Hungary
- Language
- Hungarian
- Anthem
- Himnusz
- Duration
- 1:41
- Status
- "Himnusz" remains Hungary's official national anthem today, with the first verse commonly performed, though the entire eight-verse poem is recognized.
Hungary National Anthem History
Himnusz
Hungary's national anthem, "Himnusz," originated as a poem written in 1823 depicting the nation's turbulent history. It was officially adopted in 1844 and faced debates about its religious nature during the Communist era.
Hungary
Himnusz
History timeline
-
1823
Ferenc Kölcsey wrote the poem "Himnusz," reflecting Hungary's 'stormy centuries' divided under various powers.
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1844
The poem, with music by Ferenc Erkel, was officially adopted as Hungary's national anthem while still part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
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Early Communist rule
Debates arose to replace "Himnusz" with "Szózat" due to the anthem's prayer-like text and Hungary's official atheist stance.
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Communist rule
Although never replaced, the anthem was often performed without its words during the Communist period.
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Present
While the entire poem is official, usually only the first verse of "Himnusz" is performed.
During the early years of Communist rule, there was a serious debate to replace "Himnusz" because, as a prayer, it clashed with the state's official atheist ideology.