O Canada facts for kids
Official bilingual sheet music
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| National anthem of | Canada |
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| Also known as | French: Ô Canada |
| Lyrics | Adolphe-Basile Routhier (French, 1880), Robert Stanley Weir (English, 1908) |
| Music | Calixa Lavallée, 1880 |
| Adopted | July 1, 1980 |
"O Canada" is the official national anthem of Canada. It is an important song that people sing to show love and pride for their country. The melody was composed by Calixa Lavallée in 1880. A writer named Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier wrote the original words in French. Later on, an English version was written by Robert Stanley Weir. Today, students across Canada sing this patriotic song at school, and fans sing it together during big sporting events.
Contents
History of the National Song of Canada
In 1880, Lieutenant Governor of Quebec Théodore Robitaille wanted a patriotic song for a special celebration called Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day. The song was first performed in Quebec City for the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Society. At that time, it was sung entirely in French by French Canadian citizens.
English-speaking Canadians soon heard the tune and wanted their own words for it. In 1901, schoolchildren sang it in English Canada during a visit by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, who later became King George V and Queen Mary. A music publisher in Toronto printed an English translation in 1906. Then, a popular magazine called Collier's Weekly held a contest to write new English lyrics.
A lawyer from Montreal named Robert Stanley Weir wrote the most famous English version in 1908. His lyrics were not an exact translation of the French words, but people loved them. King George VI showed special respect for the song in Ottawa in 1939 by standing at attention at the National War Memorial. His brother, King Edward, had done the same thing in France at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in 1936.
Becoming the Official Anthem
For many decades, "O Canada" served as an unofficial anthem while "God Save the Queen" was also used. In the 1960s, Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson asked the Senate and the House of Commons to choose an official anthem. A special committee decided that "O Canada" should become the national anthem and "God Save the Queen" should remain the royal anthem.
On July 1, 1980, the Canadian government officially passed the National Anthem Act with royal assent. This special date was Dominion Day, which is celebrated today as Canada Day.
Changing the Lyrics
Over the years, leaders discussed updating the anthem's words to include everyone. In 2018, parliament member Mauril Bélanger proposed a private member's bill called An Act to amend the National Anthem Act (gender). The bill passed, changing the English line "in all thy sons command" to the gender-neutral line "in all of us command".
Lyrics in English and French
Canada has two official languages, so the anthem is sung in both English and French. The two versions have different meanings, but both express great respect for the land.
English Words
- O Canada! Our home and native land!
- True patriot love in all of us command.
- With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
- The True North strong and free!
- From far and wide, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
- God keep our land glorious and free!
- O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
- O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
French Words
- Ô Canada! Terre de nos aïeux,
- Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!
- Car ton bras sait porter l'épée,
- Il sait porter la croix!
- Ton histoire est une épopée
- Des plus brillants exploits.
- Et ta valeur, de foi trempée,
- Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.
- Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.
The words have also been translated into many indigenous languages of Canada, such as Inuktitut, the Cree language, and Ojibwe.
Performances and Traditions
"O Canada" is heard before major hockey games in the National Hockey League and basketball games in the National Basketball Association. It is also played at baseball games for teams like the Toronto Blue Jays and the Vancouver Canadians. When Canadian teams play against American teams, venues perform both "O Canada" and the American national anthem.
When the anthem plays, people stand quietly to show respect. Men and boys take off their hats, and members of the military offer a salute toward the Canadian Flag. Both the music and the words belong to the public domain, so anyone can sing or perform them freely.
Images for kids
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Historic lyrics from an old songbook
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Anthem lyrics displayed in stained glass at the Royal Military College
See also
In Spanish: O Canada para niños
- Canadian patriotic music
- Music of Canada
- List of national anthems
