National Anthem of People's Republic of China
Three Principles of the People,
The foundation of our party.
Using this, we establish the Republic;
Using this, we advance into a state of total peace.
Oh, you, warriors,
For the people, be the vanguard.
Without resting day or night,
Follow the Principles.
Swear to be diligent; swear to be courageous.
Obliged to be trustworthy; obliged to be loyal.
With one heart and one virtue,
We carry through until the very end.
In 1943, "Three Principles of the People" officially became the national anthem of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The National Anthem, contributed by Kuomintang (KMT) members, is also a patriotic piece asking the people to appreciate the democracy of their new nation. The Anthem’s three principles also tell the people what virtues they should have. They teach this anthem in elementary schools, and they sing it during graduation and flag-raising ceremonies. I personally sang it when I was young, but never got its meaning.
March of the Volunteers
National Anthem of People's Republic of China
Arise! All who refuse to be slaves!
Let our flesh and blood become our new Great Wall!
As the Chinese nation faces its greatest peril,
All forcefully expend their last cries.
Arise! Arise! Arise!
Our million hearts beat as one,
Brave the enemy's fire, March on!
Brave the enemy's fire, March on!
March on! March on! On!
The “March of the volunteers” is very patriotic and is about having the people fight for their own country. Tian Han wrote it during 1934, Republic of China era for a play. It was one of many songs that were promoted secretly among the population as part of the anti-Japanese resistance. This song became the national anthem just days before the founding of the People's Republic of China. I would say it definitely portrays the time period well. The people no longer want to be governed by a communist government, and they adopted this anthem as part of the reform.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
United States & Ukraine
The anthem for India has a more pious feel to it. It seems as if it is all about giving praise to some kind of Gods. It doesn't describe much about India itself or its values. The Bengali national anthem on the other hand is very detailed in its description of Bangladesh and everything that its land has to offer. It paints a very fruitful (no pun intended) and vivid picture of Bangladesh.
Ukraine National Anthem
Ukraine's glory has not yet perished, nor has her freedom
Upon us, young brothers, fate shall smile once more.
Our enemies will vanish, like dew in the morning sun,
And we too shall rule, brothers, in our own land.
CHORUS x2
We'll lay down our souls and bodies for our freedom,
And we'll show that we, brothers, are of the Cossack family.
United States Anthem
O! say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
In the both the anthems of Ukraine and the United States it seems as if the two countries were involved in a great struggle at the time their anthems were written. After further research I had discovered that Ukraine was indeed involved in a struggle for its independence against the Bolsheviks during the Bolshevik Revolution. Ukraine tried to remain an independent state, but to no avail. As a result this anthem was banned under the Soviet regime. Both anthems seem very optimistic during their struggle. This can be seen in the United States anthem where it states that despite the bombardment and the rockets their flag emerged erect, signifying that they have not lost. The optimism can likewise be seen in Ukraine's anthem where they sing about how their glory and freedom have not yet perished. In the line "fate shall smile once more" it looks as if Ukraine seems very optimistic and hopeful towards the future. Both anthems carry with it lots of patriotism which is essential during a time of war, as is evident with the history of these nations and the time when these pieces were written.
Ukraine National Anthem
Ukraine's glory has not yet perished, nor has her freedom
Upon us, young brothers, fate shall smile once more.
Our enemies will vanish, like dew in the morning sun,
And we too shall rule, brothers, in our own land.
CHORUS x2
We'll lay down our souls and bodies for our freedom,
And we'll show that we, brothers, are of the Cossack family.
United States Anthem
O! say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
In the both the anthems of Ukraine and the United States it seems as if the two countries were involved in a great struggle at the time their anthems were written. After further research I had discovered that Ukraine was indeed involved in a struggle for its independence against the Bolsheviks during the Bolshevik Revolution. Ukraine tried to remain an independent state, but to no avail. As a result this anthem was banned under the Soviet regime. Both anthems seem very optimistic during their struggle. This can be seen in the United States anthem where it states that despite the bombardment and the rockets their flag emerged erect, signifying that they have not lost. The optimism can likewise be seen in Ukraine's anthem where they sing about how their glory and freedom have not yet perished. In the line "fate shall smile once more" it looks as if Ukraine seems very optimistic and hopeful towards the future. Both anthems carry with it lots of patriotism which is essential during a time of war, as is evident with the history of these nations and the time when these pieces were written.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Russian Federation vs USSR
Although it may seem to be same country, Soviet Union and Russian Federation are two different countries to me. It can be clearly seen in the differences of their anthems. The national anthem of Soviet Union makes a considerable push toward communism and the importance of Lenin in teaching and leading Russian people. People in today’s world see communism as something evil and as something that is predestined to fail as a political structure. But if communism would be looked at on its own, I think there is nothing bad with such management. It was just proven that it did not particularly work for Soviet Union. Anthem of Soviet Union talks about the union of the republics since USSR valued the territory and the different ethnicities it had. After fall of the Soviet Union, there was not much said in the national anthem about “other” pieces of the country since most got disconnected to their own countries.
In the USSR anthem, the reader can clearly see that Lenin is compared to the sun which shows the way to go. It is also said that he is making people get up for the “right thing”, he inspired people for the right actions. This clearly was written by Lenin or someone to whom he paid. However, in the Russian Federation anthem, there is no one person that stands out. There is no president or influential person’s name mentioned. It focuses on nature, the concept of unified country, and its people. To me sounds less bias, something that Russian people can relate to. I am glad the anthem does not speak of some particular person, some particular ethnicity or religion. It is also a little shorter than the one of USSR, so it is more concise and more to the point.
In the USSR anthem, the reader can clearly see that Lenin is compared to the sun which shows the way to go. It is also said that he is making people get up for the “right thing”, he inspired people for the right actions. This clearly was written by Lenin or someone to whom he paid. However, in the Russian Federation anthem, there is no one person that stands out. There is no president or influential person’s name mentioned. It focuses on nature, the concept of unified country, and its people. To me sounds less bias, something that Russian people can relate to. I am glad the anthem does not speak of some particular person, some particular ethnicity or religion. It is also a little shorter than the one of USSR, so it is more concise and more to the point.
Haiti and Venezuela National Anthem
Tagore National anthem for both India and Bangladesh that are two countries from the same continent are actually different. In Bangladesh Anthem, the author focuses more on the nature of this country talking about the season; it shows the beauty of the country. Also, love and beauty are very expressed in this Anthem. However, India’s Anthem, on the other hand it is the contrary; nature is used as a key to Victory which is the main point of this Anthem.
Haiti National Anthem
For our country,
For our forefathers,
United let us march.
Let there be no traitors in our ranks!
Let us be masters of our soil.
United let us march
For our country,
For our forefathers.
For our forebears,
For our country
Let us toil joyfully.
May the fields be fertile
And our souls take courage.
Let us toil joyfully
For our forebears,
For our country.
For our country
And for our forefathers,
Let us train our sons.
Free, strong, and prosperous,
We shall always be as brothers.
Let us train our sons
For our country
And for our forefathers.
For our forebears,
For our country,
Oh God of the valiant!
Take our rights and our life
Under your infinite protection,
Oh God of the valiant!
For our forebears,
For our country.
For the flag,
For our country
To die is a fine thing!
Our past cries out to us:
Have a disciplined soul!
To die is a fine thing,
For the flag,
For our country.
Venezuela National Anthem
Glory to the brave nation
Which shook off the yoke,
Respecting law, virtue, and honour.
(repeat chorus)
"Off with the chains! Off with the chains!"
Cried the Lord, cried the Lord,
And the poor man in his hovel
Implored freedom.
At this holy name, there trembled
The vile selfishness that had triumphed.
At this holy name, at this holy name, there trembled
The vile selfishness that had triumphed.
(repeat)
CHORUS
Let's cry out aloud, let's cry out aloud:
Down with oppression! Down with oppression!
Faithful countrymen, your strength
Lies in your unity;
And from the heavens
The supreme Creator
Breathed a sublime spirit
Into the nation.
And from the heavens, and from the heavens
The supreme Creator
Breathed a sublime spirit
Into the nation.
(repeat previous two lines)
CHORUS
United by bonds, united by bonds,
Made by heaven, made by heaven,
All America exists
As a Nation;
And if tyranny
Raises its voice,
Follow the example
Given by Caracas.
And if tyranny, and if tyranny,
Raises its voice,
Follow the example
Given by Caracas.
(repeat previous two lines)
CHORUS
Both of these national Anthem have something in common which is Freedom. They both are war-based; however they approach it differently. Haiti Anthem proves a patriotic part. They wanted Union and solidarity within the soldiers and the country as a whole “United let us march, Let there be no traitors in our ranks”. Nature was mentioned to be fertile in order to give them courage. They’re very proud and not of afraid to die for the Flag and the country “For the flag, For our country To die is a fine thing!” They wanted to be an example for the generation to come and be as strong and patriot as they were “They Let us train our sons. Free, strong, and prosperous” Unity is the valuable aspect shown in this Anthem. Haiti National Anthem is called “La Dessalinienne” which honors the founder of Haiti, Jean-Jacques Dessalines. The anthem was selected as a result of a competition in 1903, the winning selection was adopted on the juncture of Haiti's centennial, January 1, 1904. Haiti National Anthem has two versions the french and creole version because they're the two native languages spoken. I believe that this anthem truly represents Haiti..
Venezuela National Anthem shows that it’s swollen with pride because it starts with “Glory to the brave nation”. Faith played a big role in getting their independence "Off with the chains! Off with the chains!" Cried the Lord, cried the Lord,”. They see themselves as a role model to other countries fighting for their freedom “And if tyranny Raises its voice, Follow the example Given by Caracas”. I believe that GOD is the valuable aspect shown in this Anthem. The anthem was composed by Vicente Salias and later the music was recreated by Juan José Landaeta and finally it came to be adopted on 1881. It was in May 25, 1881 that Antonio Guzman Blanco, who was the then President of the country, passed a declaration whereby this song was officially accepted as the National anthem of Venezuela. The title of the Anthem is “Glory to the brave nation”. I believe that this anthem represents Venezuela.
Monday, November 9, 2009
United States National Anthem from the Modern Perspective
I think that the United States perfectly represent the our culture today in modern times. We currently live in an age wher we are fighting two wars and or overall national moral is low. Our country has gone through hardships and sacrifices over the past eight years since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and as the national anthem states even after the wars and the attacks our fly is still here flying high and proud and the symbolic representation of our freedom and our bravery as a nation who will noy submit to terrorist or stand for injustice in the world.
Iceland and United States national anthem
ICELAND-Our country's God! Our country's God!We worship Thy name in its wonder sublime.The suns of the heavens are set in Thy crownBy Thy legions, the ages of time!With Thee is each day as a thousand years,Each thousand of years, but a day,Eternity's flow'r, with its homage of tears,That reverently passes away; Iceland's thousand years!, ;:Eternity's flow'r, with its homage of tears,That reverently passes away.
UNITED STATES-Oh, say! can you see by the dawn's early lightWhat so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming;Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there:Oh, say! does that star-spangled banner yet waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,In fully glory reflected now shines in the stream:'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh, long may it waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave
These two national anthems emphasis deeply passion for the land by their people .The Icelandic national anthem is more of in the religious aspect and the United State national anthem is more o patriotism and fighting for ones one cause. The Icelandic National anthem during an age of relative peace and at a time when the Icelandic people where deeply involved in looking into the troubles of their own nation. In contrast the United States national anthem was written at a time of war when moral was seeming low and the young U.S. was fighting what seemed to be a second war of independence from the British. The two national anthems express deeply passionate feelings towards the land for which its citizens love.
UNITED STATES-Oh, say! can you see by the dawn's early lightWhat so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming;Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there:Oh, say! does that star-spangled banner yet waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,In fully glory reflected now shines in the stream:'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh, long may it waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave
These two national anthems emphasis deeply passion for the land by their people .The Icelandic national anthem is more of in the religious aspect and the United State national anthem is more o patriotism and fighting for ones one cause. The Icelandic National anthem during an age of relative peace and at a time when the Icelandic people where deeply involved in looking into the troubles of their own nation. In contrast the United States national anthem was written at a time of war when moral was seeming low and the young U.S. was fighting what seemed to be a second war of independence from the British. The two national anthems express deeply passionate feelings towards the land for which its citizens love.
Freedom and the main purpose in life!
Argentina
Hear, mortals, the sacred cry:
"Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!"
Hear the noise of broken chains,
see the noble Equality enthroned.
Their most honorable throne have opened
the United Provinces of the South.
And the free ones of the world reply:
"To the Argentine people, cheers!"
"To the Argentine people, cheers!"
And the free ones of the world reply:"
To the Argentine people, cheers!"
And the free ones of the world reply:"
To the Argentine people, cheers!"
May the laurels be eternal
the ones we managed to win,
the ones we managed to win.
Let us live crowned in glory...
or let us swear in glory to die!
Or let us swear in glory to die!
Or let us swear in glory to die!
Ecuador
Oh homeland, we greet you a thousand times!
Glory be to you!
Your breast overflows joy and peace
And your radiant face
brighter than the sun shining we see.
The worthy sons of the soil
Which magnificently adorns Pichincha,
They always declared you as their sovereign lady
And shed their blood for you.
God observed and accepted that sacrifice,
And this blood was the prolific seed
Of other heroes who amazed the world,
And in turn, of thousands arising around you.
The Argentinian and Ecuadorian Anthem have a lot in common. It is interesting to see how both anthems try to represent the struggles these countries went through to reach freedom. These two anthems are based on war and patriotism. The lyrics of the Argentinian Anthem are burningly independentist and anti-Spanish, as the country was at that time fighting for its independence from Spain. For example, the opening of the anthem "Freedom! Freedom! Freedom! Hear the noise of broken chains," this part clearly represents how Argentina was fighting for its freedom and how proud they felt of gaining it. In addition, the chorus of the Anthem "Let us live crowned in glory.. or let us swear in glory to die!" this part shows how Argentinian people felt how freedom was the glory they wanted to achieve , otherwise, they would have preferred to die with pride.
The Ecuadorian Anthem, also communicates how freedom was the main purpose for Ecuadorian people at that time. It represents how the soldiers of this country fought and offered their blood to have a free land. The second verse of the anthem "They always declared you as their sovereign lady and shed their blood for you." is a good representation of how Ecuadorians felt proud of shedding their blood in order to have a free life. Same as Argentina, Ecuador also fought against Spain to conquer freedom.
On the other hand, the differences in these two anthems is how each represents each country's culture. Argentina's Anthem seems more to represents how pride and victory predominates is this country. Whereas Ecuador's Anthem's represents how religious, love and peace is the main purpose in life for ecuadorian people.
In conclusion , both Anthem promotes freedom, pride and love for one's country.
Hear, mortals, the sacred cry:
"Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!"
Hear the noise of broken chains,
see the noble Equality enthroned.
Their most honorable throne have opened
the United Provinces of the South.
And the free ones of the world reply:
"To the Argentine people, cheers!"
"To the Argentine people, cheers!"
And the free ones of the world reply:"
To the Argentine people, cheers!"
And the free ones of the world reply:"
To the Argentine people, cheers!"
May the laurels be eternal
the ones we managed to win,
the ones we managed to win.
Let us live crowned in glory...
or let us swear in glory to die!
Or let us swear in glory to die!
Or let us swear in glory to die!
Ecuador
Oh homeland, we greet you a thousand times!
Glory be to you!
Your breast overflows joy and peace
And your radiant face
brighter than the sun shining we see.
The worthy sons of the soil
Which magnificently adorns Pichincha,
They always declared you as their sovereign lady
And shed their blood for you.
God observed and accepted that sacrifice,
And this blood was the prolific seed
Of other heroes who amazed the world,
And in turn, of thousands arising around you.
The Argentinian and Ecuadorian Anthem have a lot in common. It is interesting to see how both anthems try to represent the struggles these countries went through to reach freedom. These two anthems are based on war and patriotism. The lyrics of the Argentinian Anthem are burningly independentist and anti-Spanish, as the country was at that time fighting for its independence from Spain. For example, the opening of the anthem "Freedom! Freedom! Freedom! Hear the noise of broken chains," this part clearly represents how Argentina was fighting for its freedom and how proud they felt of gaining it. In addition, the chorus of the Anthem "Let us live crowned in glory.. or let us swear in glory to die!" this part shows how Argentinian people felt how freedom was the glory they wanted to achieve , otherwise, they would have preferred to die with pride.
The Ecuadorian Anthem, also communicates how freedom was the main purpose for Ecuadorian people at that time. It represents how the soldiers of this country fought and offered their blood to have a free land. The second verse of the anthem "They always declared you as their sovereign lady and shed their blood for you." is a good representation of how Ecuadorians felt proud of shedding their blood in order to have a free life. Same as Argentina, Ecuador also fought against Spain to conquer freedom.
On the other hand, the differences in these two anthems is how each represents each country's culture. Argentina's Anthem seems more to represents how pride and victory predominates is this country. Whereas Ecuador's Anthem's represents how religious, love and peace is the main purpose in life for ecuadorian people.
In conclusion , both Anthem promotes freedom, pride and love for one's country.
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