The hidden poem in the old 5 thousand pesos bill: the tribute to José Asunción Silva that many do not know

One of the greatest poets of the country.

News Colombia.

The 5,000 pesos bill, which circulated in Colombia for several decades, was not only a means of economic exchange, but also a cultural symbol that paid homage to one of the country’s greatest poets; José Asunción Silva.

This bill, remembered by many, had a printed fragment of the poem “Nocturno”, one of the most iconic works of the Bogotá poet.

The poem “Nocturno”: a literary legacy

José Asunción Silva, born in 1865, is considered one of the precursors of modernism in Latin American literature.

His poem “Nocturno”, written in the second half of the 19th century, is a work that reflects melancholy and the feeling of loss, recurring themes in Silva’s life.

The fragment of the poem that appeared on the bill said:

«One night, one night full of murmurs, perfumes and music of wings.»

This verse evokes the sensitivity and unique style of Silva, whose work has left a deep mark on Colombian literature.

The banknote as a cultural symbol

The 5,000 pesos bill, first issued in 1986, became an emblem of Colombian cultural identity.

The decision to include Silva’s poem was a recognition of his contribution to literature and a reminder of the cultural value of poetry in society.

In addition, the banknote featured a portrait of the poet, along with elements of his life and work, such as his famous “House of Poetry”, today a museum in Bogotá.

The legacy of José Asunción Silva today

Although the 5,000 pesos bill was withdrawn from circulation in 2016, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who used it and in the cultural history of Colombia.

José Asunción Silva remains a central figure in the country’s literature, and his poem “Nocturno” continues to be studied and appreciated by new generations of readers.

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