Lithuania
Tautiška giesmė
Tautiska giesme
The National Song
1898
1918
Vincas Kudirka
Vincas Kudirka
🤝 Unity 🏺 Ancestors / Heritage 💪 Resilience |
Context
Written and composed by Vincas Kudirka in 1898, during the period of Russian Imperial rule when Lithuanian language and culture were suppressed. The anthem was adopted upon Lithuania's declaration of independence in 1918, banned during Soviet occupation, and restored in 1990 with independence.
Lyrics
Lietuva, Tėvyne mūsų,
Tu didžių vyrų žeme!
Iš praeities Tavo sūnūs
Te stiprybę semia.
Tegul Tavo vaikai eina
Vien takais dorybies,
Tegul dirba Tavo naudai
Ir žmonių gerybei.
Translations are non-official and intended to convey meaning, not replace originals
Interesting facts
- • Vincas Kudirka wrote both the lyrics and the music, which is rare for national anthems
- • The anthem was banned during the Soviet occupation (1940-1990) and singing it was a punishable offense
- • Kudirka was a physician, writer, and activist who became a symbol of Lithuanian national awakening