The Belarus National Anthem is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and pride. It reflects the people’s history, culture, and identity. In this article, we will explore the history, lyrics, and meaning of the Belarusian national anthem, as well as its significance to the people of Belarus.
National anthems are a powerful symbol of a country’s identity and sovereignty. They represent the values, history, and culture of a nation, and are often played at important national events, such as sports matches, official ceremonies, and state visits. The national anthem of Belarus, “My Belarusy” (We Belarusians), is no exception. Its stirring lyrics and rousing melody reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage and its struggle for independence and freedom.
History of Belarus National Anthem
The first Belarusian national anthem, “Rastsvetaly yabloni i grushi” (Apples and Pears Were Blooming), was written in 1869 by the Belarusian poet and writer Mikhas Kastouski. It became popular among Belarusian nationalists and was sung at political rallies and demonstrations.
During the Soviet era, the national anthem of Belarus was “The Internationale”, which was the anthem of the Communist Party and the Soviet Union. It was replaced in 1955 by “Zvyshaietsia kryvi” (The Blood of Heroes), which was written to commemorate the Soviet victory in World War II.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Belarus became an independent state, and a new national anthem was needed. In 2002, the government held a national competition to choose a new anthem, and the winning entry was “My Belarusy” (We Belarusians). It was written by the Belarusian poet and writer Uladzimir Karyzny.
Lyrics of Belarus National Anthem
The lyrics of “My Belarusy” are in the Belarusian language and consist of four verses. The first verse is a call to the Belarusian people to unite and stand together:
“My Belarusy, cherished motherland,
Beneath a blue sky, spread far and wide,
Belarusian fields and forests grand,
Mighty lakes and the Dnieper’s tide.”
The second verse describes the country’s rich cultural heritage and its history of struggle:
“Brave Belarusians, fearless sons,
Firm defenders of the motherland,
Your country calls – come, everyone,
To fight for freedom, hear the command!”
The third verse celebrates the beauty of the Belarusian countryside and its people:
“Our forests, fields – treasures to hold,
Joy and song, beauty so bright,
Here are golden fields of grain and gold,
And the soul of our people – so right.”
The fourth verse is a call to the Belarusian people to stand together and build a better future:
“Long live Belarus, we love our land,
Our independence, our joy and pride,
May friendship reign in every hand,
May Belarus live long and thrive!”
Music of Belarus National Anthem
The music of “My Belarusy” was composed by the Belarusian composer and conductor Niescier Sakałoŭski. It is a rousing melody that is often played at national events and celebrations. The music is based on traditional Belarusian folk melodies, and incorporates elements of classical music.
Significance of Belarus National Anthem
The national anthem of Belarus is an important symbol of the country’s identity and sovereignty. It is a source of pride for the Belarusian people, and is often sung at national events, such as Independence Day and Victory Day celebrations. The anthem also serves as a reminder of the country’s struggle for independence and freedom, and of the sacrifices made by the Belarusian people to achieve these goals.
Controversies
Despite its importance to the Belarusian people, the national anthem of Belarus has been the subject of controversy in recent years. The current government, led by President Alexander Lukashenko, has been accused of using the anthem as a tool to promote its political agenda and to suppress dissent.
In 2002, when “My Belarusy” was adopted as the national anthem, the government made changes to the lyrics to remove references to the country’s independence and to add references to the Soviet Union. This move was widely criticized by opposition groups and human rights organizations.
In addition, the government has been accused of using the national anthem to promote a cult of personality around President Lukashenko. The anthem is often played at events attended by the president, and he is sometimes shown singing along to the lyrics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the national anthem of Belarus, “My Belarusy”, is a powerful symbol of the country’s identity and sovereignty. Its stirring lyrics and rousing melody reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage and its struggle for independence and freedom. However, the anthem has also been the subject of controversy, as the government has been accused of using it to promote its political agenda and to suppress dissent. Despite these controversies, the anthem remains an important part of Belarusian culture and history.
FAQs
- What is the history of the Belarus national anthem?
The first Belarusian national anthem was “Rastsvetaly yabloni i grushi” (Apples and Pears Were Blooming), written in 1869. The current national anthem, “My Belarusy”, was adopted in 2002.
- Who wrote the lyrics of the Belarus national anthem?
The lyrics of “My Belarusy” were written by the Belarusian poet and writer Uladzimir Karyzny.
- What is the significance of the Belarus national anthem?
The national anthem of Belarus is an important symbol of the country’s identity and sovereignty. It is often played at national events and celebrations, and serves as a reminder of the country’s struggle for independence and freedom.
- Is the Belarus national anthem recognized internationally?
Yes, the national anthem of Belarus is recognized by international organizations, such as the United Nations and the International Olympic Committee.
- Why has the Belarus national anthem been the subject of controversy?
The current government has been accused of using the anthem to promote its political agenda and to suppress dissent. The government has also been criticized for making changes to the lyrics of the anthem, and for promoting a cult of personality around President Lukashenko.
Conclusion
The national anthem of Belarus is a powerful symbol of the country’s history, culture, and identity. Its lyrics and music embody the spirit of the Belarusian people and serve as a reminder of their struggle for independence and sovereignty. Whether heard at international events or sung by Belarusians at home, the national anthem is a unifying force that brings people together.
References
- “National Anthem Law of the Republic of Belarus”. Belarusian government website. http://www.pravo.by/main.aspx?guid=3871&p0=L00300101&p1=1.
- “National Anthems”. Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the United States of America. http://usa.mfa.gov.by/en/embassy/nationalanthem/.
- “Belarus: Opposition calls for return of old national anthem”. BBC News. 2002-05-23. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-18182884.