Though the original song dates in the oral tradition to 1640, its modern lyrics were written by Emili Guanyavents, who won a competition convened by the political party Unió Catalanista in 1899. The music was standardized by Francesc Alió in 1892. The song is based on the events of 1640 known as Corpus de Sang during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) between Spain, England, France and Austria, the event that started the Catalan Revolt or Guerra dels Segadors (Reapers' War) where Catalans fought against the Count-Duke of Olivares, the chief minister of King Philip IV of Spain. Since the beginning of the 20th century, Els Segadors became one of the symbols of catalanism and Catalonia itself, increasing its popularity during the Second Spanish Republic and the Civil War. After decades used de facto, sometimes alongside the Cant de la Senyera, the Catalan government adopted "Els Segadors" as the national anthem of Catalonia in 25 February 1993, by law of its parliament. The official version was made in 1994. The new Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia of 2006 confirms this decision by its article 8.4.

The Reapers (English translation) Catalonia triumphant shall again be rich and bountiful. Drive away these people, Who are so conceited and so arrogant. Chorus: Strike with your sickle! Strike with your sickle, defenders of the land! Strike with your sickle! Now is the time, reapers. Now is the time to stand alert. For when another June comes, Let us sharpen our tools well. Chorus May the enemy tremble, upon seeing our symbol. Just as we cut golden ears of wheat, when the time calls we cut off chains. Chorus

Source: Wikipedia in English and Catalonian