French-Canadian Origins
The original “O Canada” premiered at St. Jean Baptiste Day celebrations in Québec City, in late June 1880. The French lyrics were written by judge and author Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier (fig. 4) and the melody by Calixa Lavallée (fig.5)
The French origins of “O Canada” may surprise some, given the separatist tensions between Québec and much of English-speaking Canada; however, establishing a distinct national identity for the fledgling Canada partially through the composition and dissemination of a new national anthem meant, for French Canadians, achieving a longed-for distance from colonial Britain.
In contrast, English-speaking Canada’s de facto anthems of the same era, “The Maple Leaf Forever” (fig. 6; 7a & 7b) and “God Save the King,” were steadfastly British and celebrated the British monarchy and military victories, ultimately characterizing Canada as an English colony.
The original French lyrics reflect nineteenth-century Québec’s primarily Catholic identity. Militant, triumphant, and unabashedly Christian, the lyrics project a religious fervor unseen in the contemporary English version. In the original anthem, Canada is imagined as a valiant, protective figure wreathed with flowers, wielding a sword, and prepared to carry the cross. No mention is made of landscape or northern identity: instead, themes of glory, faith, and epic exploits take centre stage. (Fig. 8)