A summary of IS9’s question.

Greetings to one and all.This has been a wonderful ride and we have learnt a lot from this journey.This is what we learnt.

A.   Like South Africa, countries like Hungary, Latvia, Lebanon and Morocco have national anthems that are poetic prayers. These countries’ national anthems all ask for God’s protection and blessings. They also ask for a time of happiness and freedom. The national anthems of these countries also show their pride in their country. The Netherlands’, on the other hand, is a rallying call to support the king and Ukraine’s national anthem is a song of praise for their country and a call for freedom.

B.    Their national symbols are of high importance and they all have different meanings. The Hungarians have an interesting artefact which is the Hungarian King’s hand. Many Latvian, Ukrainian, South African, Lebanese, Moroccan and Dutch symbols are taken from nature.

The Ukrainian Coat of Arms is found on the back of their coins which is similar to South Africa.

Most symbols represent positive attributes and beliefs such as peace, religion, immortality, strength and unity.

C.   The traditional music of many countries (such as Lebanon and South Africa) expresses emotion, power and the struggle that people have faced.

Another common thread amongst countries is the use of rhythm as a spiritual force. For example, in South Africa, many instruments are used to communicate with the ancestors. The vuvuzela in South Africa is a controversial instrument, used to spur sportsmen on at important sports events. This often distracts visiting teams who then struggle to perform well.

D.   Lebanon: Fairuz, Sabah, Nasri Shamseldine

Morocco: Tarab Al Andaloussi

Ukraine- National anthem composer: Pavlo Chubynskvi,

-       Musicians: Sofia Rotaru and Oleg Skrypka

South Africa: Enoch Sontonga, Miriam Makeba, Brenda Fassie, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Hugh Masekela, Soweto String Quartet

The Netherlands’: Andre Hazes.

Latvia: Igli

Hungary: Zoltan Kodaly, Bela Bartok.

Thank you for making this journey a pleasant one(or,"nca",as we say in South Africa).