amiga la novena

Question

My Colombian girlfriend wrote to me telling how much she loves me. Then she wrote "amiga la novena". I guess this is an expression. However I have not seen it before. I assume that she means that she will still be there for me when all else has come and gone - but that is only a guess. What did she mean? Is this a known expression? Is this a Catholic thing? I'm travelling right now and so I can't ask her for a few days. Can you enlighten me?

Answer 1

Are you sure she's not from Chile?

Regional structure of Chile

I lived in her house in Colombia for few few weeks at different times over the last year so yes I am certain she is not from Chile. - Vman, May 16, 2012

I'm Chilean, and "amiga la novena" doesn't mean anything to me - comunacho, May 16, 2012

Ah well. That's the best I have. Guess you better ask her then. - sinsonte, May 16, 2012

Answer 2

I looked this up: la novena in Colombia is a Catholic tradition that starts on Dec. 16 and ends on Christmas Eve. It lasts nine nights. So, were you visiting her at this time, or do you plan to visit her in the future during that time of the year? Maybe "amiga la novena" is an expression that indicates a very close friendship, so close that you would spend time together at this very special time of the year. All of this is just a guess on my part. If you ever find out what it means, please let us know.

Nice guess. My guess was kicked it the neck... haha. I like your guess. - sinsonte, May 16, 2012