[Lexicog] "Christmas" in Cheyenne

[Wayne Leman]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Wayne Leman" <wayne_leman at sil.org>
To: <lexicographylist at yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2003 10:18 AM
Subject: [Lexicog] "Christmas" in Cheyenne


Although Cheyennes are often asked by non-Cheyennes how to say "Merry
Christmas" in their language, there is no such term in their language, not
even a loan translation. However, when Cheyennes first observed missionaries
celebrating Christmas they used the word Tsé'ôhkêhoésanéstove to refer to
what they saw. This word is still sometimes used and means, literally, 'when
there is hanging,' referring, of course, to objects being placed on trees.

What are some ways that speakers of languages you have studied have referred
to Christmas?

Wayne Leman
Cheyenne website: http://www.geocities.com/cheyenne_language