Quick facts for kids
L'Aube nouvelle
| English: The Dawn of a New Day |
| National anthem of |
Benin |
| Lyrics |
Father Gilbert Jean Dagnon |
| Music |
Father Gilbert Jean Dagnon |
| Adopted |
30 July 1960 |
"L'Aube nouvelle" (which means "The Dawn of a New Day") is the official national anthem of Benin. A national anthem is a special song that represents a country and its people. This anthem was written and composed by a person named Father Gilbert Jean Dagnon. It became the anthem when Benin gained its independence from France in 1960.
When Benin first became independent, it was called the Republic of Dahomey. Later, in 1975, the country's name changed to the People's Republic of Benin. Even though the country's name changed, the anthem stayed the same. Only the words "Dahomey" and "Dahoméen" in the lyrics were updated to "Bénin" and "Béninois" to match the new country name.
The Anthem's Words
The national anthem of Benin has powerful words that talk about freedom, courage, and hope for the future. It encourages the people of Benin to work together and build a great nation.
French Original and English Translation
Here are the original French lyrics and their English translation. The anthem has a main part called the "Chorus" or "Refrain" that is sung multiple times.
| French lyrics |
English translation |
Refrain:
Enfants du Bénin, debout !
La liberté d'un cri sonore
Chante aux premiers feux de l'aurore;
Enfants du Bénin, debout !
I
Jadis à son appel, nos aïeux sans faiblesse
Ont su avec courage, ardeur, pleins d'allégresse
Livrer au prix du sang des combats éclatants.
Accourez-vous aussi, bâtisseurs du présent,
Plus forts dans l'unité, chaque jour à la tâche,
Pour la postérité, construisez sans relâche !
Refrain
II
Quand partout souffle un vent de colère et de haine,
Béninois, sois fier, et d'une âme sereine,
Confiant dans l'avenir, regarde ton drapeau !
Dans le vert tu liras l'espoir du renouveau,
De tes aïeux le rouge évoque le courage;
Des plus riches trésors le jaune est le présage.
Refrain
III
Tes monts ensoleillés, tes palmiers, ta verdure,
Cher Bénin, partout font ta vive parure.
Ton sol offre à chacun la richesse des fruits.
Bénin, désormais que tes fils tous unis
D'un fraternel élan partagent l'espérance
De te voir à jamais heureux dans l'abondance.
Refrain
|
Chorus:
Children of Benin, arise!
The resounding cry of freedom
Is heard at the first light of dawn,
Children of Benin, arise!
I
Formerly, at her call, our ancestors
With strength, courage, ardour, and full of joy,
Knew how to engage in mighty battles, but at the price of blood.
Builders of present, you too, join forces
Each day for the task stronger in unity.
Build without ceasing for posterity.
Chorus
II
When all around there blows a wind of anger and hate:
Citizen of Benin be proud, and in a calm spirit
Trusting in the future, behold your flag!
In the green you read hope of spring;
The red signifies the courage of your ancestors;
The yellow foretells the greatest treasures.
Chorus
III
Beloved Benin, your sunny mountains, palm trees, and green pastures
Show everywhere your brightness;
Your soil offers everyone the richest fruits.
Benin, from henceforth your sons are united
With one brotherly spirit sharing the hope of seeing you
Enjoy abundance and happiness forever.
Chorus
|
See also
