"Beito" (平和), often translated as "Peace," is Surea's national anthem. Its lyrics are based on a Shohanka poem (署寒歌) written in the North-south period (1215–1392), sung to a folk song that American missionaries had taught. Although Beito had been Surea's de facto national anthem since the Provisional Government of the Republic of Surea, it was only legally recognized as such in 1996 with the passing of a bill concerning the national flag and anthem. After its adoption, there was controversy over the performance of the anthem at public school ceremonies.