Anthems of Canada and Israel

This assignment was somewhat difficult for me to complete. Being born and brought up in America, I have never really thought about what goes into making a national anthem. So i thought about it and i have made my own judgment that Tagore really couldn't accurately create the national anthem for two separate countries. An anthem should be something thats intimate with its specific country and only one who has been a patriot and has gone through ups and downs in their country could accurately depict what a country stands for.

I have chosen the Israeli and Canadian National Anthems to decipher.

Israel's anthem when translated goes as so:

As long as deep in the heart,
The soul of a Jew yearns,
And forward to the East
To Zion, an eye looks
Our hope will not be lost,
The hope of two thousand years,
To be a free nation in our land,
The land of Zion and Jerusalem.

Canada's National anthem

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

In Hatikvah the Israel National anthem, it was created in the 1878 by Naphtali Herz Imper, he was a poet and i feel as though he captures the true esscence of the Jewish people in his anthem. He talks about how the Jews are on a search for Zion their homeland and how our souls still earn for the answers of life, and that we have been looking for it for more than 2000 years. Now this anthem was created about seventy years before the formation of Isreal i still feel as though this anthem depicts the true beliefs of the Jewish people.

In Canadas National Anthem, was written in the 1880's by Robert Stanley Weir, who was a poet and judge in Canada. Wiers anthem is not an English translation of the original French anthem, but just a similar one with some similarities. But i feel as though Canadas anthem is one that supports Nationalism within Canada. It talks of standing together, and i feel as though countries anthems should be this similar to Canadas, unless you are talking about history of the country. Nonetheless, i happen to like the Canadian anthem because it just gives you a good feeling when you read, at least i get one and im not even from Canada.

As for the American National Anthem, while it accurately depicts what the country was like during the Revolutionary War it is not even close to the current state of our country. Nonetheless, the anthem still talks about how even though the fire and flames of bombs and being attacked that our flag was still waving strong, and that is still true today. Even after the atrocious acts of pearl harbor and 9/11 we still had our flags waving strong if not stronger. Plus America is still the home of the free and brave, although its changing a little its still home to anyone who wants to come here, legally of course. All three anthems i feel may not depict the country itself, but it does portray the people of the country, and i feel as though thats what really matters when your trying to create a logical accurate National Anthem..

Ecuador anthem vs. Venezuela anthem

Ecuador Anthem VS. Venezuela Anthem

Ecuador my country's anthem,
Reading about it is like it does tell me what my people and I feel. Because it is talking about what people did to defend my country, in my country these feelings still alive. I think more than Nationality and political view, it is patriotism that come from our soul. We always defend our people and our nation and we feel proud of what we have and how we succeed in our country. We think and we act according our feelings. Of course I can clearly recognize that this situation wasn't all the time, I still remember there were a time when I couldn’t really understand which sense make the national Anthem and the government rules in my country, but in the last three or four years it has been different. Exactly how the anthem express. With our new president I can say it! Our country is free and everybody can say that, it is a better country with freedom and justice.

Venezuela's national anthem, speaks of courage and justice, it talks about the people who fight for a nation free of injustice. In my opinion and according with what I heard, the people in Venezuela continue to struggle to achieve freedom. But according news and people who I know say the president is a person who has been thinking he has rights to create his own rules and regulations again the Venezuela's people, and I think that does not have anything to do with what the national anthem refers to their country.

National Anthems

The Bangladesh National Anthem, is one that focuses on nature, beauty, and has an overall maternal feeling. Their country is reflected as a mother and source of life. Peace and beauty are evident as well. When Tagore wrote this beautiful poem in 1906, it was during a time where a division of the country was taking place, the British, based on religion. It became the newly formed country’s national anthem in 1972, a year after its established independence. This poem's maternal and peaceful undertones were thought of a peaceful reminder of better days, during times of turmoil and strife. (http://asnic.utexas.edu/countries/bangla/bangladeshm.html)

The Indian National Anthem, written in 1911, is much different from its neighbor of Bangladesh. Here a focus is placed on war, tribes, and masculinity. Fighting and conflict seem to be the main difference. Although, both anthems were written and used later on, when these countries were struggling for their independence.

France vs. United States

France:

Let's go children of the fatherland,

The day of glory has arrived!

Against us tyranny's

Bloody flag is raised! (repeat)

In the countryside, do you hear

The roaring of these fierce soldiers?

They come right to our arms

To slit the throats of our sons, our friends!

Refrain:

Grab your weapons, citizens!

Form your batallions!

Let us march! Let us march!

May impure blood

Water our fields!

(http://french.about.com/library/weekly/aa071400ma.htm for English translation)

A very violent national anthem, France encourages their people to stand up and fight for their rights against aristocracy, and overthrow their king. It talks of blood, and urges people to fight for their freedoms. This is very in tune with the time it was written. Its creation was during the heat of battle for the French Civil War. Here, the French people overthrew the aristocracy.

Our national anthem has a more optimistic point of view than that of the French. Written by Francis Scott Key in 1814, it focuses more towards the future. During a battle, has the flag survived? And can this flag still represent our “home of the brave?”

Both anthems were written during very important wars that would impact the creation of the country for the future. However, the French anthem is urging people to rise against tyranny. The United States’ anthem, in contrast, values bravery and freedom.

National Anthems

Tagore's National Anthems
I think to write a national anthem one has to be from that particular country or have lived there for so many years that she identifies with that country. I think it is possible to understand a nation's people by interviewing them and doing scholarly research but I think to truly feel a deep emotional connection one's life has to be intertwined with that nation. I think Tagore's Bangladesh and Indian national anthems are very different. The Bangladesh anthem is very sentimental. There are many emotional words like "love", "heart", "sweet", "affection", "tenderness", "sadness", and "tears." He also focuses on the landscape of Bangladesh. He creates a picture of the nation. Also, by referring to Bangladesh as "mother" he creates a emotional connection to the nation. Mothers provide life, they nurture us, and generally we always go back to our moms in times of need and joy. It is usually a lifelong and unbreakable bond. So by referring to Bangladesh as mother Tagore makes clear that the bond to Bangladesh is forever.

Haiti's and Jamaica's National Anthems

Haiti's 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 strong soul!

To die is a fine thing,

For the flag,

For our country.

Jamaica's Anthem:

Eternal Father bless our land,
Guard us with Thy Mighty Hand,
Keep us free from evil powers,
Be our light through countless hours.
To our Leaders, Great Defender,
Grant true wisdom from above.
Justice, Truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, Land we love.
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.

Teach us true respect for all,
Stir response to duty’s call, strengthen us the weak to cherish,
Give us vision lest we perish.
Knowledge send us Heavenly Father,
Grant true wisdom from above.
Justice, Truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, land we love.
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.

Haiti is the first independent black country (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ha.html) so it makes sense that its national anthem is so patriotic and war based. There is an emphasis on being independent when it says "let us be masters of our soil." There is also many references to the land and toiling joyfully. I am a Haitian-American so I know that Haitians are very hard-working people who take pride in their work so the ideals represented in the anthem are true of Haitians. Toward the end there is a plea to God to provide protection and their is also mention of death for the country being something to be proud of. Haitians are extremely religious. The mention of dying for the country is also representative of Haitian people's rebellious and perseverant spirit. Contrastingly, Jamaica's anthem is very prayer-like. It asks God not only for protection but for wisdom, strength, and respect. There is an emphasis on hope and trust. There is a sense of deep concern for the people of the country staying righteous. This anthem is very idealistic and noble. Jamaica gained its independence in 1962 after years of British rule and slavery (http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2032.htm). Perhaps Jamaica is focused on making sure that people respect each other after years of disrespect.

United States' National Anthem
Our anthem seems very antiquated. Its focus is on fighting for our independence and bravery. But today we are a superpower and we are seen by many countries as being a bully. I think that our 2 wars have skewed our image to many across the world and to some of our own citizens. Our anthem needs to represent the ideals of democracy, inclusion, and cultural acceptance. We are a land of opportunities which is why so many people want to live here.

Anthems and Their Truths

I believe it is possible for a person to accurately represent two different countries. There are many ways a person would be able to do this. One way would be to do extensive research, which would include extensive interviews with many citizens. Additionally, the person would be able to really understand a country if he or she were to live in that countries for quite some years. I believe that these two scenarios would result in a person being able to give an accurate description of the country and its views/beliefs.
The two anthems written by Tagore for Bangladesh and India are very similar in my opinion. Both anthems include descriptions of the country’s physical features; either it be the blue skies and various trees of Bangladesh or the hills of India. One difference that I did notice was that while Bangladesh’s national anthem was strictly about the country’s natural physical features, India’s national anthem gave many references to previous rulers and leaders. With this in mind, it becomes obvious that the two anthems were written by a person that wasn’t a citizen or fully familiar with the two countries. Mentioning a place’s physical attributes are something a person can be acquainted with in one trip. Furthermore, mentioning a country’s key leaders is knowledge that can we acquired through books and not necessarily knowledge that is acquired from residing in a place.
Two anthems that I have read were Aruba’s and Poland’s. These two countries are on opposite sides of the world and I was curious as to how their anthems would differ. After reading the two I have realized that these two anthems differ greatly. Aruba’s anthem emphasizes the countries beauty and peacefulness. Which I believe is very accurate since I have visited there myself. The people are all friendly which is mentioned in the anthem. It is obvious that the anthem is trying to portray the country as very idealistic. I feel like this anthem can represent the country at any moment in time. It is very general by just describing the country’s physical attributes and the tendencies of its citizens.
Poland’s national anthem however, is quite different. It is war-based and emphasizes that Poland and its people will persevere and not let themselves be taken over. This becomes understandable since there have been many attempts to conquer Poland throughout history. It was a song that was sung by many Polish soldiers to keep them fighting even though Poland was almost wiped off the map. After the battles and Poland being reformed the song became the national anthem because of the strength it had during the war. This however, doesn’t describe the country as it is now. Poland is no longer fighting for existence, so even though it is a great reminder of perseverance and struggle to come up on top, they are no longer at war. On the other hand, perhaps an anthem that brings these types of feelings to its citizens is what they aim for.
One similarity that I did find between these two anthems is its patriotism. Both anthems use strong language to express their love for their countries. This is exactly what an anthem is supposed to do.
When it comes to our country’s nation anthem I do not believe that it accurately describes our country and it’s people. The anthem is written about our victorious war for independence. Yes, we are currently fighting in a war right now but that war is not for our independence. Additionally, the rockets and cannons described in the victory war don’t even apply in today’s time where we are capable of using nuclear weapons, and airplane missiles. I believe we should have an anthem that describes our country better as it is today. An economic powerhouse, and a “freedom” country where people escape from their own countries to achieve freedom here.

Extra Credit:
America the beautiful, America the powerful
All types of people intermingling and colorful.
Land of endless possibilities, no need for strife
People are happy with no other life.
Walk through the country and hear the laughter
We are strong and those in need we look after.
Land of the intellect, land of the greatest
We can be rude but we are also the sweetest.

Bangladesh VS India National Anthem

National anthem of Bangladesh: "Amer Sonar Bangla"

My Bangel of gold,I love you

Forever your skies, your air set my heart in tune

as if it were a flute,

In spring, oh mother mine, the fragrance from

your mango-groves makes me wild with joy-

Ah, what a Thrill!

1. " "Amer Sonar Bang la" (My golden Bengal) was written in 1906 and composed by the poet Rabindro NathBangladesh." (Wikipedia)
Pakistan and Bangladesh was part of India. The British government divided Bangladesh from India. The National Anthem of Bangladesh means "mother and land'. They respect the land as a mother. The line "Amer sonar bangle" means the 'golden bangle' where you will find the land is full with mustered flower; which is yellow color. yellow color shine like gold. The line "Ki Shova, Ki chhaea go" means this country is surrounded by green trees, which is giving us shadow. Other important line" nodir kule kule" indicated for the poor citizen of Bangladesh, their only place to live by the river side. The last line of the Bangladesh anthem "Ma tor bodon khani
moline hole, Ami noeon jole bhasi" this lyric stands for the military, who fought for this countries mother, sister, daughter to save their honor.


Tagore. The first 10 lines of this song constitute the national anthem of Bangladesh. It was adopted in 1972 after the independence of

National Anthem of India: "Jana Gana Mana"


Jana-gana-mana-adhinaka, jaya he
Bgarata-bhagya-vudgata
Punjab-sindhu-Gujarata-Marath-
Dravida-Utkala-Banga
Vindhya-Himachala-Yamuna-Ganga
Uchchala-Jaladhi taranga
Tava Shubha name jage
Tavashubha ashish maange
Gaye tava jaya-gatha
jana-gana-mangala-dayaja jaya he
Bharat-bhagya-vidata
Jaya he, jaya he, jaya he
Jaya jaya jaya,, jaya he!!

" It was first sung at the Calcutta on 27 december 1911. 'Jana Gana Mana' was officially adopted by the Constituent assembly as the Indian National anthem on January 24, 1950."(wikipedia) Indian anthem has the same meaning as Bangladesh anthem " Mother and land.
India is very big continent. The line " Punjab-Sindhu-Gujarata-Maratha-Dravida-Utkala-Banga" Punjab, Sinshu,Gujarata,Maratha all these state has different religion, race, language. Also different costume. even tho, everything is different but still we are all same and Bgarata is our destiny, therefore we are strong then anything. The last line "jaya he, jaya he, jaya he" mo matter what will happen tomorrow we will win, we will win and we will be the winner.

2." "Spangled banner" is the national anthem of the United states of America. A poem written in 1814 by the poet Francis Scott Key. "The Stat-Spangled Banner" was official use by the Navy in 1889 and the National anthem by a congressional resolution March 3, 1931, which was signed by President Herbert Hoover." (Wikipedia) Today's' American Culture represents its accurately because, after September 11. We are the immigrants still live here in United States of America. If this would happen to any other country we might get thrown from that country. Therefore, my opinion is, we are all equal and we all have same right as American citizens.

The Anthems

I believe Tagore’s representation of Bangladesh is accurate because Tagore did not write his poem with Bangladesh as the main focus. The leaders of Bangladesh chose the poem because it symbolizes an ideal Bangladesh and that idealistic view seems to be admiration and respect for nature. Furthermore it possible for Tagore to write a national anthem that relates to Bangladesh more than someone who actually lives in the country. Example someone who lives in the country will write about the positives and negatives of the country while a stranger may see only the positives because they do not have any direct relation to the country. Furthermore India’s anthem is religious in the aspect they are asking for guidance and giving thanks for their country. India’s national anthem gives praise to a high power rather than to the country’s history –people who fought for the country’s freedom- which shows the country’s dedication to their faith.
South Africa’s national anthem is asking their God to bless and unit the people of the country which shows this country’s commitment to their faith. The anthem states, “God bless Africa …. Sounds the call to come together, And united we shall stand, Let us live and strive for freedom, in South Africa our land” (exploresouthafrica.net). South Africa’s national anthem is a combination of two anthems. The first anthem is “Nkosi Sikelel’ IAfrika” which was a poem “1897” which grew very popular and was mostly sung at political meetings. The second anthem is “The call of South Africa” which was accepted by the country as the anthem in “1928.” It seems both anthems were combined to close the gap between government and citizens. However the Barbadian national anthem (1966) is religious and patriotic. The anthem shows its appreciation for the country’s heroes but ask its God to continue to guide the country. The anthem states, “The Lord has been the people’s guide for past three hundred years, with his still on the people side we have no doubts or fears” (Irving Burgie). It shows the country’s commitment to maintaining its faith but continuing to improve as a country. Irving Burgie was similar to Tagore because he was not born in Barbados. Irving was born in the United States but his words and interpretation were bajan. His words represent the hearts and feelings of Barbados citizens because they are dedicated to their history and very religious.
If you really think about it the USA’s national anthem truly represents its culture today. It is considered today “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” A lot of Americans may not see they are fortunate but if their open their eyes and see how many people give their lives to live in this country they may understand America is a luxury for living. In addition thousands of soldiers put this country before their families which is funny because most people of other countries put family first. If that isn’t patriotic and I don’t know what is!

Extra Credit
Barbados Barbados you are a dot on the map
But you continue to let your voice be heard
God continues to guide and protect
And we continue to appreciate his grace
Our people are strong and fearless
But we feel each other’s pain
Our sugarcane is our energy
Our flying fish is our protein
Cricket is our game
And the seas are our beaches
Our future is safe because of history’s teachings
God please continue to show your love and grace

United Kingdom vs. Australia

I am sort of conflicted on whether or not I believe it possible for one writer to accurately represent two different counties, especially a country in which he is not a citizen. The only way I could see this being acceptable is if the person had lived a number of years in both countries (regardless of citizenship). If so, the person most likely has a sense of pride regarding that country and what it stands for, also he would know first-hand what it is like living there, what the people are like, ect. If the person writes the national anthem based on research and a few visits to the country, then I wouldn’t consider that to be acceptable at all. In order to write a national anthem, one must personally know the country and it’s people.
I visited a friend in the United Kingdom over spring break…that does not give me the knowledge or right to write that country’s national anthem. I’d actually consider it an insult to the people who ARE citizens and have pride in their country and know what it stands for/represents.
When looking at the national anthems for Bangladesh and India both written by Tagore, it’s clear that they are very different based on what each country considers important. The Bangladesh national anthem speaks highly of nature and the seasonal beauty. Praise and glory is given to the skies, the air, the fields and the trees. Honestly, if I had read this without knowing it was the Bangladesh national anthem, I would have guessed it to be a poem or an excerpt from a book. It definitely isn’t what I would expect a national anthem to sound/look like. The Indian national anthem, to me, seems to be about praising someone—maybe a King or a Queen, although it doesn’t explicitly state which or who.

The United Kingdom’s national anthem vs. Australia’s national anthem.

I think it’s pretty clear from the title of the United Kingdom’s national anthem, “God Save the Queen,” what the country considers valuable—their Queen (or King). “The authorship of the song is unknown and beyond its first verse, which is consistent, it has many historic and extant versions” (Wikipedia). It is extremely nationalistic and at the time, in my opinion, accurately represented their culture. However, now I don’t think that is the case.

I thought it was pretty interesting that Australia used to have the same national anthem as the United Kingdom. I think that is even more insulting to have the same national anthem as another country then to have someone not from your country write your national anthem. Every country stands for something different. The national anthem that Australia uses today is called, “Advance Australia Fair,” and reminds me of the Bangladesh national anthem because it praises the “golden soil,” “the sea,” and claims it is the “land abound in nature’s gifts of beauty rich and rare.”
Similar to my feelings towards the UK’s national anthem, I believe that the United States National Anthem used to accurately represent our culture, but I definitely don’t think it represents today’s American culture.

China vs. Jamaica

China vs. Jamaica

The Bangladesh national anthem is very interesting. Throughout the whole anthem the singer or reader is reminded and informed that the country is a beautiful place. The anthem allows people to recognize the beauty of the country in different seasons and it also gives examples of what the country has to offer. Nature seems to be very valuable and respected by the people of Bangladesh. Like nature, the anthem gives the country maternal qualities. The national anthem was written in 1906 and during this period in time the country had been split in half and this anthem was suppose to revive the people’s spirits.
This anthem is similar to the India’s national anthem because nature and geography are used to make the country seem like a great place to be. The use of nature and geography is weak in comparison to Bangladesh’s anthem and contains more pride from a victory of a war. India’s anthem is more of a war anthem.

China’s National Anthem

Arise, ye who refuse to be slaves; 
With our very flesh and blood 
Let us build our new Great Wall! 
The peoples of China are in the most critical time, 
Everybody must roar his defiance. 
Arise! Arise! Arise! 
Millions of hearts with one mind, 
Brave the enemy's gunfire, 
March on! 
Brave the enemy's gunfire, 
March on! 
March on! 
March on, on!

Jamaica’s National Anthem

Eternal Father bless our land,
 Guard us with Thy Mighty Hand, 
Keep us free from evil powers,
 Be our light through countless hours. To our Leaders, Great Defender,
 Grant true wisdom from above. 
Justice, Truth be ours forever,
 Jamaica, Land we love.
 Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.

Teach us true respect for all,
 Stir response to duty’s call, strengthen us the weak to cherish, 
Give us vision lest we perish.
 Knowledge send us Heavenly Father,
 Grant true wisdom from above.
 Justice, Truth be ours forever,
 Jamaica, land we love.
 Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.

The content in the two anthems from China and Jamaica are completely different. China’s anthem is very tough and motivating. The whole message is for the people of China to rise up and unite together to be a powerful nation, which no one can defeat. After reading it, the anthem makes China seems strong, and strong willed which in a sense makes them seem very intimidating.
Jamaica on the other hand makes the people seem very loyal to the country and it seems like Jamaica is just an enjoyable place to be. The anthem from a catholic perspective resembles a prayer, a prayer similar to a Catholic protection prayer. Jamaica is a mellow place, which doesn’t promote war. Instead, the anthem makes one believe that Jamaica should be appreciated to the fullest extent.

Anthems

The two tagore anthems in my opinion dont really describe the nations morals or beliefs. I think it focuses more on describing their nature, like the sea, the wind and the hills. Also, I think the anthems sound alot like poems.

The mexican anthem really represents the feeling that thousands of mexican felt after they became independent from spain and they won the war. It basically ask all mexican to go to war to defend their country. Also, it shows the fact that mexicans are very religious. Because it talks about how the angel and god will watch over them, to make sure they return back home safely.
In contrast to the cuban anthem which it only tells their people to go to war and to not be afraid because if they die then they have a glourious death. But it really doesnt tell me anything about the people that live in cuba, if they are religious or not, what they do, or why are they going to war. It only urges their people to go to war and die, so that they arent cowards.

The united States Anthem sounds very patriotic. It lets the reader know that this nation is very religious "in god we thrust" and it tells us that they are in war because they want to be free and that they are proud of their country and their flag. which I do think represent them correctly base on the fact that they were under the british rule and they wanted to break free and become a free nation.

National Anthems: Israel and India

The English and Hebrew versions of the state of Israel national anthem:

Hatikva\Naftali Hertz Imber

As long as deep in the heart,
The soul of a Jew yearns,
And forward to the East
To Zion, an eye looks
Our hope will not be lost,
The hope of two thousand years,
To be a free nation in our land,
The land of Zion and Jerusalem.

Transliteration	התקוה
Kol od balevav p'nimah	כל עוד בלבב פנימה
Nefesh Yehudi homiyah	נפש יהודי הומיה
Ulfa'atey mizrach kadimah	ולפאתי מזרח קדימה
Ayin l'tzion tzofiyah	עין לציון צופיה
Od lo avdah tikvatenu	עוד לא אבדה תקותנו
Hatikvah bat shnot alpayim	התקוה בת שנות אלפים
L'hiyot am chofshi b'artzenu	להיות עם חופשי בארצנו
Eretz Tzion v'Yerushalayim	ארץ ציון וירושלים

(This version was taken from http://www.science.co.il/Israel-anthem.asp)

India national anthem:

Thou art the ruler of the minds of all people,

Dispenser of India's destiny.

Thy name rouses the hearts of the Punjab,

Sind, Gujarat, and Maratha,

Of the Dravid, and Orissa and Bengal.

It echoes in the hills of Vindhyas and,

Himalayas, mingles in the music of the

Jamuna and the Ganges and is chanted by

the waves of the Indian sea.

The pray for the blessings,

and sing by the praise,

The saving of all people

waits in thy hand.

Thou dispenser of India's destiny,

Victory, victory, victory to thee.

When looking at both anthems I can say that India's anthem is listing the different people within this huge country, it also presents us with the different views and parts of the land. It is trying to unite the gaps, the arguments, the differences and rely on similarities to form one anthem for one country.

Hatikva, means "the hope\ our hope". The anthem is referring to the Jewish people, wherever they are. it is talking about the infinite yearning for a place to call home, for a country where they will be protected and to live there in freedom. This hope is two thousands years old, because the people of Israel (the Jewish people) were exiled from its' country for that time of period. Unfortunately this song is still very relevant, this country is in constant threat from its' surrounding countries, terrorism from abroad and from within. The Anthem was written more then forty years before then state was founded and that's where the name come from, it was a hope, something that you wish for it to happen.

Dror

(I am not very familiar with the U.S. national anthem, but from reading it briefly it looks like it symbolize a period that is long gone. But it doesn't mean it is no relevant. Moreover, I think it is very important that the anthem will represent not only the present being but will also remind its' people about their origin, and about the struggle they have gone through to form the country. I must say though, that when I think of the sentence "the home of the brave" It's hard for me to associate Madoff, Bush and Snooki with these words..)

National anthems: Japan and United Kingdom

1. Anthem of Japan vs. United Kingdom

National anthem of Japan: “Kimigayo”

May Japan's Reign

Last for ten thousand years

May her stones turn to rocks

May those rocks turn to boulders

May Japan Reign and Flourish

"Kimigayo" is Japan's national anthem. Its lyrics are based on a Waka poem written in the Heian period (794-1185), sung to a melody written in the later Meiji period. The anthem was legally realized in 1999.
Kimi" indicates the Emperor, who is the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people, and whose position is derived from the will of Japanese citizens, with whom sovereign power resides. The phrase "Kimigayo" indicates the State, Japan, which has the Emperor enthroned as the symbol of the State and of the unity of Japanese citizens. It is reasonable to take the lyric to mean the wish for the lasting prosperity and peace of the country. Kimigayo is also said to be symbol of Japanese imperialism and militarism (Wikipedia).

National Anthem of Britain: “God Save the Queen”

God save our gracious Queen,
Long live our noble Queen,
God save the
Queen:
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over
us:
God save the Queen.
O Lord, our God, arise,
Scatter her enemies,
And make them fall.
Confound their politics,
Frustrate their knavish
tricks,
On Thee our hopes we fix,
God save us all.
Thy choicest
gifts in store,
On her be pleased to pour;
Long may she reign:
May
she defend our laws,
And ever give us cause
To sing with heart and voice
God save the Queen

The song is a typical patriotic song dedicated to the King and the Queen. The song reflects the importance of the King and the Queen to the British people, as they pray to God to give His help to the King and the Queen of the nation. To them, the King and Queen are the representatives for the Britain, the ones who will protect the people and the nation agaisnt outsiders and will uphold the nation. The song also reflects the main religion of the United Kingdom.
Both anthems are of nations with monarchy, and both of them wish for the long lasting of the kingdom reign and the royal family.

2) The national anthem of United States is a war song, and “the lyrics come from "Defence of Fort McHenry", a poem written in 1814 by the 35-year-old amateur poet Francis Scott Key after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British Royal Navy ships in Chesapeake Bay during the Battle of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812” (Wikipedia). The song reflects the hard-fought wars that happened in the US for the sake of our independence and freedom. Throughout the song there is a proud voice of the Americans of their hard fight for their own liberty and individuality, which are the core values of this sweet land.

Taiwan vs China

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.

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.

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.

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.