Fraternity-Testvériség, 2010 (88. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2010-07-01 / 3. szám
Fraternity! Testvériség A Tribute to Ferenc Kölcsey The Creator of Our National Anthem Was Born 220 Years Ago (1790-1838) Katalin Varga D o you remember the last time you sang the “Himnusz”? I am quite certain that you were not just reciting a melody or saying words in a common sentence. I am sure as you read these lines, memories flood your mind of the beloved, old country of family, of events and treasured scenes. Do you know that the writer of this precious poem, Ferenc Kölcsey was born 220 years ago on August 8,1790 into a noble family at Sződemeter, Hungary? His father died when he was five years old, and he lost his mother when he was twelve. In 1809, Kölcsey finished his studies at the Református Kollégium of Debrecen. He moved to Pest to study law but later gave it up for the love of literature. His first poem was written at age 13. On January 22,1823, he finished the “Himnusz” about the stormy centuries of the Hungarian people. From 1989, this day is designated as the Day of the Hungarian Culture. The original manuscript of the poem is kept safe at the National Széchényi Library in Budapest. His famous poem, with the music Isten, áldd meg a magyart, Jó kedvvel, bőséggel, Nyújts feléje védő kart, Ha küzd ellenséggel; Bal sors akit régen tép, Hozz rá víg esztendőt, Megbünhődte már e nép A múltat s jövendőt! God Bless the Hungarians With good cheer and prosperity. Extend a protective arm If they fight the enemy. Torn by misfortune for long, Give them happy years. These people have expiated The past and the future. composed by Ferenc Erkel, became The National Anthem of Hungary. Kölcsey made significant contribution to Hungary’s political life voicing his vision for reforms. In November of 1836, he founded the Kisfaludy Association for Hungarian literature. On one of his official trips in 1838 as a representative, travelling by carriage, as was customary in those days, on a stormy day, he fell ill and died a week later on August 24. He was 48 years old. 5 Ferenc Kölcsey
