Hosanna facts for kids

Hosanna is a special word used in both Judaism and Christianity. It comes from ancient languages.

In Judaism, "Hosanna" is a cry asking for God's help. In Christianity, it is used as a shout of praise and worship.

What Does Hosanna Mean?

The word Hosanna comes from ancient Hebrew and Aramaic words. It means something like 'save us now' or 'rescue us'.

In the Hebrew Bible, it was first used as a plea for help. For example, in Psalms 118:25, it means "save, I pray."

Later, in the Gospels (parts of the New Testament), "Hosanna" became a joyful shout. It showed great respect and honor for someone who saves or will save. So, it can mean 'a special honor to the one who saves'.

How Hosanna Is Used in Religions

In Judaism

In Jewish liturgy (religious services), "Hosanna" is used during the Hoshana Service. This is a series of prayers sung each morning during Sukkot. Sukkot is also known as the Feast of Booths or Tabernacles.

The full set of these prayers is sung on the seventh day of Sukkot. This day is called Hoshana Rabbah, which means "Great Hoshana." In Judaism, the word is always used in its original Hebrew form.

In Christianity

Crowds cry "Hosanna" during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem

"Hosanna" was a shout of praise for Jesus when he entered Jerusalem. People recognized him as the messiah. They shouted, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lᴏʀᴅ!" This phrase is now part of a Christian prayer called the Sanctus.

You can find "Hosanna" in many verses of the New Testament. For example, "Hosanna in the highest" (Mark 11.10) and "hosanna to the Son of David" (Matt 21:9).

The "Hosanna Anthem" is a traditional song in the Moravian Church. It is sung on Palm Sunday and the first Sunday of Advent. It's a call-and-response song. Often, children sing one part and the adult congregation sings the other.

Many modern church songs are also titled "Hosanna." These include songs by Brooke Fraser Ligertwood, Paul Baloche, Kirk Franklin, and Andrew Peterson. Sidney Mohede's "Hosanna (Be Lifted High)" was also very popular. "Hosanna! Loud Hosanna" is a well-known Christian hymn.

In the Philippines, especially in Tagalog-speaking areas, a Palm Sunday procession is called Osanahan. During this event, children dressed as angels sing "Hosanna" in Filipino or Latin.

Other Modern Uses of Hosanna

The Latin phrase Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! (Glory! Hosanna in the highest!) is in the Christmas carol "Ding Dong Merrily on High".

The famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright once shouted "Hosanna! A client!" This was after he finally got a new project following a quiet period.

In the 1969 Broadway musical 1776, the word is used in the song "Cool, Cool, Considerate Men."

"Hosanna" is also a song in the 1971 rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. It describes Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.

A. R. Rahman composed a song called "Hosanna" for a 2010 Indian movie. In this song, the word is used as a happy exclamation when someone sees their loved one.

Paul McCartney's 2013 album New includes a song titled "Hosanna." He uses the word as a cry for help because of the world's problems.

See also

In Spanish: Hosanna para niños