My sons invited me to celebrate the Swiss National Day in New York City. Both of them have sweet memories of their vacations in Switzerland. We enjoyed the food and each other's company. This year, Switzerland is 720 years old; and I am proud to have grown up in this beautiful country. As the Swiss national anthem was performed, tears welled up in me. For the first time I truly listened to the words. What a statement of faith!
As soon as I got back home, I looked up the translation of the anthem into English. I was shocked to see it had been 'cleaned up,' stripped of much religious imagery. Was it for the sake of rhymes? So I set out to do a literal translation. Here it is:
When You enter in the morning's red glow
I see You in the radiance of the light
Thou, highly exalted, glorious One
When the alps grow bright with splendor
Pray free Swiss, pray
For your quiet soul senses
Your quiet soul senses
God in our noble fatherland
God, the Lord, in our noble fatherland
When You enter the evening's gleam
I find you in the host of stars
Thou, human friendly, loving One
In the heavens illuminated halls
I can dream with joy and bliss
My quiet soul senses
My quiet soul senses
God in our noble fatherland
God, the Lord, in our noble fatherland
When You move through the fog's bloom
I search you in the sea of clouds
Thou, unfathomable, eternal One
Through the dark grey shroud
Breaks the mild, clear sun
Our quiet soul senses
Our quiet soul senses
God in our noble fatherland
God, the Lord, in our noble fatherland
When You drive in a wild storm
You become both sanctuary and defense
Thou almighty ruler and savior
In thunderstorm and horror
Let us childlike trust in You
Our quiet soul senses
Our quiet soul senses
God in our noble fatherland
God, the Lord, in our noble fatherland
Very beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWould that more nations acknowledge their religious heritage. Thanks!
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