NUCLEAR POWER IN BELARUS AND WORLDWIDE
This is the historical footage of the official opening ceremony of State Flag Square of Belarus. A few minutes after the president's speech, the symbol of our sovereignty, a huge red-green cloth rose into the sky to a height of 70 meters. Its dimensions are impressive: 14 by 7 meters, 98 meters large and 25 kilograms heavy. Do you remember how touching the ceremony was? By his example, the president showed how to revere the symbols of independence and statehood. In the new episode of the YouTube project "After the Fact: Lukashenko's Decisions" we will tell you why the author of the national anthem was criticized, how our emblem changed in recent years and why Belarusians need to revere the state symbols.
“Each of us, regardless of ethnicity, proudly calls ourselves a citizen of Belarus. The "Belarusian nation" concept is based on the great spiritual brotherhood of all for whom our generous, beautiful and kind land has become home. To respect and honor our state symbols is the sacred duty of all members of our large family. Every Belarusian should understand the deep historical and political meaning of the emblem and flag of Belarus and know the national anthem and the Constitution, the basic law of the country,”Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a ceremony to inaugurate State Flag Square in 2013.
What do Belarusians see as the main national symbols of their country
The Institute of Sociology of the National Academy of Sciences recently conducted a telephone survey. Respondents were asked to answer the question: "What, in your opinion, is the main national symbol of Belarus?" Almost 70% of respondents answered that it is the state symbols: the emblem, flag and anthem. They are followed by non-official symbols, such as stork, bison, cornflower. Then go cultural heritage landmarks and monuments of the Great Patriotic War. In other words, the state symbols are something that unites people regardless of religion and socio-demographic status. This is important for every Belarusian.
“The symbols that represent our sovereignty and national unity are in front of us. These symbols were born in the depths of national consciousness in an era of global upheaval and the breakdown of the world order. Generations of people were born and raised with these symbols, bound by historical memory, which even today, at the most critical times, helps the nation to continue following the chosen path, overcome challenges and obstacles. The same was in the 1990s when the Belarusians rejected the attempts to adjust their way of life to the Western European standards, kept true to traditions, preserved the national wealth: domestic enterprises, land, the right to social justice. The same was in 2020 when we did not let history repeat itself by defending our choice, our values, our flag and anthem,” Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at an official ceremony to honor the state symbols in May of last year.
Why did Lukashenko decide to put the anthem to a popular vote
State Symbols Day in Belarus is celebrated every second Sunday of May. This year, the holiday had a new name. The corresponding presidential decree made it possible to pay tribute to all three main symbols of the nation - not only the National Flag and the Emblem but also the Anthem.
Aleksandr Lukashenko raised the issue in his address to the nation and the parliament on 31 March: “Our patriots have drawn my attention to another important topic. Belarus' state symbols represent kind of a keeper of historical memory. And the fact that we have three state symbols – the emblem, the flag, and the anthem – while the state holiday celebrates only two of these symbols is probably wrong. It is necessary to fix these shortcomings.”
We wake us up to the anthem in the morning as we turn on TV and radio, we hear it at school ceremonies and many other events. It seems that the musical symbol of sovereign Belarus has always been with us. But the birth of the anthem was not easy 20 years ago. The musical ‘battle' was under the personal control of the president. Aleksandr Lukashenko participated in the auditions, talked to the authors, and asked the opinion of professionals. In the end the president decided to ask people to choose the final version.
“It all started in 2002, when a commission for the contest was set up. Five songs were submitted. The president took an active part in the work of the commission. There were many different options, disputes, improvements. As a result, the president proposed to put the songs to a popular vote. For people to choose. All the songs were published in the media on 6-9 June. People were choosing from among five options. As a result, the song ‘We, the Belarusians, are peaceful people' scored more than 43%. The president's decree to approve the anthem of the Republic of Belarus was issued on 2 July 2002,” Nikita Pakhomov, head of military and patriotic education at Secondary School No. 26 in Minsk, member of the Communist Party of Belarus, reminisced.
Who authored the National Anthem
The state anthem was authored by composer Sokolovsky and poets Klimkovich and Karizna. Yet, there are things about the anthem that some people, especially young Belarusians, might not know about. Nestor Sokolovsky wrote the music back in 1944. The first lyrics were penned by Mikhas Klimkovich. The author of the updated version, which won the popular vote in 2002, is Vladimir Karizna. By the way, on 25 May Vladimir Karizna will celebrate his 85th anniversary. The poet still recalls how difficult it was to work on the lyrics.
“First of all, it was a huge responsibility: to write the lyrics of the anthem of Belarus! Secondly, it was difficult psychologically. The contest featured big-name poets, not just people from the street. It was not easy to compete with them. I was a military officer and I was asked to write the lyrics of the anthem. And I did. I struggled with every line. I had to think on every word for a long time. They criticized me for the stress in the word “name”. They said that in the Belarusian language it falls on the second syllable, not the first one. They ridiculed me saying that I was poorly educated and needed more schooling. I could not bring home to them that the word “name” when used in a lofty style to describe our land acquires a different sense, and a different, sublime meaning,” recalled Vladimir Karizna, author of the lyrics to the national anthem, songwriter, Honored Worker of Culture of Belarus.
Sokolovsky's music also underwent some changes. The new arrangement was done by Honored Artist of the BSSR Boris Chudakov. Another two composers, people's artists Vyacheslav Kuznetsov and Igor Luchenok also played a hand. It would not be an overstatement to say that the song that we listen to with bated breath is a truly classic work. Who was honored to perform this masterwork? The honor was shared by the choir of the Belarusian State Television and Radio Company, the Academy of Music led by Viktor Rovdo and the brass band of the Armed Forces led by Aleksandr Fyodorov. You would agree that the anthem came out beautiful and candid with some amazing note of solemnity, simplicity and kindness.
Why the Belarusian anthem is so unique
"The Belarusian anthem reflects the history of the Belarusian state in the 20th century. We took the anthem of the BSSR as a basis. The anthem itself is not just a song. This is a reflection of people themselves, their desires, aspirations, political world-view. In the very first lines we declare that we, Belarusians, are peaceful people. We do not want to fight or be in conflict with anyone. We want to be friends with everyone, share best practices, maintain good relations. We are ready to devote ourselves to our country, motherland,” Nikita Pakhomov said.
Two decades on, the text of the anthem is still relevant. And in the current geopolitical situation it is taking on new significance. It is noteworthy that it can be sung by both children and adults. You do not need a good singing voice and good ears to perform it. Belarusians can easily sing it both publicly and in a private setting. Maybe that is why the campaign Let's Sing the National Anthem Together became so popular among the public.
"The anthem remains relevant. Each line of the anthem reflects the geopolitical position of the Belarusian state. No matter how hard Western countries are trying to pressurize Belarus, they will have to accept that we are an independent state pursuing an independent policy. There is nothing to change in the anthem, as the authors worked very scrupulously on every line,” Nikita Pakhomov added.
What the colors of the State Flag mean
The current National Flag and National Emblem of Belarus were approved at the first referendum in 1995. Some 75% of voters supported the idea to change the national symbols. The red stripe on the flag symbolizes the courage of people who fought and died to defend their freedom. Green is the color of life and hope, the color of endless forests and fields, peacefulness of Belarusians. The white stripe means purity and uncompromising moral values. There is another small detail that is of great importance. Belarus is the first country in the world to use the national ornament as an element of the national flag. It is based on a pattern woven by Matryona Markevich, a peasant woman from the village of Kostelishche, Senno District, in 1917. It was found in the archives of the BSSR Council for Industrial Cooperation.
“We remember that our national emblem and flag were created by people driven by lofty ideas, tested and tempered in the struggle for freedom, people who knew the value of independence and peace. We see their dream of a bright future for their compatriots in the rays of the rising sun framed by ears of wheat. Their heroics during the Great Patriotic War were immortalized on the canvas of the National Flag, the successor to the Victory Banner. The national ornament reflects our long-standing cultural traditions. All these images gave an inspiration to the modern symbols of Belarus - the emblem and the flag, that have become true guardians of the native land,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said explaining the meaning and symbolism of the Belarusian emblem and flag at the solemn ceremony to celebrate the state symbols in May last year.
A patriotic tradition of taking an oath of allegiance started ten years ago as State Flag Square was inaugurated. This special ritual with deep meaning takes place every year. The square also hosts a number of important events like the start of a new season for student work brigades, award ceremonies, oath-taking by officers, presentation of first passports to young Belarusians. As the President once figuratively said, the flag and the emblem are a secular icon to be worshiped.
How the Belarusian emblem changed two years ago
The emblem was upgraded in January 2021. The general image remained the same, but some details were modified. The green contour of the State Border was changed into golden, the shape of the wheat ears, clover and flax was slightly altered, and the position of the globe under the rising sun was changed so that our country appeared in the center of the image. The blue continents turned dark orange. Yet, the colors and composition still reflect the key idea of our state - believing in goodness and justice.
“We are Belarusians. All those who stand here today and welcome these symbols, and all those who are absent and have a different point of view. We should at last understand and recognize that we are Belarusians and this is our land. We must not give it away or gift it to anyone. May our symbols secure this unity and accord. May these symbols of the country's independence, heroism, unity of the nation protect peace in the native land, inspire us for new accomplishments in the name of beloved Belarus,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a ceremony to honor national symbols in 2021.
“We are Belarusians. All those who stand here today and welcome these symbols, and all those who are absent and have a different point of view. We should at last understand and recognize that we are Belarusians and this is our land. We must not give it away or gift it to anyone. May our symbols secure this unity and accord. May these symbols of the country's independence, heroism, unity of the nation protect peace in the native land, inspire us for new accomplishments in the name of beloved Belarus,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a ceremony to honor national symbols in 2021.
State symbols play a crucial role in the life of any country. They reflect the identity of the nation, connect the state and its citizens, ensure the continuity of generations and the consolidation of society. Adults understand this. But how to instill respect for state symbols in the younger generation? How to make the sounds of the anthem resonate in their hearts and the flag and emblem evoke extraordinary pride? Do you remember the story of Belarusian triple jumper Viyaleta Skvartsova? The European champion stood down from the podium when the wrong anthem started playing during the medal ceremony. Back then, the fans called this action not just patriotic and courageous, but the only possible one.
“It is necessary to instill respect for national symbols from an early age. This should start in the family and continue in the kindergarten and school. It should be explained to children what the symbols represent, what purpose they have, why the state needs them. This is what we should talk about all the time. We need dialogue platforms, which, in fact, we have. Let's Sing the Anthem Together campaign can be cited as a good example. TV and radio start and finish their daily broadcasts with the national anthem. We need to talk about it, explain it, hold meetings on it all the time. When we do it on a regular basis, and not just once a month, the generation will understand the importance of the national symbols. They will then be ready to support them and defend the traditions,” Nikita Pakhomov said.
How the Palace of Independence became another symbol of the Belarusian state
Speaking about the state symbols we cannot but mention one more.This is the grandiose and impressive Palace of Independence. It hosts highest-level talks, meetings to discuss the most important domestic and foreign policy issues, the head of state's meetings with Belarusian and international journalists. Do you remember how heavily Lukashenko was criticized by his opponents for the pompousness of the building? They even tried to find golden toilets and secret rooms there. But none have been detected. By the president's decision, the doors of the Palace of Independence are open. For everyone.
At the meeting with students of the Kuleshov Mogilev State University the head of state said that the Palace of Independence was made by Belarusians using domestic materials: “This Palace of Independence draws a lot of criticism. Just take a look at this center – State Flag Square, BelExpo which displays Belarus' greatest achievements, and the Palace of Independence… It demonstrates what our people are capable of.”
The Palace is called a monumental masterpiece. It is worth mentioning that the Palace of Independence was built by Belarusian specialists using Belarusian building materials. Almost all the materials used in the project were domestically sourced. The Palace of Independence is a so-called exhibition of achievements, a place which showcases the great potential and multifaceted talents of Belarusians. It is hard to tell how many expositions the Palace has hosted so far. One of the latest was a display of drawings “Khatyn through the Eyes of Children”.
It was the president's decision to exhibit the drawings and invite young talents to the official residence.
The Palace of Independence, the emblem, the flag, and the anthem are not just symbols. They carry a much stronger sense. It is an evidence that Belarus has succeeded as a state. This is a message to the world: we are a hardworking and peaceful nation who live under the proudly flying flag and follow our own path of development.
“Belarusians remember how their fathers and grandfathers died for their flag, saving it from the Nazis, rose and fearlessly went into battle under it, protecting their families and their native land. The old people, who went through the war, even today cherish this symbol. We, their children and grandchildren, keep and protect the memory of them. In the name of those who sacrificed their lives for the future of sovereign Belarus and its people, the modern Belarusians, the heirs of the winners, do everything to make sure the ideas of Nazism never take root on the holy Belarusian land. Like the previous generations, we strive for peace and creation. We are proud of our symbols and our national history, we look into the future, remembering our roots. This is our way, and this is our strength!” Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a ceremony to honor national symbols in 2022.
