Why is there a 21-gun salute?

On the morning of September 2, a military parade will take place to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Simultaneously with the parade will be the ceremony of firing 21 cannons at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. This ceremony has been around for a long time in Vietnam and around the world, but not many people know its origin and meaning.

More than 400 years ago, in some European countries, it was customary to fire cannons to welcome distinguished guests. But at that time, this ritual was only popular on warships.

When a country's warship enters another country's port, all of its guns must be fired to show that it has no hostile intentions.

21-gun salute ceremony.

In the past, warships were light in tonnage, and the number of guns mounted on the ship could not be more than 7, and they were all muzzle-loaded. Therefore, firing the guns was very laborious, and only one gun could be fired and all 7 guns could be fired.

On the harbor forts, the hosts arranged many cannons, and they fired three shots in response and welcome.

The product of 3 x 7 is 21, which is the origin of 21 cannon shots.

Later, this custom gradually became an international practice. It is not limited to cases where the navy must enter another country's port. This etiquette is also applied on holidays and when receiving distinguished guests.

Originated from England?

There is another explanation that this ritual started in England. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the United Kingdom was very powerful and had many colonies around the world.

Whenever a British warship passed or entered a colony's fort or harbor, they required the enemy to fire 21 cannon shots to show respect and submission, while the British warships only fired 7 shots in response.

Later, this ritual spread to other countries around the world, becoming popular during holidays or when welcoming heads of state.

In fact, there are many explanations about the origin of the number 21. Some say that Western navies often consider the number 3 to be a universal number, and the number 7 to be a mystical number. Their product is 21, so the number 21 should be reserved for honored guests.

There is another opinion, at that time the largest warship only had 21 cannons, so when 21 cannons on the warship fired 21 shots into the air, it was the most sincere greeting ceremony.

In 1772, England prescribed 21 cannon shots as a solemn ceremony to welcome the king and queen. In 1837, America prescribed 26 cannon shots as an important ceremony.

In 1875, the US State Department and the British Resident in the United States agreed to use the naval practice of firing 21 shots for the most important ceremonies and 19 shots for other ceremonies.

Welcoming heads of state

Currently, countries around the world often perform a 21-shot cannon salute when welcoming a head of state, and 19 shots when welcoming a prime minister. Each country has its own regulations on the number of cannon salutes and other salutes.

For example, the UK fires 62 cannons on the Queen's birthday, and the US fires 50 cannons on its national day (symbolizing the 50 states).

When the People's Republic of China was founded on October 1, 1949, the country used 54 cannons to fire 28 volleys to represent the 1st People's Political Consultative Conference attended by delegates from 54 localities, and at the same time marked the 28th anniversary of the Communist Party of China leading the people in a arduous struggle to the pinnacle of victory with the birth of a new China.

Nowadays, this ritual is only performed for countries with special relations when receiving heads of state or on major national holidays.

During President Truong Tan Sang's visit to China a few years ago, a solemn welcoming ceremony was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, following the protocol reserved for heads of state. Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over the welcoming ceremony, and the two countries' national anthems were solemnly played by military bands, accompanied by a 21-gun salute.

Arriving in Indonesia, President Truong Tan Sang was also welcomed at the Presidential Palace of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, with the highest ceremony reserved for a head of state and a 21-gun salute.

According to Petro times