Marseillaise

Marseillaise, officially La Marseillaise, is the national anthem of France. It was written by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle in Strasbourg in 1792 as a war song for the Army of the Rhine. The original title was Chant de guerre pour l'Armée du Rhin.

The song quickly spread across the French forces and became associated with the revolutionary cause. It earned its name from the volunteers from Marseille who popularized it as they marched north to Paris, making the tune a symbol of the French Revolution and republican ideals.

Historically, La Marseillaise was adopted by the French Republic as the national anthem in 1795. It was banned during the Bourbon Restoration but was revived after the 1830 July Revolution and has remained the anthem of the French Republic since then.

The lyrics present a vigorous exhortation to defend liberty and the homeland against tyranny, with the most recognizable opening lines beginning "Allons enfants de la Patrie, Le jour de gloire est arrivé!" The song’s martial, combative imagery emphasizes collective action and national defense.

In modern practice, the melody is typically performed in official ceremonies, at national events, and in sports settings, with only the main verses commonly sung. La Marseillaise is regarded as a strong symbol of French national identity and republican values, and it is widely recognized beyond France as a prominent example of a national anthem.