Bury the Alleluia

Today is sometimes known as "Alleluia Sunday" or the "Sunday of the Burial." We are just on the threshold of the beginning of Lent.  Today we bid a fond farewell to the phrase "Alleluia."  The omission of Alleluia from the Liturgy goes back to around the 5th century.  Alleluia is a Hebrew word meaning "Praise Jah" or "PraiseYahweh." Traditionally it is seen as the highest form of praise of the angels during the Heavenly Liturgy.  Therefore, its a word that is associated with the highest form of joy.  During Lent, we "fast" from using this word until it springs forth anew to announce the exuberant joy of the Resurrection. In the Middle Ages, a tradition arose of actually burying the Alleluia. The text would be sung joyfully from a scroll and then laid in a coffin and sealed. There would be a solemn procession from the Church and the casket would be actually buried during the 40 Days of Lent.  On Easter Sunday, there would be a solemn procession back to the place of burial where it would be dug up and processed back to the Church.  The deacon would said, "I announce to you great joy: Alleluia" and the Church would break forth in song. So, today is a day to get it all out of your system.  Crank out the Alleluias and let them ring! For in a few short days, we shall fast from the Alleluia until we stand at the empty tomb to sing it anew!