What is the difference between a hymn and an anthem?

When we think of the term “anthem”, a multitude of images and sounds come to mind: the Marseillaise setting a stadium on fire, God Save the Queen felt deeply by the British people, or even the European anthem symbolizing the union of member countries. However, have we ever taken the time to truly understand what this word means, and more importantly, what is the difference between a hymn and an anthem? This is the fascinating journey we invite you to today.

What is an anthem?

To begin with, what is an anthem? According to Larousse, a anthem is a “poetic song, often of religious inspiration, which expresses a feeling of admiration, respect, even veneration, towards a being, a thing or an ideal”. An anthem can also be a war song like the Marseillaise, or a national song like the French anthem or the national anthem of another country.

Contrary to what one might think, the hymns are not a 19th century or modern invention. In reality, they have a much older history. The term “hymn” comes from the Greek “humnos” which means “song in honor of the gods”. The first known hymn is the Homeric Hymn to Apollo, which dates from the 7th century BC.

But then, what is the difference from an anthem? Let’s start with a little trip back in time, to meet the feminine anthem.

A hymn: the sacred song of Saint Ambrose

L’anthem, in the feminine form, is a specific category of hymns. Religious hymns, or hymns, were born in the 4th century, under the leadership of Saint Ambrose, bishop of Milan. They are intended to be sung during the Liturgy of the Hours, a set of prayers recited at set times of the day by monastic communities.

The hymns of Saint Ambrose have marked the history of Christian music and poetry. They are characterized by their regular rhythm, their rich symbolism and their spiritual depth. They were widely adopted by the Catholic Church and influenced many other Christian authors, including Saint Thomas Aquinas.

It should be noted that the gender of theanthem, in French, has varied over the centuries. Originally, the word “hymn” was masculine, as in Greek and Latin. It was in the 17th century that the French Academy decided to feminize the term, before returning to the masculine version in the 19th century.

Hymns: between music, poetry and politics

If theanthem and theanthem share the same root and the same function – that of expressing veneration, respect or love for a being, a thing or an ideal – they differ in their context of use and their content.

THE national anthems, for example, are powerful symbols of national identity. They express the values, aspirations and history of a country. They are sung during official ceremonies, sporting or cultural events and are often associated with strong moments in national history.

L’French national anthem, the Marseillaise, was composed in 1792 by Rouget de Lisle, in the midst of the French Revolution. Its text evokes the fight for freedom and fraternity, and its music, powerful and catchy, has toured the world.

Likewise, thenational anthem of the United Kingdom, God Save the Queen (Or king), is full of history and symbolism. Composed in the 18th century, it expresses the love of the British people for their monarchy and their homeland.

The European anthem: a symbol of union and fraternity

Finally, to illustrate the richness and diversity of hymns, let us cite the example ofEuropean anthem. Adopted in 1985 by the European Union, it is the last movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, the Ode to Joy. Unlike other anthems, the European anthem has no words. It is a piece of classical music which expresses, in the words of Beethoven himself, “the idea of ​​the brotherhood of man”.

To conclude, we celebrate the incredible wealth of hymns and anthems. Whether masculine or feminine, religious or secular, national or international, they all carry a message of hope, respect and admiration. They are a reflection of our history, our values ​​and our aspirations. They are the beating heart of our culture and our identity. So the next time you hear your country’s anthem, take a moment to appreciate the depth of its message and the beauty of its music. And remember that a hymn, or hymn, is more than just a song: it is a living symbol that unites and uplifts us.