Dec 6, 2015

Independence Day

In honor of Finland's Independence Day, I though I'd attempt a translation of out national anthem, Maamme laulu by Johan Ludvig RunebergMine isn't a literal translation, but you can find one here The part below is only the first and last verse.



Maamme Laulu

Oi Maamme Suomi Synnyinmaa
Soi Sana Kultainen
Ei Laaksoa Ei Kukkulaa
Ei Vettä Rantaa Rakkaampaa
Kuin Kotimaa Tää Pohjoinen
Maa Kallis Isien
Ei Laaksoa Ei Kukkulaa
Ei Vettä Rantaa Rakkaampaa
Kuin Kotimaa Tää Pohjoinen
Maa Kallis Isien



Sun Kukoistukses Kuorestaan
Kerrankin Puhkeaa
Viel' Lempemme Saa Nousemaan
Sun Toivos Riemus Loistossaan
Ja Kerran Laulus Synnyinmaa
Korkeemman Kaiun Saa
Viel' Lempemme Saa Nousemaan
Sun Toivos Riemus Loistossaan
Ja Kerran Laulus Synnyinmaa
Korkeemman Kaiun Saa


Our Land 


Our land, our land, O Fatherland
Ring proud, you golden words 
 No hill nor valley, 
Sea nor shore
Could we hold dearer evermore
Than this, our northern land 
This, our Fatherland

One day your splendour from its shell
Shall break forth and bloom
Still our love you shall ignite
Your hope, your joy,
 Their glory bright
And then your song, O Fatherland
Will echo, high and grand


You can listen to Maamme laulu here, if you want. 


And now it's time to start preparing for the evening's entertainment: watching the President's Independence Day reception on TV and seeing who has the best (and worst) dress. I kind of prefer the goofy ones myself. The broadcast is hours of people shaking hands and standing in line. Yes, I know it's weird, but it's a national pastime.   





No comments:

Post a Comment

Hello, stranger. What's on your mind?