The Evolution of ‘O Canada’: The Journey to Adopting a Canadian National Anthem Full of Surprises and Challenges

June 27, 2024 TruthUSA

Commentary

Newly born countries usually don’t waste time before adopting new patriotic symbols. As soon as independence is declared, a new flag is raised, a new coat of arms is created, and a national anthem is commissioned.

For example, when the French monarchy fell in the 1790s, a new tricolored flag replaced the old Bourbon fleur-de-lis flag, and “La Marseillaise” became the anthem. Similarly, when the Republic of South Africa was formed after apartheid ended, a new flag, coat of arms, and the anthem “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika” were introduced promptly.

Surprisingly, it took Canada more than 100 years to officially adopt its national anthem.

“O Canada” was composed in 1880 to celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day by Calixa Lavallée, with lyrics by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier. While there were attempts to produce an English version, they were not widely accepted by Anglophone Canadians who preferred other songs like “God Save the Queen” or “The Maple Leaf Forever.”

Neither of these translations pleased French speakers, so Robert Stanley Weir’s version of “O Canada” in 1908 was welcomed for being proud but not chauvinistic. Weir, a lawyer and poet, wrote new lyrics to honor the 300th anniversary of Quebec City.

Songs with militaristic imagery are common in national anthems. While some anthems are blood-soaked like “La Marseillaise,” the lyrics of “O Canada” by Weir are more gentle, focusing on standing guard, praising the land, and invoking God’s help.

Robert Stanley Weir (1856–1926) was a Canadian judge and poet most famous for writing the English lyrics to "O Canada.” (Public Domain) — Robert Stanley Weir (1856–1926) was a Canadian judge and poet most famous for writing the English lyrics to “O Canada.” (Public Domain)

In 1980, a century after its composition, “O Canada” was officially chosen as the national anthem of Canada. In 2018, the current gender-inclusive lyrics of the English version were settled on after years of debate.

Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

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