My Belarusy — national anthem of Belarus

History and development

The music originates in a composition that was first used as the anthem of the Byelorussian SSR; that earlier tune and a Soviet-era lyric were introduced in the mid-20th century and set to music by Nieścier Sakałowski with words by Michaś Klimkovič. When Belarus became independent from the Soviet Union, the state reviewed its symbols. Rather than discarding the familiar melody, authorities kept the tune and commissioned revised lyrics to reflect the sovereign republic; new words were prepared by Michaś Klimkovič together with Uładzimir Karyzna and formally adopted by the state in 2002. For context on national symbols see general material about the national anthem and the country of Belarus.

Structure, authorship and language

The anthem combines an established orchestral melody with contemporary lyrics intended to express national identity, unity and the homeland. The music's composer, cited in historical records, provided a melody recognizable across generations; lyricists revised the text to remove explicitly Soviet references while retaining familiar musical phrasing. Because of Belarus's linguistic landscape, versions and performances may appear in Belarusian and in Russian-language contexts.

Uses and ceremonial role

Like other national anthems, "My Belarusy" is performed at official ceremonies, international sporting events, military parades, state visits and school functions. Its presence is part of national protocol and civic education; recordings and orchestrations are used by broadcasters and government agencies to mark formal occasions.

Notable facts and distinctions

• The melody predates the post-1991 state and is shared with the Soviet-era Byelorussian anthem, reflecting continuity in musical identity despite political change.
• Revising lyrics while retaining the tune is a compromise employed by several post-Soviet states to balance historical memory with new national narratives.
• Discussion of symbols and changes to anthems often appears alongside broader debates about history, culture and language policy in Belarus and the wider region, including the legacy of the Soviet Union.