Gaudeamus igitur

Gaudeamus igitur
English: So Let Us Rejoice
Postcard with symbols of traditional German student life from 1898

Official anthem of FISU World University Games and the International University Sports Federation
LyricsUnknown, 1287
MusicUnknown, 1782
Adopted1959

"De Brevitate Vitae" (Latin for "On the Shortness of Life"), more commonly known as "Gaudeamus igitur" ("So Let Us Rejoice") or just "Gaudeamus", is a popular academic commercium song in many European countries, mainly sung or performed at university graduation ceremonies. Despite its use as a formal graduation hymn, it is a jocular, light-hearted composition that pokes fun at university life. The song is thought to originate in a Latin manuscript from 1287. It is in the tradition of carpe diem ("seize the day") with its exhortations to enjoy life. It was known as a beer-drinking song in many early universities and is the official song of many schools, colleges, universities, institutions, student societies and is the official anthem of the International University Sports Federation.