How to Say “Merry Christmas” in Ojibwe

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Niibaa'anama'e-giizhigad
Niibaa'anama'e-giizhigad is the way to say merry Christmas in Ojibwe.
This phrase is used to express good wishes during the Christmas season.
Meaning: good wishes at Christmas time (phrase)

Did you know?

  • The phrase Niibaa'anama'e-giizhigad literally describes the day of the birth of the child, referring to the 'birth' aspect rather than 'merriment'.
  • In many Ojibwe-speaking communities, traditional seasonal celebrations like the Midwinter Ceremony are often given as much or more importance than the Christianized Christmas.
  • Ojibwe is an agglutinative language, meaning it builds long words like Niibaa'anama'e-giizhigad by stringing together many smaller meaningful parts.

Example conversation

Two friends meet during the holiday season.

  1. Miskwaa

    Boozhoo, Zhaawan! Niibaa'anama'e-giizhigad!
    Hello, Zhaawan! Merry Christmas!
  2. Zhaawan

    Miigwech, Miskwaa! Niibaa'anama'e-giizhigad kii-zhaawanin.
    Thank you, Miskwaa! Merry Christmas to you.
  3. Miskwaa

    Aandaago ginoozhe, aaniin ezhi-maaji-izhi?
    Come on friend, how are things going?
  4. Zhaawan

    Gichi-miigwech, nindaa-gikendamigoo.
    Thank you very much, I appreciate it.
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Karl Ryan
Karl RyanHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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