NATIONAL ANTHEM Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm "My Fatherland, My Happiness and Joy" ESTONIA’S

INTRODUCTION The lyrics by Johann Voldemar Jannsen. Set to a melody composed in 1848 by Fredrik Pacius (also the national anthem of Finland). Adopted as the national anthem of Estonia in 1920, and again in It gained popularity during the growing national movement.

FINLAND In Finland, the tune first became popular as a students' song. When both Estonia and Finland became independent after the First WW, the identical melody with different words was recognized as the national anthem of both nations. Estonia officially adopted it in 1920, after the War of Independence.

During the Soviet occupation, the melody was strictly forbidden. People were sent to Siberia for singing it. The familiar tune could be heard over Finnish radio: played every day at the beginning and end of the program. Thus, the melody could never be forgotten. With the restoration of Estonian independence, the national anthem has been restored too.

‘’SINGING NATION’’ This term expresses well the Estonian identity that has united the nation in its struggle for national independence before 1918 and during the period of the Soviet Occupation ( ).

THE ESTONIAN SONG FESTIVAL One of the largest amateur choral events in the world. Held every 5 years in July on the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds ( Lauluväljak ). First held in Tartu in the summer of The tradition of the song festival was born along with Estonian national awakening.

LITERAL TRANSLATION OF THE LYRICS My fatherland, my joy and happiness, How beautiful you are! I shall not find such ever In this huge wide world Which would be so dear to me As you, my fatherland! You have given me birth And raised me up; I shall thank you always And remain faithful to you 'til death, To me most beloved are you, My precious fatherland! May God watch over you, My precious fatherland! Let Him be your defender And provide bountiful blessings For whatever you undertake, My precious fatherland!

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