The national anthem of Estonia is called: « Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm ».
Continent: Europe
Bordering Countries:
– 🇱🇻 Latvia
– 🇷🇺 Russian Federation
History of « Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm »
« Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm » (My Fatherland, My Happiness and Joy) is the national anthem of Estonia. The anthem reflects the country’s deep sense of national pride and its enduring spirit of independence.
Key Dates and People
- 1869: The lyrics of « Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm » were written by Johann Voldemar Jannsen, an Estonian poet and journalist. The music was composed by Fredrik Pacius, a German-Finnish composer.
- 1920: The anthem was officially adopted as the national anthem of Estonia following the country’s declaration of independence in 1918.
- 1990: After the fall of the Soviet Union, « Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm » was reinstated as the national anthem of the newly independent Republic of Estonia.
Anecdotes
- Shared Melody: The melody of the anthem is shared with the national anthem of Finland, « Maamme » (Our Land), which was also composed by Fredrik Pacius. This shared melody underscores the cultural and historical connections between Estonia and Finland.
- Soviet Era: During the Soviet occupation of Estonia, the anthem was banned, and a different anthem was imposed. However, « Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm » remained a symbol of resistance and national identity for Estonians.
- Cultural Significance: « Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Estonian people and celebrating their heritage.
Lyrics Excerpt
In Estonian
Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm,
Kui kaunis oled sa!
Ei leia mina iial teal
See suure laia ilma peal,
Mis mul nii armas oleks ka,
Kui sa, mu isamaa!
Sa oled mind ju sünnitand
Ja üles kasvatand;
Sind tänan mina alati
Ja jään sul truuks surmani,
Mul kõige armsam oled sa,
Mu kallis isamaa!In English (translation)
My fatherland, my happiness and joy,
How beautiful you are!
I shall not find such ever
In this wide world
Which would be so dear to me
As you, my fatherland!
You have given me birth
And raised me up;
I shall thank you always
And remain faithful to you until death,
Most beloved are you to me,
My precious fatherland!Sources: