Ode to joy-x’mas and new year special from quest forum

We the questers always believed  in Phoenix and rekindling of human spirit in spite of temporary set backs/tribulations/ calamities whatever name you want to call.End of the year even though it does not mean much it is a good reference point to introspect and rekindle the spirits,We always believed and believes in joy of all so posting this ode to joy sung by Japanese during this period every year.it is Beethoven ‘s 9th symphony(not heard of him see his wiki page )

Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” was composed in 1824, in the final movement of his last, and arguably most famous symphony, Symphony No. 9. The premiere took place in Vienna on May 7, 1824, and despite its unpracticed and underrehearsed presentation, the audience was ecstatic. 

Lyrics:

English “Ode to Joy” Translation

O friends, no more of these sounds!
Let us sing more cheerful songs,
More songs full of joy!
Joy!
Joy!
Joy, bright spark of divinity,
Daughter of Elysium,
Fire-inspired we tread
Within thy sanctuary.

Thy magic power re-unites
All that custom has divided,
All men become brothers,
Under the sway of thy gentle wings.
Whoever has created
An abiding friendship,
Or has won
A true and loving wife,
All who can call at least one soul theirs,
Join our song of praise;
But those who cannot must creep tearfully
Away from our circle.
All creatures drink of joy
At natures breast.
Just and unjust
Alike taste of her gift;
She gave us kisses and the fruit of the vine,
A tried friend to the end.
Even the worm can feel contentment,
And the cherub stands before God!
Gladly, like the heavenly bodies
Which He sent on their courses
Through the splendor of the firmament;
Thus, brothers, you should run your race,
Like a hero going to victory!
You millions, I embrace you.
This kiss is for all the world!
Brothers, above the starry canopy
There must dwell a loving father.

Do you fall in worship, you millions?
World, do you know your creator?
Seek Him in the heavens;
Above the stars must he dwell.

Interesting Facts about “Ode to Joy”

• In 1972, the Council of Europe made Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” its official anthem. Years later, in 1985, the European Union did the same. Although Schiller’s text isn’t sung in the anthem, the music conveys the same ideas of freedom, peace, and unity. 
• During World War I, German prisoners held captive by Japan introduced them to Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. Years later, Japanese orchestras began performing it. Then, after the devastating events of World War II, many Japanese orchestras began performing it at the end of the year, hoping to bring in enough audience members to help fund reconstruction efforts. Since then, it has become a Japanese tradition to perform Beethoven’s 9th symphony at the end of the year.
• Ref:https://www.thoughtco.com/beethovens-ode-to-joy-lyrics-history-724410
• Once again have a look at  our last new year post Happy new year