What is a national anthem?
A national anthem is a patriotic song or musical composition that represents and symbolizes a particular country. It is a symbolic expression of a nation’s values, history, culture, and pride. The national anthem is typically played or sung on significant national occasions, such as official ceremonies, sporting events, and national holidays.
A national anthem often reflects the aspirations, ideals, and spirit of a nation and is considered a unifying symbol for its citizens. It can evoke strong emotions, unity, and a sense of national identity. National anthems are usually composed with lyrics that describe the country’s history, traditions, or national achievements. The melody and rhythm of the anthem are designed to be recognizable and memorable, making it easily identifiable by citizens.
National anthems are taught in schools, performed by military bands, choirs, or soloists, and played at international events to represent and honor the country. They are an important part of a country’s cultural heritage and are regarded as a powerful symbol of national unity and pride.
The National Anthem
The National Anthem is one of the national symbols of Papua New Guinea as listed under Section 3 of the Constitution. The Constitution list out the national symbols as follows:
- Flag
- Emblem
- Motto
- Seal
- Anthem
The National Identity Act (Chapter 9) implements section 3 of the Constitution by making provision for the National Anthem.
The National Anthem
The “National Anthem” means the words and music declared by the Head of State to be the National Anthem of Papua New Guinea. The Head of State may only make such a declaration after receiving advice from the National Executive Council. In the case of Papua New Guinea, the Head of State made this declaration and declared the following as the National Anthem.
O arise all you sons of this land, Let us sing of our joy to be free, Praising God and rejoicing to be Papua New Guinea. Shout our name from the mountains to the seas. Papua New Guinea; Let us raise our voices and proclaim Papua New Guinea. Now give thanks to the good Lord above For his kindness, His Wisdom love For this land of our fathers so free. Papua New Guinea. Shout again for the whole world to hear. Papua New Guinea. We’re independent and we’re free, Papua New Guinea.
For a bit of history on the composer, see Thomas Shacklady.
Use of National Anthem
The National Anthem may be played on all official and other occasions on which it is appropriate to play the National Anthem. If a person print, reproduce, play, sing or recite the National Anthem or a parody of the National Anthem in a manner that is insulting, derisory or derogatory to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, he is guilty of an offence. The penalty for this offence is a fine not exceeding K1, 000.00.
All in all, the national anthem of Papua New Guinea reflect the aspirations, ideals, and spirit of the nation and its people. It is considered a unifying symbol for its citizens. It can evoke strong emotions, unity, and a sense of national identity.
For more similar articles, click here.
About the author