Hymn

Arvid_Liljelund_-_Man_Singing_Hymn_-_A_I_187_-_Finnish_National_Gallery

Village_Church-_Everyday_Life_in_Uffington,_Berkshire,_England,_UK,_1944_D19410

St_Paul's_Cathedral_South_Organ,_London,_UK_-_Diliff

1500-1200_BCE,_Vivaha_sukta,_Rigveda_10.85.16-22,_Sanskrit,_Devanagari,_manuscript_page

"Hymn"
Song
Language	Various
Genre	Religious music
Length
Composer(s)	Various
Lyricist(s)	Various

A hymn is a type of song, usually religious, specifically written for the purpose of adoration or prayer, and typically addressed to a deity or deities, or to a prominent figure or personification. The word hymn derives from Greek ὕμνος (hymnos), which means "a song of praise". Collections of hymns are known as hymnals or hymn books.

History

Hymns have been a significant part of religious traditions since ancient times. The earliest known hymns date back to the Rigveda, a collection of ancient Indian hymns written in Sanskrit around 1500 BCE. In the Western world, hymns were integral to the Ancient Greek and Ancient Roman religious practices.

During the Middle Ages, hymns were primarily written in Latin and were used in the Roman Catholic Church. The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century led to the creation of hymns in the vernacular languages, making them more accessible to the general populace. Notable hymn writers from this period include Martin Luther and John Calvin.

Types of Hymns

Hymns can be categorized into various types based on their content and purpose:

• Praise hymns: These hymns are written to express praise and adoration for a deity.
• Worship hymns: These are used during worship services to facilitate communal worship.
• Devotional hymns: These hymns are intended for personal devotion and reflection.
• Seasonal hymns: These are associated with specific religious seasons or festivals, such as Christmas or Easter.

Structure

Hymns typically follow a structured format, often consisting of multiple stanzas or verses. Each stanza usually follows a specific metrical pattern, which can vary widely. Common meters include common meter (8.6.8.6) and long meter (8.8.8.8).

Notable Hymn Writers

Some of the most influential hymn writers include:

• Isaac Watts: Known as the "Father of English Hymnody," Watts wrote over 750 hymns, including "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross."
• Charles Wesley: A prolific hymn writer, Wesley wrote over 6,000 hymns, including "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."
• Fanny Crosby: An American hymn writer who wrote over 8,000 hymns, including "Blessed Assurance."

Modern Usage

Hymns continue to be an essential part of religious services in many traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Hinduism. They are often sung during worship services, religious ceremonies, and personal devotion.

Related Pages

• Hymnody
• Psalm
• Chant
• Anthem
• Canticle
• Liturgical music