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La Dessalinienne: National Anthem of HaitiLa Dessalinienne
La Dessalinienne: National Anthem of Haiti
La Dessalinienne
  • May 29, 2024
  • | 0

La Dessalinienne: National Anthem of Haiti

Since its tumultuous birth as the first independent black republic in 1804, Haïti has been a beacon of resistance, independence and pride for people around the world. At the heart of its national identity is an anthem of profound power and meaning: La Dessalinienne.

La DessalinienneLa Dessalinienne

The Story Behind the Anthem

La Dessalinienne takes its name from Jean-Jacques Dessalines, the Haitian revolutionary leader who successfully led the fight against French colonial oppression and proclaimed Haïti as the world’s first independent black republic on January 1, 1804. Written by Justin Lhérisson and composed by Nicolas Geffrard, this anthem is a vibrant tribute to the legacy of Dessalines and the indomitable spirit of the Haitian people.

Discover the history of Haiti: A fascinating story to explore! : https://haitiwonderland.com/haiti/histoire/decouvrez-l-histoire-d-haiti--un-recit-fascinant-a-explorer/81

La DessalinienneLa Dessalinienne

A Symbol of Resilience and Freedom

La Dessalinienne is not simply a patriotic song, but a rallying cry for freedom and justice. His poignant words evoke the constant struggle of the Haitian people to overcome challenges, resist oppression and defend their dignity. Every note resonates with the force of the revolutionary spirit that shook the foundations of injustice and slavery.

La DessalinienneLa Dessalinienne

The Immortal Words


I
For the Country, for the Ancestors Let’s march united, let’s march united
In our ranks there are no traitors. Let us be the sole masters of the soil
Let’s walk united, let’s walk united For the Country, for the Ancestors
Let’s march, let’s march, let’s march united For the Country, for the
Ancestors

II
For the Forefathers, for the Homeland Happy bechons, happy bechons
When the field bears fruit The soul is strengthened Joyful bechons,
happy bechons For the Forefathers, for the Fatherland Bechons, bechons,
happy bechons For the Forefathers, for the Homeland

III
For the Country and for our Fathers Let us form Sons, let us form Sons
Free, strong and prosperous We will always be brothers Let us form
Sons, let us form Sons For the Country and for our Fathers
Let’s train, let’s train, let’s train Sons For the Country and for our
Fathers

IV
For the Forefathers, for the Fatherland O God of the Brave, O God of the Brave
Under your infinite care Take our rights, our life O God of
Preux, O God of the Precious For the Forefathers, for the Fatherland O God, O
God, O God of the Brave, For the Forefathers, for the Fatherland

V
For the Flag, for the Fatherland Dying is beautiful, dying is beautiful
Our past cries out to us: Have a seasoned soul Dying is beautiful,
dying is beautiful For the Flag, for the Fatherland To die, to die,
dying is beautiful For the Flag, for the Fatherland


These words resonate with timeless force, reminding Haitians of their responsibility to defend their homeland and preserve the heritage of their ancestors. They urge unity and solidarity, emphasizing that only by remaining united, the Haitian people can face the challenges that stand in their way.

Jean-Jacques Dessalines, leader of the Haitian Revolution

In the annals of the history of Haiti, an island located in the Caribbean at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico and shared with the Dominican Republic, Jean-Jacques Dessalines emerges like a phoenix from the ashes of oppression. Born a slave on September 20, 1758 in the home of Henri Duclos, in Cormier (Grande-Rivière-du-Nord), in the French colony of Saint-Domingue, Dessalines was a Creole of African (Afro-Caribbean) origin. Freed during the 1794 abolition achieved through slave revolts, actually served as an officer in the French army during the French Revolution. At that time, the ideas of freedom and equality were at the heart of the concerns of the inhabitants of the colonies. Dessalines actively participated in the fighting against the Spanish and British forces, alongside the French, in Santo Domingo. Having risen to the rank of Lieutenant General, Jean-Jacques Dessalines turned against the French during the Leclerc expedition, sent to Saint-Domingue by Bonaparte to reestablish colonial authority and slavery during the Haitian Revolution. After the capture and deportation of Toussaint Louverture to France on June 7, 1802, Dessalines assumed a leading role in continuing the struggle for independence. He led numerous battles, including the battle of Crête-à-Pierrot in March 1802, where he galvanized his soldiers with his famous declaration: “Let those who want to remain slaves of the French leave the fort, let those, on the contrary, who want to die as free men, line up around me.” On January 1, 1804, Jean-Jacques Dessalines achieved the long-awaited goal of independence by proclaiming Haïti as a sovereign nation, becoming the second country in the Americas to gain independence from a colonial power. He became the first leader of the newly formed nation and was named Emperor under the name James I. However, his imperial reign was marked by authoritarian and brutal policies, including the massacre of many white settlers and the redistribution of land to peasants that was in the hands of the generals of the independence army. In addition, he organized the hunt for delinquents in the city while implementing rigorous agrarian policies, considering that they represented a threat to the stability of the nation, these controversial actions caused divisions within Haitian society. Dessalines was assassinated on October 17, 1806 following a plot organized by some of his generals in the Haitian army. His death marked the end of his brief but influential period in power. Despite the controversies surrounding his methods, he is recognized as the main architect of Haiti’s independence and his name was honored in 1903 by being attributed to the Haitian national anthem, La Dessalinienne, composed by Justin Lhérisson.Finally, the great visionary man Jean Jacques Dessalines remains an emblematic figure in the history of Haiti, recognized for his role in the fight for independence and the end of slavery in the region.

La DessalinienneLa Dessalinienne

Across borders

Although La Dessalinienne is the national anthem of Haiti, its message transcends geographic boundaries. It resonates with all those who fight for their freedom and dignity, inspiring liberation movements across the world. Its influence extends far beyond the shores of Haiti, becoming a universal symbol of courage and determination in the face of adversity.

La Dessalinienne remains a pillar of Haitian national identity, a constant reminder of the resilience and determination of the Haitian people to defend their freedom and dignity. As future generations rise to face new challenges, this anthem will continue to resonate as a call for unity, solidarity and justice for all.

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Appolon Guy Alain

Full Stack Developer, Créatif, expérimenté, passionné des nouvelles technologies et de l’art.

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First black nation to free itself from slavery and gain independence from France in 1804 and influenced other liberation movements around the world, inspiring struggles for freedom and equality.

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Haïti is blessed with spectacular natural landscapes, including white sand beaches, mountains and rich biodiversity.

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