Deșteaptă-te, române! facts for kids
| English: Awaken thee, Romanian! | |
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| National anthem of | Romania
Former national anthem of Moldova |
| Also known as | Un răsunet English: An echo |
| Lyrics | Andrei Mureșanu, 1848 |
| Music | Anton Pann, 1848 |
| Adopted | 1917 (Moldavian Democratic Republic) 1990 (Romania) 1991 (Moldova) |
"Deșteaptă-te, române!" (which means "Awaken Thee, Romanian!") is the national anthem of Romania. It was also the national anthem of Moldova for a short time.
This powerful song was written by Andrei Mureșanu in 1848. The music was already a popular tune. It was first called "Un răsunet" ("An echo"). The song became very important during the Wallachian Revolution of 1848, a big uprising in Romania. It was first sung in June 1848 in the city of Brașov and quickly became a song for the revolution.
Since then, "Deșteaptă-te, române!" has been sung during many important moments in Romanian history. This includes the 1989 anti-communist revolution. After that revolution, it officially became Romania's national anthem on January 24, 1990. It replaced the older anthem from the communist era, "Trei culori" ("Three colours").
Every year on July 29, Romania celebrates "National Anthem Day" (Ziua Imnului național). This day honors the anthem's history and meaning.
The song was also used in the Moldavian Democratic Republic between 1917 and 1918. Later, from 1991 to 1994, it was the national anthem of Moldova. After that, Moldova chose a new anthem called "Limba noastră" ("Our language").
Contents
How the Anthem Was Born
The music for "Deșteaptă-te, române!" was originally a gentle song called "Din sânul maicii mele." It was composed by Anton Pann. In 1848, when Andrei Mureșanu wrote his poem Un răsunet, he asked a church singer, Gheorghe Ucenescu, to help him find a good melody. Mureșanu liked Anton Pann's song the best, so he chose it for his poem.
A Song Through History
"Deșteaptă-te, române!" became very popular among Romanians after the Wallachian Revolution of 1848. It was sung during many big events. For example, it was heard when Romania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1877-1878. It was also important during World War I.
The song was played a lot on the radio after August 23, 1944. This was when Romania changed sides in World War II, joining the Allies against Nazi Germany.
Why Was It Banned?
After the Communist Party took power in 1947, "Deșteaptă-te, române!" and other patriotic songs were not allowed. The government of Nicolae Ceaușescu later permitted the song to be played in public, but it was not the official national anthem.
Becoming the National Anthem
The song officially became the national anthem of Romania on January 24, 1990. This happened shortly after the Romanian Revolution in December 1989, which ended the communist rule.
What Does the Anthem Mean?
The main message of the anthem is a "call to action." It encourages Romanians to make important changes "now or never." This idea is similar to other famous national songs, like the French revolutionary song "La Marseillaise." Because of this, a famous Romanian leader, Nicolae Bălcescu, called it the "Romanian Marseillaise."
Other Important Romanian Songs
Another important Romanian song is "Hora Unirii" ("Hora of the Union"). This song was written by the poet Vasile Alecsandri. It was sung often when the Romanian Principalities united in 1859. "Hora Unirii" is a folk tune for a slow, energetic round dance.
The Anthem's Words
Romania's national anthem has eleven stanzas (verses). Today, only the first, second, fourth, and last stanzas are usually sung on official occasions. This is set by Romanian law. For very important events, like the Great Union Day on December 1, the full version might be sung.
Official Stanzas in English
Here are the English translations of the stanzas usually sung:
I Wake up Romanians from your sleep of death Into which you've been sunk by the barbaric tyrants. Now or never, sow a new fate for yourself To which even your cruel enemies will bow!
II Now or never, let us show the world That through these arms, Roman blood still flows; And that in our chests we still proudly bear a name Triumphant in battles, the name of Trajan!
IV Behold, mighty shadows; Michael, Stephen, Corvinus, The Romanian nation, your great grandchildren. With armed hands, with your fire in their veins, "Life in liberty or death", they all proclaim!
XI Priests, lead with holy crosses, for this army is Christian, Its motto is liberty and its goal all too holy. Better to die in battle in with eternal glory, Than to once again be slaves on our ancient lands!
See also
- "Limba noastră", national anthem of Moldova
- "Dimãndarea pãrinteascã", ethnic anthem of the Aromanians
Images for kids
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The original sheet music for "Deșteaptă-te, române!"
