The national anthem of Hong Kong is called: « March of the Volunteers ».
Continent: Asia
Bordering Countries:
– 🇨🇳 China
History of « March of the Volunteers » in Hong Kong
« March of the Volunteers » (义勇军进行曲, Yìyǒngjūn Jìnxíngqǔ) is the national anthem of the People’s Republic of China and is also used as the official anthem of Hong Kong. The anthem reflects the shared history and political ties between Hong Kong and mainland China.
Key Dates and People
- 1935: The lyrics of « March of the Volunteers » were written by Tian Han, a Chinese playwright and poet. The music was composed by Nie Er, a Chinese composer.
- 1949: « March of the Volunteers » was officially adopted as the national anthem of the People’s Republic of China.
- 1997: Following the handover of Hong Kong from British to Chinese sovereignty, « March of the Volunteers » was adopted as the official anthem of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
Anecdotes
- Handover Ceremony: The anthem was played during the historic handover ceremony on July 1, 1997, when Hong Kong was returned to Chinese rule after more than 150 years of British colonial governance. This event marked a significant moment in Hong Kong’s history and its reintegration with China.
- Protests and Controversies: In recent years, the anthem has been a point of contention during pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Some protesters have booed or turned their backs when the anthem is played, reflecting the complex and often tense relationship between Hong Kong and mainland China.
- Legal Protection: In 2020, the Hong Kong government passed the National Anthem Ordinance, which criminalizes disrespecting the national anthem. This law aims to ensure that « March of the Volunteers » is treated with the same respect in Hong Kong as it is in mainland China.
Lyrics Excerpt
In Chinese
起来！不愿做奴隶的人们！
把我们的血肉，筑成我们新的长城！
中华民族到了最危险的时候，
每个人被迫着发出最后的吼声。
起来！起来！起来！
我们万众一心，
冒着敌人的炮火，前进！
冒着敌人的炮火，前进！
前进！前进！进！In English (translation)
Arise, ye who refuse to be slaves!
With our flesh and blood, let us build a new Great Wall!
As the Chinese nation faces its greatest peril,
All forcefully expend their last cries.
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!Sources: