Lippulaulu

Lippulaulu (transl. Flag song) also known Siniristilippumme is a flag anthem, written by Veikko Antero Koskenniemi and composed by Yrjö Kilpinen in 1927.^[1] The song is often sung during flag raisings on flag flying days in Finland, especially on Midsummer and Independence Day.

An example of where and when the Lippulaulu would be sung.

Koskenniemi wrote the song following the flag change to the Blue cross flag in May 1918. In 1917, Koskenniemi had written a poem about the previous Lion flag, which was used during the Finnish Civil War, his poem was named Leijonalippu (transl. Lion Flag).^[2]

The text of the song is deeply patriotic and even warlike, calling for the sacrifice of one's life for their country.

Text

Finnish lyrics[3]

English version[4]

Siniristilippumme, sulle käsin vannomme, sydämin: sinun puolestas elää ja kuolla on halumme korkehin. Kuin taivas ja hanki Suomen ovat värisi puhtahat. Sinä hulmullas mielemme nostat ja kotimme korotat. Isät, veljet verellään vihki sinut viiriksi vapaan maan. Ilomiellä sun jäljessäs käymme teit' isäin astumaan. Sun on kunnias kunniamme, sinun voimasi voimamme on. Sinun kanssasi onnemme jaamme ja iskut kohtalon. Siniristilippumme, sulle valan vannomme kallihin: sinun puolestas elää ja kuolla on halumme korkehin.

Our blue cross flag, we swear to you with our hands, with our hearts: To live and die for you is our greatest wish. Like the sky and snow of Finland are your pure colours. With your fluttering you lift up our thoughts and ennoble our homes. With their blood our fathers and brothers consecrated you as the flag of a free land. Joyfully we follow you in our fathers' footsteps. Your honour is our honour, your might is our might. With you we share our fortunes and the blows of fate. Our blue cross flag, to you we swear dearly: To live and die for you Is our greatest wish.

See also

• Maamme
• National anthem