【てぃんさぐぬ花 Tinsagu nu Hana】 沖縄民謡 三線 Okinawa Minyō & Sanshin

"Tinsagu nu Hana" (てぃんさぐぬ花), or "The Balsam Flowers," is a beautiful Okinawan children's folk song that encapsulates the heart and spirit of the Ryukyu Islands’ cultural heritage. Sung in the Okinawan language (Uchinaguchi), this cherished lullaby (warabe-uta) weaves profound Confucian teachings into its poetic lyrics, serving as a gentle yet powerful guide for life’s journey. The song emphasises filial piety, urging listeners to honor and internalize their parents’ wisdom as a foundation for personal growth; it encourages nurturing one’s aspirations with diligence and integrity, reflecting the Confucian ideal of self-cultivation; and it advocates living with sincerity, fostering a moral compass that aligns actions with heartfelt authenticity.

The song’s title refers to the balsam flower, whose sap Okinawan children traditionally used to dye their fingernails—a vivid metaphor for absorbing parental guidance into one’s heart. With its hauntingly beautiful melody, "Tinsagu nu Hana" has transcended generations, becoming a symbol of Okinawan identity and pride. Whether performed by artists like Rimi Natsukawa or sung in community gatherings, this song unites Okinawans and their diaspora worldwide, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia, resilience, and cultural continuity.

Here are the translated and transliterated lyrics:

Verse 1
As you use the balsam flower’s sap to paint your fingernails,
Paint your heart with the teachings of your parents.
(Tinsagu nu hana ya chimi sachi ni sumiti
Uya nu yushi gutu ya chimu ni sumiri)

Verse 2
You can count all the stars in the sky if you strive to,
But you will never be able to count the infinite teachings of your parents.
(Tin nu muribushi ya yumiba yumarishiga
Uya nu yushi gutu ya yumiya naran)

Verse 3
The ship sailing at night is guided by the North Star,
Just as I am guided by the parents who gave me life.
(Yuru harasu funi ya ninu fua bushi miati
Wan nacheru uya ya wandu miati)

Verse 4
Even a precious gem will dull if not regularly polished,
Morning and evening, polish your heart and navigate this world.
(Takaradama yatin migaka niba sabisu
Asayu chimu migachi uchiyu watara)

Verse 5
A sincere person will always achieve their dreams,
Their aspirations will flourish for a thousand years.
(Makutu suru hitu ya atuya ichi madin
Umukutun kanati chiyunu sakai)

Verse 6
Whatever you wish to achieve can be accomplished,
But without effort, it will remain unfulfilled.
(Nashiba nani gutun nayuru gutu yashiga
Nasanu yui karadu naranu sadami)


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