☝️ Key Points
- The song is about an old oak tree on the coast that is a symbol of Low German language and culture.
- The tree is strong and proud and has been there for thousands of years.
- People have cherished the tree and embraced it as a symbol of their identity.
- The song encourages people to be proud of their language and culture and to strive for their preservation.
- It is shown that one's own identity and language can provide protection and strength in difficult times.
Interpretation
"De Eikboom (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern)" is a song by
Landeshymne and is about an old oak tree that stands on the coast. The tree has a strong and proud crown and has been there for thousands of years. It was not planted by humans, but grew naturally and stretches from Pomerania to the Netherlands.
The tree is full of knots and cracks and no tool can harm it. Its bark is rough and its wood is strong as if enchanted. Nothing can harm it and it will still stand when thousands of years have passed.
The queen, the king, and their daughter go to the beach and wonder what this mighty tree claims, which extends its branches over the land. Who has taken care of it and who has made it bloom so happily?
The answer comes from a young man who steps forward to the king and says that they have not cared for either the tree or the simple language of the people. The workers have appreciated the tree and have embraced it as a symbol of the Low German language and culture. They did not need art to preserve their identity.
The king recognizes the importance of the tree and the importance of preserving one's own language and identity. He gives the young man the hand of his daughter and recognizes that someone who preserves their own language and identity is best protected in difficult times.
The song encourages people to be proud of their language and culture and to strive to preserve them. It shows that one's own identity and language are valuable assets that can provide protection and strength in times of need.