Dievs, svētī Latviju!

Dievs, Sveti Latviju ( God bless Latvia! ) Is Latvia's national anthem.

Background

Dievs, Sveti Latviju appeared around 1870, at the time of national awakening (see Young Latvians ). Text and music come from Karlis Baumanu (1835-1905).

Karlis Baumanis was the first Latvian composer who dared to use the word " Latvija " (Latvia ) in a song. This was a new concept, which was created during the movement of national awakening to designate all areas inhabited by Latvians.

The word " Latvija " was interpreted as a demand for national independence, which did not appeal to the Russian Empire. The word " Latvija " in the title and lyrics of the song was banned and had to be replaced by the more general term " Baltija " ( Baltic ).

The song was first sung during the first singer festival in June 1873 in Riga.

On November 18, 1918 ( Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia) was Dievs, Sveti Latviju the Latvian national anthem, but only gained official status on June 17, 1920.

During the Soviet period (see Latvian SSR), this song was also banned and was re- sung publicly illegally until the demonstrations of the Singing Revolution.

Text

Dievs, Sveti Latviju, MUS ' Dargo tēviju, Sveti jel Latviju, Ak, Sveti jel to! Health Latvju meitas zied, Health Latvju Deli dzied, Laid mums tur Laimē diet, MUS ' Latvijā!

Translation

God bless Latvia, Our dear fatherland, Bless Latvia, Oh, bless it yet! Where Latvian daughters bloom, Where Latvian sons sing, Let's dance there in prosperity, In our Latvia!