Nemzeti dal
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Nemzeti dal, or "National Song," written by Petőfi Sándor, was the poem that inspired the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. Petőfi read the poem aloud on March 15 in Vörösmarty Square in Budapest to a gathering crowd, which by the end was chanting the refrain as they began to march around the city, seizing the presses, liberating political prisoners, and declaring the end of Austrian rule. On every March 15, the Hungarians celebrate the anniversary of the revolution. The people wear red, white, and green ribbons over their heart to commemorate the brave men and women who died for the freedom of this country. The Hungarians finally managed to separate from Austria in 1848.
The translation below of the "National Song" is literal, conveying the exact meaning of the verse.
Nemzeti dal |
The National Song |
Talpra magyar, hí a haza! |
On your feet, Magyar, the homeland calls! |
Rabok voltunk mostanáig, |
We were slaves up til now, |
Sehonnai bitang ember, |
Useless villain of a man, |
Fényesebb a láncnál a kard, |
The sword shines brighter than the chain, |
A magyar név megint szép lesz, |
The Magyar name will be great again, |
Hol sírjaink domborulnak, |
Where our grave mounds lie, |
Written by: PETŐFI SÁNDOR (1848) |
Translated by: KŐRÖSSY LÁSZLÓ (2004) |