ATAN BITHEN DEL CARMEN

We don't need accompaniment when we sing our traditional hymns.

We don't need microphones, either.

And, for many of the man åmko', we don't even need the words on paper.  They're memorized.

WHY FOR THE DEAD

This hymn, Atan Bithen del Carmen, is one of the standard songs sung for the dead, at rosaries or Masses. Of course it can also be sung simply in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.  The version sung above is sung slightly differently in Saipan.

The reason why it is often sung for the dead is due to the scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (or Brown Scapular), which has a special promise for those who die in the state of sanctifying grace wearing it. Hundreds of years ago, Our Lady appeared to Pope John XXII and said, “I, the Mother of Grace, shall descend on the Saturday after their death and whomsoever I shall find in purgatory I shall free so that I may lead them to the holy mountain of life everlasting.” Mary attached certain conditions to this promise, as well, so it is best to do more research on this by going to the link provided at the end of this post.

LYRICS

Atan Bithen del Carmen, i man guinaiya-mo
(Look, Virgin of Carmel, on your beloved)

ya pulan ham, Maria, ånte yan tataotao!
(and watch over us, Mary, soul and body)

Tayuyute ham, Nåna, guennao gi patgon-mo,
(Pray for us, Mother, to your child,)

hame i mañe'lu-ña, yan famagu'on-mo.
(We, His brethren, and we your children.)

1. Tåya' si Jesukristo sen ginefli'e'-ña, na ennao as Maria yan i binithen-ña.
(Jesus Christ loves nothing more than Mary and her virginity.)

2. I taotao-mo Maria hågo gumogogue, i Lahen Yu'us lokkue' hågo humohogue.
(Your people, Mary, you protect, the Son of God you also hold in your arms.)

3. Na' maguaiya magåhet si Jesus patgon-mo, ya in fañåga guine fi'on i tronu-mo.*
(Your child Jesus is truly lovable, and we will remain here beside your throne.)

4. Ga'yi'us i mañule' eskapulårio sa' guse' u ma laknos gi Putgatorio.
(Those who take the scapular are devout, because they will quickly be released from Purgatory.)

* The third verse can also be translated as "Make your child Jesus loved..."

THE MELODY

The tune used for this hymn is borrowed from a Spanish hymn to Our Lady of Mount Carmel called Virgen del Carmen Bella. Here is a video clip of it:

For more information on the Brown Scapular, go to http://www.sistersofcarmel.com/brown-scapular-information.php