Mino-makadewi-giižigad
To say "happy new year" in Ojibwe, use Mino-makadewi-giižigad.
Meaning: Happy New Year (phrase)
Did you know?
- In traditional Anishinaabe culture, the start of a new cycle is often marked by the 'First Moon', making the new year a lunar rather than solar celebration.
- Ojibwe is a polysynthetic language, meaning a single word like Mino-makadewi-giižigad functions as an entire sentence by combining multiple roots and suffixes.
- The phrase Mino-makadewi-giižigad is built around the concept of 'good living' rather than just 'happiness'. It literally suggests a wish for a year where one lives well and maintains health.
Example conversation
Nibi and Bemizii meet for the first time in January.
- NibiBoozhoo, Bemizii!Hello, Bemizii!
- BemiziiBoozhoo, Nibi!Hello, Nibi!
- NibiMino-makadewi-giižigad!Happy New Year!
- BemiziiMiigwech, mino-makadewi-giižigad aaniin!Thank you, happy new year to you too!
