One of the most important songs for Estonians. First composition by Aleksander Kunileid, lyrics Lydia Koidula. This song was first set to music 1869 at the first Estonian Song Celebration. Second composition which is more know for public was done by Gustav Ernesaks in 1944.
“Mu isamaa on minu arm” (My Country is My Love) became the unofficial anthem during the Soviet occupation when her father’s (Johann Voldemar Jannsen) “Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm” (My Country is My Pride and Joy), the anthem of the Estonian Republic in 1921-1940 was forbidden. Koidulas song always finished every festival, with or without permission. The tradition persists to this day.
Lyrics:
My Country is My Love,
to whom I´ve given My Heart.
To You I sing, my greatest happiness,
My flowering Estonia!
Your pain boils in My Heart,
Your Pride and Joy makes my happy,
My Country, My Country!
My Country is My Love,
I shall never leave Her,
even if I must die hundred deaths
because of Her!
Does the foreign envy slander,
You still live in my Heart,
My Country, My Country!
My Country is My Love,
and I want to rest,
to lay down into Your Arms,
My sacred Estonia!
Your Birds will sing Sleep to Me,
flowers will bloom from My Ashes,
My Country, My Country!
spectacular & moving
This must be one of the most moving national songs ever written, anywhere. Simply beautiful.
it is a haunting and sad shadow of the original anthem
Tell me more about your Love became the unofficial anthem during the Soviet occupation when her fatherâs Johann Voldemar Jannsen âMu isamaa mu õnn ja rõõmâ your Country is your Pride and Joy the anthem of the Estonian Republic in 1921 1940 was forbidden.
I’m interested in the oak-leaf wreathes the directors are wearing– I also noticed the oak-leaf swags on the directors’ podium.
What are these oak-leaf decorations called? Folkloric significance? I saw people in Latvia selling these on the side of the road– and wondered why people might be buying them.
Oak is strong and old tree which resembles Estonians – history goes way back and they had to be tough during occupations and other harsh times. Oak has historical value to us. Many coat of arms in Estonia have oak leaves on them and also many households have planted an oak tree in their garden.
Just to complete Your interesting report, please give a look to the Italo-Estonian site http://www.pillandia.blogspot.com
You’ll find a rich collection of photos of political borders from all the world.
Best wishes!
Absolute moving song -a song of pride in GERMANIC HERITAGE !!