"The World's Delight" is considered the first national anthem of China, though it was not approved officially by the Qing dynasty government.
History[]
In 1878 (the 4th year of the Guangxu Emperor), Zeng Jize (曾纪泽) made a diplomatic visit to Great Britain and France; he was appointed Ambassador to Russia two years later. At an international convention, a national song was needed, so he wrote the song 普天乐 to the tune 词牌.
Lyrics[]
The lyrics of the song are disputed and incomplete; however, YouTuber Ying Yang Mapper has managed to uncover some segments of the song.[1]
Chinese original[]
| Simplified Chinese | Traditional Chinese | Hanyu Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| 聖天子 奄有神州
聲威震五洲 德澤敷於九有 延國祚 天長地久 和祥臻富廬 百穀盡有秋 比五帝 邁夏商週 梯山航海 萬國獻厥共球 |
圣天子 奄有神州
声威震五洲 德泽敷于九有 延国祚 天长地久 和祥臻富庶 百谷尽有秋 比五帝 迈夏商周 梯山航海 万国献厥共球 |
Shèng tiān zǐ Yǎn yǒu shén zhōu Shēng wēi zhèn wǔ zhōu Dé zé fū yú jiǔ yǒu Yán guó zuò Tiān cháng dì jiǔ Hé xiáng zhēn fù shù Bǎi gǔ jìn yǒu qiū Bǐ wǔ dì Mài xià shāng zhōu Tī shān háng hǎi Wàn guó xiàn jué gòng qiú |
English version[]
The Holy Son of Heaven, possesses the Divine Land,
His influence resonates through the five continents, virtue and blessings spread across the Nine Provinces.
Extending the prosperity of the nation and the throne, He endures as long as Tian (Heaven) and earth.
Harmony and abundance flourish, as grains all ripen in the autumn.
Surpassing the Five Emperors, advancing through Xia, Shang and Zhou,
Scaling mountains and navigating seas, all nations present their offerings under a shared firmament.