# Stella, Stellina

"Stella, stellina" is one of Italy's most famous lullabies, written by the poet Lina Schwarz (1876–1947); as night draws in, every animal and every child is gathered safely to sleep in their mother's arms.

## At a glance

| | |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Italy |
| Sung in | Italian |
| Words by | Lina Schwarz |
| First known | written by Lina Schwarz (1876–1947) |
| Best for ages | 2–7 |
| Mood | lullaby |
| Page | https://littlesongbook.com/songs/stella-stellina/ |

## Lyrics

### Verse 1 (it)

Stella, stellina,
la notte si avvicina;
la fiamma traballa,
la mucca è nella stalla.
La mucca e il vitello,
la pecora e l'agnello,
la chioccia coi pulcini,
la mamma coi bambini.
Tutti fanno la nanna
nella braccia della mamma.

### English translation (en)

Star, little star,
the night is drawing near;
the flame flickers,
the cow is in the barn.
The cow and the calf,
the sheep and the lamb,
the hen with her chicks,
the mother with her children.
They all go to sleep
in their mother's arms.

## Common questions

**What does "Stella, stellina" say?**

As the night draws near and the lamp-flame flickers, everything is going to rest: the cow is in the barn with her calf, the sheep with her lamb, the hen with her chicks — and the mother with her children, who all fall asleep in her arms. It gathers the whole farmyard into one image of safety and sleep.

**Who wrote "Stella, Stellina"?**

The Italian poet and translator Lina Schwarz (Verona 1876 – Arcisate 1947), affectionately known as "zia Lina" (Auntie Lina). It appeared in her book of poems and, though often called "traditional", it is her work.

**Why is "Stella, Stellina" so well known?**

Because it became one of Italy's classic lullabies, set to music in many versions and passed down so widely that people forgot it had an author. Its rocking rhythm and warm, rural images make it a natural cradle song.

## Sources

- [Wikipedia (Italian) — Stella stellina](https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stella_stellina)
- https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56326315