Sung only quietly at the World Cup – mandatory again on August 1st: Why do we struggle so much with the 'Swiss Psalm'?

During Switzerland's recent World Cup success, a moment of national euphoria saw citizens seeking to break from the ordinary. While political parties ran ads encouraging people to wake up for late-night matches, and a politician even pledged to dye his hair blond if the team won the tournament, the national anthem sung before a historic quarter-final match remained a point of awkwardness.

Many remained silent, unfamiliar with the lyrics or unwilling to sing. Others struggled with the words, unsure whether to sing "God in the glorious Fatherland" or "God, the Lord, in the glorious Fatherland." This hesitant rendition highlights a complicated relationship with the "Swiss Psalm," the country's national anthem.

The article suggests this ambivalence is, in fact, quite fitting for Switzerland, a nation that typically thrives on discussing differences and seeking balance rather than engaging in feverish celebrations. Historically, Switzerland did not adopt a single official anthem in the 19th century like many other nations, instead allowing various patriotic songs to serve as unofficial hymns.

This pluralistic approach to national identity, the article argues, is reflected in the current, somewhat awkward, relationship with the "Swiss Psalm." While the anthem is mandatory on August 1st, its religious text and slow melody draw criticism, contrasting sharply with the recent national mood of embracing the extraordinary and stepping outside of convention.