National Anthem of Sweden

Sweden originally just had a Royal Anthem that sort of served as their National Anthem. Then they made "their own" National Anthem but it was intended to include a small group of other countries or their newly found group. The National Anthem was written in 1844. This was during the "pan-Scandinavian movement" which was very strong then. They included them in their anthem and generalized it to the North rather than specifically to just Sweden. The name of this is "Sång till Norden" (Song of the North) and this shows how they were inclusive of The Scandinavian Countries. The Scandinavian Countries are Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland, which is sometimes included. This was the northern area as said in the title and they were in the process of being included as part of the group at the time.

Below is the lines of the song first in Swedish then translated to English.

In the lyrics they mention "my own Nordic land..." and this is referring to being a part of The Scandinavian Countries. I thought that in the song they were trying to show their excitement for this newly found relationship or connection that they had with the other Nordic Countries. I think that this is intended to get people excited about this new group that they have joined. It may also help them realize the beauty that they are surrounded by, and that they need to continue to maintain it.

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SWEDISH LYRICS

Du gamla, Du fria, Du fjällhöga nord Du tysta, Du glädjerika sköna! Jag hälsar Dig, vänaste land uppå jord, Din sol, Din himmel, Dina ängder gröna.  Din sol, Din himmel, Dina ängder gröna.  Du tronar på minnen från fornstora dar, då ärat Ditt namn flög över jorden. Jag vet att Du är och Du blir vad du var. Ja, jag vill leva jag vill dö i Norden.  Ja, jag vill leva jag vill dö i Norden.

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ENGLISH TRANSLATION

Thou ancient, thou unbound, thou north of the far. In beauty and peace our hearts beguiling. I greet thee thou fairest of lands upon the earth, thy sun thy heaven and thy land so green! thy sun thy heaven and thy land so green!  Thou rest on thy mem'ries from great ancient days, when honoured your name flew far and wide I know that you'll always remain the way you were In my own Nordic land I'll live forever!  In my own Nordic land I'll live forever!

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Links of sites used:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Sweden.svg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scandinavia

http://www.nationalanthems.info/se.htm