National anthem
A national anthem is an officially recognized song that represents a country and is performed at ceremonies and other national occasions.
National identity: A shared sense of belonging to a nation, shaped by history, culture, institutions, and symbols. An anthem gives national identity a recognizable musical expression.
The Star-Spangled Banner: The United States national anthem, whose lyrics were written by Francis Scott Key in 1814. Its lyrics arose from the defense of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.
Francis Scott Key: An American lawyer and poet who wrote the lyrics that became The Star-Spangled Banner. His poem supplied the words later adopted as the United States anthem.
Anthem protests: Public acts of dissent performed during or in response to a national anthem. Protesters use anthem rituals to challenge the nation’s policies or ideals.
Patriotic song: A song expressing attachment to a country or its people, without necessarily having official status. Many patriotic songs are popular without being designated as national anthems.
Patriotism: Attachment to one’s country, expressed through loyalty, concern, or public commitment. Singing an anthem can publicly express attachment to country.
God Save the King: The United Kingdom's royal anthem, also used as its national anthem. It illustrates how a national anthem can also celebrate a monarch.
Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle: A French army officer and composer who wrote the song now known as La Marseillaise. His revolutionary song became France's national anthem.
Anthem protocol: The formal rules governing when and how a national anthem is performed or honored. Protocol determines the expected conduct surrounding anthem performances.
Royal anthem: A song honoring a monarch or royal family, sometimes also serving as a country's national anthem. Some anthems represent both the country and its sovereign.