Fàilte dhut, a Mhoire
The English phrase "the hail mary" is translated into Gaelic as Fàilte dhut, a Mhoire.
This phrase refers to the traditional Catholic prayer addressed to the Virgin Mary.
Did you know?
- While the prayer is universal in Catholicism, the Gaelic version reflects a history of 'clandestine' faith during periods when the Catholic Mass was banned in Scotland.
- In Scottish Gaelic, the word Fàilte is used for both the greeting 'welcome' and the 'hail' in Fàilte dhut, a Mhoire, blending a secular greeting with a sacred prayer.
- The use of a before Mhoire triggers a change in the noun, which is a grammatical process called lenition.
Example conversation
Hamish and Eilidh are at a church.
- HamishEilidh, a bheil thu a' cuimhneachadh air Fàilte dhut, a Mhoire?Eilidh, do you remember the Hail Mary?
- EilidhTha, Hamish, tha mi a' cuimhneachadh.Yes, Hamish, I remember.
- HamishAn urrainn dhuinn a ràineadh còmhla?Can we say it together?
- EilidhTha sin math, tòisich thu.That is good, you start.
