National symbols of the Republic of Serbia include coat-of-arms and flag. The coat-of-arms is a double-headed white eagle with a shield, a cross, four firesteels, and the crown of the Nemanjic dynasty. The state flag is a tricolour (red, blue, and white) with horizontal stripes, with a small coat-of-arms located left of centre by one-seventh of the length of the flag. The national anthem of Serbia is a 19th century song, “Boze Pravde” (God of Justice), written by Davorin Jenko and with lyrics by Jovan Djordjevic. Listen to "Boze Pravde" Text of the national anthem of Serbia God of Justice; Thou who saved us when in deepest bondage cast, Hear Thy Serbian children's voices, Be our help as in the past. With Thy mighty hand sustain us, Still our rugged pathway trace; God, our hope; protect and cherish Serbian lands and Serbian race! Bind in closest links our kindred Teach the love that will not fail, May the loathed fiend of discord Never in our ranks prevail. Let the golden fruits of union Our young tree of freedom grace; God, our Master! guide and prosper Serbian lands and Serbian race! Lord! Avert from us Thy vengeance, Thunder of Thy dreaded ire; Bless each Serbian town and hamlet, Mountain, meadow, heart and spire. When our host goes forth to battle Death or victory to embrace- God of armies! be our leader Strengthen then the Serbian race! On our sepulchre of ages Breaks the resurrection morn, From the slough of direst slavery Serbia anew is born. Through five hundred years of durance We have knelt before Thy face, All our kin, O God! deliver, Thus entreats the Serbian race! |