"Šongkoro" — Manchu war song

Details

Description

The Manchu banner army was a military and social organization established by Nurhaci in the early 17th century. It divided troops and households into eight banners, each identified by a distinct color and pattern. Later, Mongol and Han Chinese banners were added, expanding the system. The banners served as the core military force of the Qing dynasty, combining administrative and military functions. Members were hereditary soldiers and their families, receiving stipends from the state. The system helped the Manchus conquer and rule China, though its effectiveness declined by the 19th century due to corruption and lack of modernization.

Song lyrics:

Šanggiyan alin de,
On the White Mountain,

Ey!
Hey!

Gukiong nimanggi be fehume tuwaci,
Treading on ancient snow to gaze afar,

Leli abka na de mini deyere enduri šongkoro bi.
There in the expanse of sky and earth, my flying spirit sings.

Weji hafu yome,
Through the dense forest,

Abkai mangga beri darambi.
He draws the mighty bow of heaven.

Mangga beri darara age,
O hunter drawing the mighty bow,

Coktolome yabuki.
Let us stride forth with vigor!

šongkoro deyeme,
Singing as it soars,

bolgo na de coktolome tuwambi.
Swiftly surveying the pure land.

colkon be dasihime,
Shaking the reins,

coktolome iserakū.
Advancing without pause.

age sujumpi,
The elder bends his bow,

boconggo gerhen be sihambi.
Shattering enemy formations.

batu, katun, kiriba, mujingga, akdacun banjiha.
Resolute, heroic, fierce, unyielding - trust is forged.

šanggiyan alin serengge,
The White Mountain,

musei manjui fulehe da.
Root of our Manchu people.

sahaliyan ula serengge,
The Black River,

musei manjui fulehe da.
Root of our Manchu people.