Korea's National Anthem and Flower Stir Patriotism

The memorial holiday in Korea is in June. It is to recognize and honor soldiers and victims of war who sacrificed their lives to protect the country. June is also a special month of the year to some Koreans who lost their loved ones to the cause of nation.

If there was a special song that touches their hearts, it would be the Korean national anthem. Likewise, some Korean immigrants don't hesitate to pick the Korean national anthem as the song that does that for them. "Aegukga," the Korean national anthem, is sung everywhere. It is sung at sports matches, at official ceremonies and on television stations marking the beginning and end of the day's broadcast.

"Aegukga" literally means "The Song of Love for the Country" or "The Patriotic Song." The name Aegukga appeared at the end of the Chosun Dynasty (1392-1897). The original version first appeared in the "Doknip Sinmun (Independence paper)" issued in 1896. The lyrics of "Aegukga" sung today were written in 1907. Since then, the Korean national anthem has gone through several revisions until 1948. Originally, it was sung to the tune of the Scottish folk song "Auld Lang Syne." Ahn Eak-tae, a Korean classical composer and conductor (1906-1965), was sorrowful of this situation and composed the melody of "Aegukga" based on the final movement of "Korean Fantasia" in 1936. After the establishment of the Republic of Korea in 1948, "Aegukga" was formally adopted by the government.

"Aegukga" has four verses. The song begins with, "Let God protect and preserve this country until the East Sea waters run dry and Mt. Backdu is worn away. The Rose of Sharon and 3000 Li (1200km) of splendid rivers and mountains full, Great Korean people, to the great Korean way stay always true!" This first verse basically says, "Long live Koreans in this wonderful country. Long live our country."

The Rose of Sharon is Korea's national flower, whose Korean name is "Mugoonghwa." Its literal meaning is: immortal flower that blooms over and over again. This flower symbolizes "single-minded devotion," "implicitness," and "patience." The flower has been loved by Koreans for thousands of years and was officially recognized by the government as the Korean National Flower in the 20th century. The symbol of Mugoonghwa is used in many different places, including Korea's official emblems and medals.

The Mugoonghwa blossoms come in white, pink, and violet, blooming from summer to fall. It blooms from the bottom upward one by one. It is known that Mugoonghwa resists diseases and insects well. So, Koreans think that the flower well represents the unique characters of the Korean people in that the Korean people have withstood many challenges throughout the history.