Yhteislaulua

Yhteislaulua, also known as the Finnish national anthem, is a patriotic song that holds significant cultural and historical importance in Finland. The lyrics were written by Juho Heikki Erkko, a Finnish poet and journalist, and the music was composed by Fredrik Pacius, a Swedish composer. The anthem was officially adopted as the national anthem of Finland in 1948, replacing the previous anthem, "Maamme," which had been used since 1848.

The anthem is sung in Finnish and consists of two verses, with the first verse being the most well-known. The lyrics of the first verse are as follows: "Oi suomi, synnyinmaa, suo vihollisen vihasta, suo itsenäis'ys, suo elämisen oikeus, suo kulta, suo kulta!" which translates to "Oh Finland, motherland, protect us from the enemy's wrath, protect our independence, protect the right to live, protect the gold, protect the gold!"

Yhteislaulua is performed in various settings, including national ceremonies, sports events, and cultural gatherings. It is also played during official state occasions and is a symbol of Finnish unity and pride. The anthem's melody is simple and memorable, making it easily recognizable to both Finns and people around the world. Despite its patriotic nature, Yhteislaulua is also appreciated for its beautiful lyrics and harmonious music, which have made it a beloved piece of Finnish music.