DIEVS, SVETI LATVIJU, National anthem of Latvia
"Dievs Sveti Latviju" national anthem of Latvia, interpreted Sunday, July 7, 2013 to 7:20 p.m. hour Riga by the Géant Choir 13,000 singers of the Closing Concert XXVth Festival of Songs and XV Dances of Latvia, directed here by the illustrious Choirmaster Zuika Roberts, honored this year for 100 years.
DIEVS, SVETI LATVIJU!
DIEVS, SVETI LATVIJU
Dievs, svētī Latviju,
Mūs’ dārgo tēviju,
Svētī jel Latviju,
Ak, svētī jel to! (repeat)
Kur latvju meitas zied,
Kur latvju dēli dzied,
Laid mums tur laimē diet,
Mūs’ Latvijā! (repeat)
The music and lyrics were written by the composer Latvian Karlis Baumanis .
At the time of the Russian dominance it was forbidden to use the word "Latvia" in the words of the song, they were replaced by "Baltic".
This hymn was sung for the first time in public at the first Song Festival in Riga in June 1873.
As the national anthem, the "Dievs, Sveti Latviju!" Was sung for the first time November 18, 1918, when the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia.
On June 7, 1920 this song officially had the status of national anthem.
After June 1940, the use of national symbols of Latvia - the flag, the coat of arms and national anthem - was banned.
On 15 February 1990 they were restored as official state symbols.
It is a peaceful national anthem, it evokes neither fight nor war but girls in flower and young people singing, with this power that allows through the years and the difficulties in bringing together the minds and hearts .
Lyrics
lyrics
God bless Latvia,
Our beloved fatherland.
Bless Latvia,
Oh bless it, we beseech thee! (repeat)
Where Latvian daughters bloom,
Where Latvian sons sing,
Let us dance happily there,
In our Latvia! (repeat)