ
sawenanihew
The English word "blessed" is translated into Cree as ᓵᐧᓈᓂᐦᐋᐤ (sawenanihew).
The word is an adjective used to describe someone or something as having divine aid, protection or another form of blessing.
Meaning: having divine aid, or protection, or other blessing (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
sawenanihew
Did you know?
- The Cree syllabics used to write ᓵᐧᓈᓂᐦᐋᐤ were developed in the 19th century and are designed to be learned much faster than the Latin alphabet.
- While English speakers often use 'blessed' to describe a person's luck, in Cree culture, such a state is frequently tied to one's relationship with the land and the environment. To be 'blessed' is often to be supported by the natural world around you.
- In many Cree dialects, the concept of being 'blessed' is often inseparable from the idea of being 'good' or 'healthy' in a spiritual sense. To be 'blessed' is not just a state of grace, but a sign of being in proper balance with the world.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their gratitude for their families.
- Aᓵᐧᓈᓂᐦᐋᐤ ᓂᐧᐣᐤ ᐱᐦᐋᐣᐤ.sânihâw nînu pihânu.My heart is blessed.
- Bᐣᐤᐣᐤ ᐱᐦᐋᐣᐤ ᐣᐤᐣᐤ ᓵᐧᓈᓂᐦᐋᐤ.nûnu pihânu nûnu sânihâw.Our hearts are blessed too.
- Aᐣᐤᐣᐤ ᐣᐤᐣᐤ ᐱᐦᐋᐣᐤ.nûnu nûnu pihânu.We are very grateful.
- Bᐣᐤᐣᐤ ᐣᐤᐣᐤ ᐣᐤᐣᐤ.nûnu nûnu nûnu.Yes, we are.
