Gong Jin'ou
Encyclopedia
Gong Jin'ou was the first official national anthem
of China
, created during the late Qing Dynasty
; though it was used only for a short time due to the Republic of China
overthrowing the Qing Dynasty.
The song was composed by Bo Tong , a high-ranking officer of the Imperial Guard
. The lyrics, in Classical Chinese
, were penned by Yan Fu
, commander of the Qing Navy. Guo Cengxin , Master of Ceremonies, made some minor adjustments and arranged the music. Gong Jin'ou was adopted by the Qing government on the 13th Day and 8th Month of the 3rd Year of the Xuantong Emperor's reign (October 4, 1911). However, only six days later was the Wuchang Uprising
, which effectively led to the end of the Qing Dynasty with the declaration of the Republic of China
on January 1, 1912 and the abdication of the emperor on February 12, 1912. As a result, the anthem never gained any notability. Since it praises the Qing dynasty specifically, it is also a Royal anthem.
National anthem
A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions and struggles of its people, recognized either by a nation's government as the official national song, or by convention through use by the people.- History :Anthems rose to prominence...
of China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, created during the late Qing Dynasty
Qing Dynasty
The Qing Dynasty was the last dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912 with a brief, abortive restoration in 1917. It was preceded by the Ming Dynasty and followed by the Republic of China....
; though it was used only for a short time due to the Republic of China
Republic of China
The Republic of China , commonly known as Taiwan , is a unitary sovereign state located in East Asia. Originally based in mainland China, the Republic of China currently governs the island of Taiwan , which forms over 99% of its current territory, as well as Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu and other minor...
overthrowing the Qing Dynasty.
The song was composed by Bo Tong , a high-ranking officer of the Imperial Guard
Imperial Guards Brigade
The Imperial Guards Brigade of Manchu Bannermen were a select detachment of cavalry officers responsible for guarding the Forbidden City in Beijing, especially the Emperor of China and his family, during the Qing Dynasty.-See also:...
. The lyrics, in Classical Chinese
Classical Chinese
Classical Chinese or Literary Chinese is a traditional style of written Chinese based on the grammar and vocabulary of ancient Chinese, making it different from any modern spoken form of Chinese...
, were penned by Yan Fu
Yan Fu
Yan Fu was a Chinese scholar and translator, most famous for introducing western ideas, including Darwin's "natural selection," to China in the late 19th century.-Life:...
, commander of the Qing Navy. Guo Cengxin , Master of Ceremonies, made some minor adjustments and arranged the music. Gong Jin'ou was adopted by the Qing government on the 13th Day and 8th Month of the 3rd Year of the Xuantong Emperor's reign (October 4, 1911). However, only six days later was the Wuchang Uprising
Wuchang Uprising
The Wuchang Uprising began with the dissatisfaction of the handling of a railway crisis. The crisis then escalated to an uprising where the revolutionaries went up against Qing government officials. The uprising was then assisted by the New Army in a coup against their own authorities in the city...
, which effectively led to the end of the Qing Dynasty with the declaration of the Republic of China
Republic of China
The Republic of China , commonly known as Taiwan , is a unitary sovereign state located in East Asia. Originally based in mainland China, the Republic of China currently governs the island of Taiwan , which forms over 99% of its current territory, as well as Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu and other minor...
on January 1, 1912 and the abdication of the emperor on February 12, 1912. As a result, the anthem never gained any notability. Since it praises the Qing dynasty specifically, it is also a Royal anthem.
Hanyu Pinyin
- Gǒng Jīnōu
- Chéng tiānchóu,
- Mínwù xīn fúzǎo,
- Xǐ tóngbāo,
- Qīng shí xìngzāo.
- Zhēn xī hào,
- Dìguó cāngqióng bǎo.
- Tiān gāogāo,
- Hǎi tāotāo.
English translation
- Solidify our golden empire,
- Underneath the aegis of heaven,
- All of civilization will cease to toil,
- United in happiness and mirth,
- As long as the Qing rules.
- Our empire is emblazoned by light,
- And our boundaries are vast and preserved.
- The expanse stretches infinitely,
- The sea brims with turbulence.
External links
- MIDI audio file
- Rendition on YouTube
- Rendition on youtube without lyrics
- Another rendition on youtube sounding more normal like, not the anthem type sound
- Sheet music, lyrics, and audio
- Imperial Qing Restoration Organization site Wiki Information extracted from Imperial Qing Restoration Organization
See also
- Historical Chinese anthemsHistorical Chinese anthemsHistorical Chinese anthems comprise a number of Chinese official and unofficial national anthems composed during the early 20th century. Today, there are only two remaining:- "Tune of Li Zhongtang" :Quasi-official...
- Royal anthem