History of French Polynesia’s National Anthem

The national anthem of French Polynesia, “La Marseillaise des Îles,” was officially adopted in 1984. French Polynesia, being an overseas territory of France, did not have a distinct national anthem until this time. Prior to the 1980s, the French national anthem, “La Marseillaise,” was used on official occasions in French Polynesia. However, a movement emerged to adopt a national anthem that specifically represented the islanders and their unique culture.

In order to create a national anthem that truly represented French Polynesia, the government tasked Louis-Albert Verna and Paul Verin with writing new lyrics for the anthem. They chose to use the melody of “La Marseillaise,” as it already had significant meaning and history in French Polynesia. The new lyrics express the islanders’ love for their land and their desire to defend it. The anthem was officially adopted by the French Polynesian government in 1984 and has been used on official occasions such as Independence Day and national celebrations ever since.

The adoption of “La Marseillaise des Îles” as the national anthem of French Polynesia was a significant moment in the country’s history, as it marked the first time that the islanders had a distinct anthem that truly represented their unique culture and identity. This new anthem symbolized the country’s loyalty to France while also expressing the islanders’ strong sense of pride in their land and culture.

Symbolism of “La Marseillaise des Îles”

The national anthem of French Polynesia, “La Marseillaise des Îles,” is a symbol of the islanders’ loyalty to France. The country is an overseas territory of France, and the anthem serves as a reminder of the strong ties between French Polynesia and France. The anthem is played on official occasions such as Independence Day and national celebrations, and is also played along with the French national anthem at the start of official ceremonies.

In addition to symbolizing the country’s loyalty to France, the anthem also represents the unique culture of French Polynesia. The lyrics express the islanders’ love for their land and their desire to defend it, which reflects the strong connection that the islanders have to their land and their cultural heritage. The anthem is a powerful symbol of the islanders’ sense of pride in their culture and identity.

Lyrics of “La Marseillaise des Îles”

The anthem is sung in French, the official language of French Polynesia. The lyrics were written by Louis-Albert Verna and Paul Verin and are as follows:

Verse 1:

Ô Marseillaise des îles,

Notre cœur tout entier t’appelle,

Et notre âme t’exalte,

Au nom de l’amour fraternel.

Chorus:

Nous te saluons, Marseillaise,

Et notre cri de liberté,

Retentit sur les lagons,

Et jusqu’au bout de l’infini.

Verse 2:

Nous te saluons, Marseillaise,

Et notre cri de liberté,

Retentit sur les lagons,

Et jusqu’au bout de l’infini.

Verse 3:

Notre sang coulera pour toi,

Si jamais l’ennemi s’approche,

Et notre sol, ô Marseillaise,

Nous le défendrons jusqu ‘à la mort.

The lyrics of “La Marseillaise des Îles” are a variation of the original French national anthem, “La Marseillaise.” The first verse expresses the islanders’ love and loyalty towards the anthem and the country, using phrases such as “notre coeur tout entier t’appelle” (our whole heart calls to you) and “notre âme t’exalte” (our soul exalts you). The chorus repeats the phrase “nous te saluons Marseillaise” (we greet you, Marseillaise), which highlights the loyalty towards the anthem and its origins.

The second verse repeats the phrase “nous te saluons Marseillaise” and “notre cri de liberté” (our cry for freedom), which further emphasizes the loyalty and love for the anthem and the country. The third verse presents the willingness of the islanders to defend the land and its freedom, using phrases such as “Notre sang coulera pour toi” (Our blood will flow for you) and “Et notre sol, ô Marseillaise, Nous le défendrons jusqu’à la mort” (And our land, oh Marseillaise, we will defend it until death).

The lyrics of “La Marseillaise des Îles” is a powerful expression of the islanders’ love for their country, loyalty towards France, and willingness to defend their land and freedom.

Performance of “La Marseillaise des Îles”

The anthem is played on official occasions such as Independence Day and other national celebrations. It is also played along with the French national anthem at the start of official ceremonies. The anthem is performed by a variety of ensembles, including military bands and choirs. It is also common for the anthem to be performed at sporting events, particularly those involving French Polynesian teams competing against teams from other countries.

The anthem is typically performed in French, the official language of French Polynesia. The melody is the same as the French national anthem, “La Marseillaise,” which makes it easy to recognize and sing along. Performances of the anthem usually involve a military band or choir accompanied by the national flag being raised. It is also common to see the audience standing at attention during the anthem and singing along.

In conclusion, “La Marseillaise des Îles” is the national anthem of French Polynesia, adopted in 1984 and based on the French national anthem, “La Marseillaise.” It symbolizes the islanders’ loyalty to France, and also represents the unique culture of French Polynesia, expressing the islanders’ love for their land and their desire to defend it. The anthem is played on official occasions such as Independence Day and national celebrations, and is performed by a variety of ensembles. The anthem’s lyrics, written by Louis-Albert Verna and Paul Verin, express the islanders’ love for their land and their desire to defend it. The melody, borrowed from the French national anthem, “La Marseillaise,” adds to the symbolic representation of the strong ties between French Polynesia and France. Overall, “La Marseillaise des Îles” serves as a powerful symbol of French Polynesia’s identity and loyalty as a French overseas territory.