The national anthem of France is called: « La Marseillaise ».
Continent: Europe
Bordering Countries:
– 🇧🇪 Belgium
– 🇩🇪 Germany
– 🇮🇹 Italy
– 🇳🇱 Netherlands (Kingdom of the)
– 🇪🇸 Spain
– 🇨🇭Switzerland
History of « La Marseillaise »
« La Marseillaise » is the national anthem of France, known for its stirring melody and revolutionary lyrics. Here are some key dates, people, and anecdotes associated with its history:
Key Dates and People
- April 24, 1792: « La Marseillaise » was composed by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle, a French army officer, in Strasbourg. It was originally titled « Chant de guerre pour l’Armée du Rhin » (War Song for the Army of the Rhine).
- July 1792: The song was adopted by the French National Guard and became popular among the revolutionary troops.
- 1795: « La Marseillaise » was officially declared the national anthem of France by the French National Convention.
- 1879: After being banned during the reigns of Napoleon I and Louis XVIII, « La Marseillaise » was reinstated as the national anthem of the Third Republic.
Anecdotes
- The Name « La Marseillaise »: The anthem of France got its name because it was first sung on the streets of Paris by volunteers from Marseille as they marched to the capital. Notably, these volunteers were instrumental in the storming of the Tuileries Palace on August 10, 1792.
- Beethoven’s Admiration: Interestingly, Ludwig van Beethoven, the famous German composer, admired « La Marseillaise » and subsequently used its theme in his composition « Wellington’s Victory » to celebrate the defeat of Napoleon.
- Symbol of Resistance: During World War II, « La Marseillaise » became a significant symbol of resistance against the Nazi occupation. It was frequently sung by French partisans and Allied forces as a rallying cry for freedom.
- Controversial Lyrics: The lyrics of « La Marseillaise » are known for their revolutionary zeal and violent imagery, which has consequently led to debates over their appropriateness in modern times. Despite this, the anthem remains a powerful symbol of French national identity.
Lyrics Excerpt
The first verse and chorus of « La Marseillaise » are particularly well-known:
In French
Allons enfants de la Patrie,
Le jour de gloire est arrivé !
Contre nous de la tyrannie,
L'étendard sanglant est levé,
L'étendard sanglant est levé,
Entendez-vous dans les campagnes
Mugir ces féroces soldats ?
Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras
Égorger vos fils, vos compagnes !
Aux armes, citoyens,
Formez vos bataillons,
Marchons, marchons !
Qu'un sang impur
Abreuve nos sillons !In English (translation)
Arise, children of the Fatherland,
The day of glory has arrived!
Against us, tyranny's
Bloody standard is raised,
Bloody standard is raised,
Do you hear, in the countryside,
The roar of those ferocious soldiers?
They come right into your arms
To slit the throats of your sons, your wives!
To arms, citizens,
Form your battalions,
March, march!
Let impure blood
Water our furrows!Sources: