Szekler anthem to become the latest Hungaricum?

The song was not written with the intent of creating a new anthem, yet it became a national symbol and the official anthem of Szeklerland. Hungarians in Transylvania often sing the song on special occasions such as New Year’s Eve when they gather together in front of the church at midnight.

After the first world war ended, Hungary had to sign the Treaty of Trianon, giving up a large chunk of its land that was acquired by the neighbouring countries. Hence, Hungarians became a minority group on their own land after borders were redefined. Szeklers are a group of Hungarians, living in Hargita and Kovászna counties in Transylvania region, Romania. It is important to know that not all Transylvanian Hungarians identify as Szeklers.

In 1921, Kálmán Mihalik composed the song, and György Csanádi wrote the lyrics for it. This song was not created with the intention to write a new anthem, but it later became the symbol of protest against repression.

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In the beginning, the song was not known by many. There was a time when more people became aware of it and began to sing it in secret as it was banned. After Northern Transylvania was given back to Hungary, the song was taught in schools between 1941 and 1944. Later, Romania got back the land permanently. During the communist era, if someone was caught just listening to the song, they were sent to jail for three months. – eszm.ro wrote.