Translation of the song Conto de Natal de Cardigos (Nossa Senhora Lavadeira) artist Christmas Carols

Estava a Virgem

Our Lady was standing

À borda do rio,

In the riverbank

Lavando os cueiros

Washing the nappies

Do seu bento Filho.

For her Blessed Son.

A Virgem lavava,

Our Holy Lady was washing,

São José estendia,

Saint Joseph hanged the clothes up to dry

O Neném chorava

And the Baby cried

Com o frio que fazia.

Because it was such a cold day.

«Cale-se o Menino,

Be quiet, my Child,

Cale-se o Amor!

Be quiet, oh Love!

Vossas báguas são navalhas

For your tears are blades

Que cortam sem dor!»

That cut deep without pain!

A Virgem ao peito

Our Lady brought Him

O foi conchegar,

To her warm breast,

Logo o Deus Menino

And then the Holy Child

Deixou de chorar!

Stropped crying!