The national anthem of a country is a symbol of its identity and patriotism. It represents the values, history, and aspirations of a nation. In Hong Kong, the national anthem has undergone several changes and adaptations throughout its history, reflecting the changing political landscape and the aspirations of its people.

The Original Version

“March of the Volunteers” was originally composed in 1935 for the movie “Children of Troubled Times.” The song was written by the Chinese poet and playwright, Tian Han, and composed by Nie Er. The song was meant to inspire Chinese resistance against the Japanese invasion and to rally the Chinese people to fight for their freedom and independence.

During the Chinese civil war, the Communist Party of China (CPC) adopted the song as its anthem. When the People’s Republic of China (PRC) was established in 1949, the song became the national anthem of China. The song was played at all official ceremonies and events, and it became a symbol of Chinese nationalism and pride.

The Adapted Version

In 1978, Hong Kong adopted “March of the Volunteers” as its regional anthem. However, the original lyrics were deemed too political for Hong Kong, which was still under British colonial rule at the time. Therefore, the lyrics were adapted to be less political and more patriotic.

The lyrics were changed from “Arise, ye who refuse to be slaves” to “Arise, ye who love this land.” This change was made to reflect Hong Kong’s loyalty to China and its love for the motherland. The rest of the lyrics remained the same.

The Dispute

In recent years, the national anthem of Hong Kong has become a source of controversy and dispute. In 2017, a group of lawmakers in Hong Kong protested against playing the national anthem at the start of legislative sessions. They argued that the anthem was not relevant to Hong Kong and that it was being forced upon them by the Chinese government.

The dispute intensified when the Chinese government introduced a bill that would criminalize disrespecting the national anthem. This led to protests in Hong Kong, with some people even burning the Chinese flag and the national anthem.

The controversy surrounding the national anthem reflects the deepening political divide between Hong Kong and mainland China. Many people in Hong Kong feel that their rights and freedoms are being eroded by the Chinese government, and they see the national anthem as a symbol of oppression rather than unity.

The New Version

In 2019, a new version of the Hong Kong anthem was introduced. The new version is titled “Glory to Hong Kong” and was written by an anonymous composer. The song became popular during the 2019 Hong Kong protests and was sung by the protesters as a symbol of their resistance.

The new anthem has become a rallying cry for the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. It includes lyrics such as “Liberate Hong Kong, the revolution of our times” and “We shall not be ruled by tyrants.” The song has become a symbol of the struggle for democracy and freedom in Hong Kong, and it has been sung at protests, rallies, and other events.

Conclusion

The national anthem of Hong Kong has undergone several changes and adaptations throughout its history. From its original version as a song of resistance against Japanese invasion to its current controversy and dispute, the anthem has always been a symbol of patriotism and loyalty.

The new version of the anthem, “Glory to Hong Kong,” represents the current mood of the people of Hong Kong. It is a call for democracy and freedom, and it has become an anthem of the pro-democracy movement. The song has become a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity, and it has inspired many people to continue fighting for their rights and freedoms.

The evolution of the Hong Kong anthem is a reflection of the changing political landscape of Hong Kong. It is a reminder that music and lyrics can have a powerful impact on people’s emotions and beliefs. The national anthem represents the identity and aspirations of a nation, and it should be a source of unity and pride for all its people.