Il Canto degli Italiani facts for kids
Il Canto degli Italiani (which means The Song of the Italians) is also known as Inno di Mameli (Mameli's Hymn) or Fratelli d'Italia (Brothers of Italy). It is the official national anthem of Italy.
The words were written by Goffredo Mameli in the autumn of 1847 in Genoa when he was just 20 years old. Michele Novaro then composed the music for it in the same year. This song became very popular during the Risorgimento, a time when Italy was becoming a united country. People hoped for a strong, unified Italy.
After Italy became a united country in 1861, a different song called the Marcia Reale was used as the official anthem. This was the anthem of the House of Savoy, the royal family that ruled Italy. Il Canto degli Italiani finally became the national anthem of Italy after 1946, when Italy became a republic instead of a kingdom.
The Anthem's Meaning
The Italian national anthem is full of history and important messages for the Italian people. It talks about Italy waking up and being ready to defend itself, like an ancient Roman hero named Scipio. The lyrics also mention "Victory" and how it should serve Rome, meaning Italy.
The anthem calls on Italians to unite, like soldiers forming a "coorte" (a group of soldiers in ancient Rome). It expresses a strong commitment to Italy, even being "ready to die" for the country. This shows the deep love and dedication people felt for their homeland during the time it was written.
First Verse and Chorus
Here is the first part of the anthem, which is often sung:
Italian lyrics
- Fratelli d'Italia,
- l'Italia s'è desta,
- dell'elmo di Scipio
- s'è cinta la testa.
- Dov'è la Vittoria?
- Le porga la chioma,
- ché schiava di Roma
- Iddio la creò.
- Stringiamci a coorte,
- siam pronti alla morte.
- Siam pronti alla morte,
- l'Italia chiamò.
- Stringiamci a coorte,
- siam pronti alla morte.
- Siam pronti alla morte,
- l'Italia chiamò.
- Sì!
English translation
- Brothers of Italy,
- Italy has awakened,
- with Scipio's helmet
- girds her head.
- Where is Victory?
- Let her offer her hair,
- for God created her
- a slave of Rome.
- Let's join in a cohort,
- we are ready to die.
- We are ready to die,
- Italy has called!
- Let's join in a cohort,
- we are ready to die.
- We are ready to die,
- Italy has called!
- Yes!
Images for kids
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Holographic draft of 1847 by Goffredo Mameli of the first strophe and the refrain of "Il Canto degli Italiani"
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The first printed copy of the hymn, which was made on a flying sheet by the Casamara typography of Genoa. It was distributed on 10 December 1847 to those who took part in the procession of the Genoese district of Oregina. Mameli then added in pen the fifth strophe of the hymn, initially censored by the Savoy government because it was considered too anti-Austrian
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The santuario della Nostra Signora di Loreto of the Genoese district of Oregina in front of which, on 10 December 1847, "Il Canto degli Italiani" made its public debut
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Edition of 1860 printed by Tito I Ricordi
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Propagandist poster from the 1910s showing the score of "Il Canto degli Italiani"
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Front page of the Corriere della Sera of May 21, 1915: the deputies acclaimed the assumption of powers by the government, due to the imminent Italian entry into the First World War, singing the anthem of Mameli and Novaro
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"Il Canto degli Italiani" remembered together with the unification of Italy on a propaganda poster of the Italian Social Republic of Benito Mussolini
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Cipriano Facchinetti
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The President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella, between the Corazzieri and the guard of honour, pays tribute to the Tomb of the Italian Unknown Soldier (November 4, 2016)
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The Continence of Scipio, Giovanni Francesco Romanelli (1610–1662)
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The defense of the Carroccio during the battle of Legnano, Amos Cassioli (1832–1891)
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The Genoese revolt of 1746 led by Balilla against the Archduchy of Austria
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Sicilian Vespers, Francesco Hayez (1791–1882)
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"Il Canto degli Italiani" was very popular during Italian unification.
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The players of the Italy national football team during the playing of "Il Canto degli Italiani" before a match
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See also
In Spanish: Il Canto degli Italiani para niños
