July 21: National Day in Belgium
Prayer Idea
Pray for the people and government of Belgium.
Map by Peter Hermes Furian / Shutterstock.
History Note
The Belgae were an ancient people group who fought against Julius Caesar. Their territory became a province of the Roman Empire called Gallia Belgica, one of the three parts of Gaul.
For much of its history since Roman times, Belgium was controlled by its neighbors, including the French, the Spanish, and the Dutch. The Belgians revolted against control by the Netherlands in 1830. King Leopold I took the constitutional oath as the first king of Belgium on July 21, 1831. This date is observed as National Day in the kingdom.
The royal family and other dignitaries start the day by attending a religious service in Brussels, the capital. The nation also celebrates with a military parade, cultural performances, and food.
This photo shows Belgium's royal family leaving St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral in Brussels after the Te Deum mass on July 21, 2022. Photo by Alexandros Michailidis / Shutterstock.com.
Learn More
Alexandre Dechet wrote the original version of 'La Brabançonne' during the Belgian Revolution of 1830. The country officially adopted the song as its anthem in 1860 with some modifications.
In 1921 the Belgian government established that one verse from the 1860 version would be the official anthem. It is sung in the three official languages of Belgium: French, Dutch, and German.
Find more resources at Homeschool History.
