The national anthem of Croatia is called: « Lijepa naša domovino ».
Continent: Europe
Bordering Countries:
– 🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina
– 🇭🇺 Hungary
– 🇲🇪 Montenegro
– 🇷🇸 Serbia
– 🇸🇮 Slovenia
History of « Lijepa naša domovino »
« Lijepa naša domovino » (Our Beautiful Homeland) is the national anthem of Croatia. The anthem is a symbol of Croatian national pride and reflects the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Key Dates and People
- 1835: The lyrics of « Lijepa naša domovino » were written by Antun Mihanović, a Croatian poet and diplomat. The poem was originally titled « Horvatska domovina » (Croatian Homeland).
- 1846: The music for the anthem was composed by Josip Runjanin, a Croatian composer and military officer. The melody was later arranged by Vatroslav Lichtenegger.
- 1972: « Lijepa naša domovino » was officially adopted as the national anthem of the Socialist Republic of Croatia within Yugoslavia.
- 1990: Following Croatia’s declaration of independence from Yugoslavia, the anthem was reaffirmed as the national anthem of the Republic of Croatia.
Anecdotes
- Inspiration from Nature: Antun Mihanović was inspired by the natural beauty of Croatia when he wrote the poem. The lyrics celebrate the country’s landscapes, rivers, and mountains, reflecting a deep love for the homeland.
- Military Origins: The music for the anthem was composed by Josip Runjanin, who was a military officer. The melody was initially used for a patriotic song and later adapted to fit Mihanović’s poem.
- Cultural Significance: « Lijepa naša domovino » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Croatian people and celebrating their heritage.
Lyrics Excerpt
In Croatian
Lijepa naša domovino,
Oj junačka zemljo mila,
Stare slave djedovino,
Da bi vazda sretna bila!
Mila, kano si nam slavna,
Mila si nam ti jedina,
Mila, kuda si nam ravna,
Mila, kuda si planina!
Teci Dravo, Savo teci,
Nit' ti Dunav silu gubi,
Sinje more svijetu reci,
Da svoj narod Hrvat ljubi.
Dok mu njive sunce grije,
Dok mu hrašće bura vije,
Dok mu mrtve grobak krije,
Dok mu živo srce bije!In English (translation)
Our beautiful homeland,
O so fearless and gracious,
Our fathers' ancient glory,
May you be blessed forever.
Dear, you are our only glory,
Dear, you are our only one,
Dear, where you are plain,
Dear, where you are mountain.
Flow Drava, Sava flow,
Neither Danube's force shall wane,
Deep blue sea tell the world,
That a Croat loves his homeland.
While his fields are kissed by sunshine,
While his oaks are whipped by wild winds,
While his dear ones go to heaven,
While his living heart beats.Sources: