The meaning of the national anthem of Venezuela is related to the first attempt by Venezuelans to achieve independence. It is entitled Gloria al Bravo Pueblo; It was adopted as the national anthem of Venezuela in 1881 by then-President Antonio Guzmán Blanco.
Members of the patriotic society in the capital of Caracas decided to create a patriotic song to encourage and encourage the people in the revolution against Spain. The letter was written by the journalist and doctor Vicente Salias in 1810; the music was later composed by musician Juan José Landaeta.
The melody is believed to have been known since 1840 as the Venezuelan Marseillaise, in reference to its subtle similarity to the French national anthem.
While Venezuelan independence was declared in 1811, both the composer and lyricist of the hymn, still fighting in the revolution, were executed by a Spanish squad in 1814.
You may also be interested in knowing more information about other national symbols of Venezuela such as the main aspects of the 1830 constitution in Venezuela or what the colors of the Venezuelan flag mean.
Meaning of the hymn:
First stanza
It is believed that these words are a reference to the desired independence and freedom that Venezuelans sought. Their goal was to be liberated, hence the words "down chains"; it is a metaphor for the desire they had to loosen from the chains imposed by the Spanish.
The lyrics also indicate the importance of achieving independence, both for rich and poor: “Down with chains! The Lord shouted, And the poor man in her hut Freedom asked ”.
This suggests that both the person with money, such as the descendants or relatives of the marquis and counts, as well as the Mantuan who had various possessions, and the poor man in his barrack, desired freedom.
All the Venezuelan people, regardless of their stratum or level in society, wanted independence from Spain. In this context, the word liberty made despots and tyrants altered with fear.
Venezuelans wanted to achieve freedom to free themselves from the chains of oppression. "At this holy name the vile selfishness that once again triumphed trembled with fear" refers to the representatives of the Spanish Crown; his greed, desire for power and selfishness.
The repression accumulated during more than 300 years of exploitation of their lands and their men, as well as colonialism, illegalities and caste differentiation had triumphed for too long.
Second stanza
In this part, the need for unity among Venezuelans is noted in order to defeat the Spanish tyranny; a united people will be able to win.
That is why the lines of "faithful compatriots, strength is unity." Only a united people fighting for their freedom will be able to defeat tyranny, their strength is in their union.
"Let us shout with vigor, die oppression", is a call to end the oppression of the Spanish. People are encouraged to shout it out with energy and courage to end the domination. It serves as a call to encourage the masses against the regime.
The phrase "And from the Empyrean, the Supreme Author, a sublime encouragement to the people infused" can be interpreted as a reference to the higher or to God.
This supreme being has encouraged the Venezuelan people not to lose hope of fighting against the Spanish tyranny. A call to continue your fight and your cause.
Third stanza
Something important to emphasize, and that the Spaniards themselves noted, was the invitation to the rest of America to conceive the same thing that Venezuela was doing: fight for its independence.
The Spanish also considered as a scandal the fact that Venezuela urged the rest of the Latin American countries to take the example of the capital city of Caracas as a model in their fight for independence.
Venezuela, and Caracas specifically, was the first people in the region to demonstrate their need and desire to rebel against the Spanish Empire.
For this reason, it could be taken as a role model in terms of seeking independence from the Spanish.
Venezuelans wanted all Latin American countries to free themselves from the Spanish yoke, hence the lyrics of "And if despotism raises its voice, follow the example that Caracas gave"
The phrase “United with ties that heaven formed, America all exists in a nation” emphasizes that God and superior actions united the American countries in a heavenly tie or in a tie that went beyond the earthly field.
This phrase also refers to what many heroes of independence, including the Liberator of America Simón Bolívar, sought: the union of the countries of Latin America as one great country.
The dream of that time was to see Gran Colombia realized; eventually all countries would unite and America would not be a continent, it would unite as one great country.
Chorus
This part refers to the great honor of the people of Caracas and Venezuela, who being "brave" or brave, dared to free themselves from the "yoke" and the repressive chains; in other words, he dared to escape from the Spanish Crown. The phrase "the law respecting virtue and honor" suggests the civic will of the people.
References
- National anthems info: Venezuela. Recovered from nationalanthems.info.
- What each stanza of the national anthem means. Recovered from scribd.com.
- Analyzing the stanzas of the national anthem of Venezuela. (2010) Recovered from intelectuale.blogspot.com.
- Glory to the brave people. Recovered from wikipedia.org.