What is the National Anthem of Hong Kong SAR?

The national anthem of Hong Kong SAR is the “March of the Volunteers”, (Chinese: 義勇軍進行曲), which was written and composed by the famous Chinese poet and Nobel Prize winner, Tian Han. It is a patriotic poem set to music and usually sung by two people in unison. The March of the Volunteers is both the anthem of the People’s Republic of China and the anthem of Hong Kong SAR.The March of the Volunteers was originally created in 1933 for the Chinese theater play Vanguard, for which Tian Han wrote both the lyrics and music. The original poem was called the Song of the Army and expressed strong emotions towards fighting for the people and against tyranny. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, the play was performed in Shanghai which is when it gained more popularity and came to be known as the “March of the Volunteers”. The march expresses many of China’s revolutionary sentiments, calling for courage and strength from all citizens. The March of the Volunteers was adopted by the People’s Republic of China in 1949 as its unofficial anthem, and was again adapted to become the official national anthem in 1982. After Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997, it also adopted the march as its national anthem. In January 2018, a bill was signed making it official, which requires all acts of respect to be observed when singing it.

Lyrics and Music of The March of The Volunteers

The March of the Volunteers is composed of three stanzas with four lines each, set to a slightly updated version of the original march composed by Tian Han. The lyrics are derived directly from a poem Tian Han wrote for The Young Companion in 1935, calling for all citizens to come forward with courage and strength to help build a new society based on fairness and freedom. Here are the lyrics: Stanza 1: Arise, arise! The millions strong, A Thousend fingers point towards hope! Cheers fill up the evolving sky, Breaking free shackles of its age old cope. Stanza 2: With courage that rivals roaring waves and a mighty form like lions come, brothers, join together in hand setting our path towards freedom. Stanza 3: Grinding dust, steaming fire! Red flags along our land! Firmly stand shall those who wish to be one with our land! Let Heaven’s Sons bind themselves bravely to our cause! The march is usually sung with two people singing in unison – either two females, two males or a male/female pair – with a slight emphasis on words in italic. A full orchestral arrangement for this song is also available for larger performances, where the instruments help elevate the sense of patriotism and pride that it evokes.

Reception of The March of The Volunteers

Since its inception in 1933, the March of the Volunteers has become an icon for China and Hong Kong SAR. The lyrics have been featured in various mainstream films and television shows, often used as a way to express sentiments towards patriotism, national identity, justice or freedom from oppression. It has been performed at millions of national events around the country, such as parades and military ceremonies, as well as other public events such as award ceremonies or official proceedings. It has been used extensively in official contexts and is considered a symbol of China’s history and struggle for independence. The song has also been adapted into various popular songs around China and Hong Kong SAR, often to evoke similar emotions towards patriotism or national pride. In 2007, it was chosen as one of five “Important Intangible Cultural Heritages’, a series established by the Chinese government to protect and promote cultural heritages in China. In 2016, it was even featured as part of an international musical collaboration between Chinese and British musicians – orchestras from both countries performed together at venues such as the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall and Symphony Hall in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Conclusion

The March of the Volunteers has been an essential part of China and Hong Kong SAR’s shared culture and identity for decades. Its lyrics have gained an almost mythic status amongst those who know it – representing both a past struggle for freedom, but at the same time a future filled with opportunities. To me personally, it symbolizes a unity, a spirit that we can all strive towards – no matter what our backgrounds are – to combine our efforts to make a better future for us all. Visit this website to learn more about Hong Kong’s National Anthem.