In this cultural post, I will discuss a bit about the Maltese National Anthem: L-Innu Malti [The Hymn of Malta]. The national anthem dates back to 1923 when it was first performed and the song was declared the Maltese national anthem in 1945. The national anthem is strongly religious, referencing the Catholic God. In a sense, it serves as a prayer uniting the people of Malta under a common faith. In English, the poem translates to:
Guard her, O Lord, as ever Thou has guarded,
This Motherland so dear whose name we bear:
Keep her in mind, whom Thou hast made so fair.
May he rules, for wisdom be regarded,
In master mercy, strength in man increase:
Confirm us all, in unity and peace.
The lyrics are written by Dun Karm Psalia, a well-known figure in Malta for a number of accomplishments. Psalia held positions as a priest, assistant director of the National Library, lexicographer for the official English-Maltese dictionary, and Commander of Order of the British Empire. Additionally, he was a distinguished writer in Italian culture. Psalia resided in Valletta, Malta from 1910 to 1936 and is also famously known for helping to establish Maltese as an official language of Malta in 1934. As I have discussed in previous reflections, Italian and English are both widely spoken on the islands, but the Maltese language represents the unique cultural blend that exists in Maltese society.
Sound Link [left column]: http://www.nationalanthems.info/mt.htm
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