The national anthem of Suriname is called: « God zij met ons Suriname ».
Continent: America
Bordering Countries:
– 🇧🇷 Brazil
– 🇫🇷 France (french Guyana)
– 🇬🇾 Guyana
History of « God zij met ons Suriname »
« God zij met ons Suriname » (God Be With Our Suriname) is the national anthem of Suriname. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its journey to independence, and the unity of its people.
Key Dates and People
- 1893: The original Dutch lyrics were written by Cornelis Atses Hoekstra, a Dutch schoolteacher, and the music was composed by Johannes Corstianus de Puy, a Dutch composer.
- 1959: The Sranan Tongo (Surinamese Creole) lyrics were added by Henry de Ziel, also known as Trefossa, a Surinamese poet.
- 1959: The anthem was officially adopted on December 15, 1959, by the Surinamese government.
Anecdotes
- Bilingual Anthem: « God zij met ons Suriname » is unique in that it includes verses in both Dutch and Sranan Tongo, reflecting the country’s multicultural heritage and linguistic diversity.
- Cultural Integration: The addition of the Sranan Tongo lyrics by Trefossa in 1959 was a significant moment in Surinamese history, symbolizing the integration of indigenous and African cultural elements into the national identity.
- Cultural Significance: « God zij met ons Suriname » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Surinamese people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Surinamese.
Lyrics Excerpt
In Dutch
God zij met ons Suriname
Hij verheff' ons heerlijk land
Hoe wij hier ook samen kwamen
Aan zijn grond zijn wij verpand
Werkend houden w'in gedachten
Recht en waarheid maken vrij
Al wat goed is te betrachten
Dat geeft aan ons land waardij.Translated in English
God be with our Suriname
He elevates our glorious land
However we came together here
We are dedicated to its soil
Working, we keep in mind
Justice and truth make free
To consider all that is good
That gives value to our land.In Sranan Tongo
Opo kondreman un opo
Sranangron e kari un
Wans' ope tata komopo
Wi mu seti kondre bun
Stre de f'stre wi no sa frede
Gado de wi fesi man
Eri libi te na dede
Wi sa feti gi Sranan.Translated in English
Rise countrymen, rise
The soil of Suriname calls us
Wherever our ancestors came from
We must take care of our country
We are not afraid to strive
God is our leader
Throughout life until death
We will fight for Suriname.Sources: