"Himnusz" (in English: Hymn) a song beginning with the words Isten, áldd meg a magyart About this sound listen (help·info) (God, bless the Hungarians) is a musical poetic prayer that serves as the official national anthem of Hungary. It was adopted in 1844 and the first stanza is sung at official ceremonies. The words were written by Ferenc Kölcsey, a nationally renowned poet in 1823, and its currently official musical setting was composed by the romantic composer Ferenc Erkel, although other less-known musical versions exist. The poem bore the subtitle "A magyar nép zivataros századaiból" ("From the rough centuries of the Hungarian people"); it is often argued that this subtitle by emphasizing past rather than contemporary national troubles was added expressly to enable the poem to pass Habsburg censorship. The full meaning of the poem's text is evident only to those well acquainted with Hungarian history. Hungary Himnusz Lyrics: Isten, aldd meg a magyart Jo kedvvel, boseggel, Nyujts feleje vedo kart, Ha kuzd ellenseggel; Balsors, akit regen tep, Hozz ra vig esztendot, Megbunhodte mar e nep A multat s jovendot! English Translation: God Bless the Hungarians With good cheer and propriety 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.

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