Why do we refrain from
saying and singing Alleluia during Lent? When did this practice
start?
Lent is a penitential season, a time of repentance, self-examination,
confession and study. For many, it is a time to prepare for Holy
Baptism at Easter. The Church has traditionally marked Lent by
various practices of self-denial, such as dressing the altar
and clergy in a somber colors, not placing flowers on the
altar, singing
music with a penitential rather than exuberant tone, and ceasing
the use of “Alleluia!” in the liturgy. Not only do
such practices remind us of our own need for self-denial, but when
we burst forth with white vestments, brilliant flowers, exuberant
music and shouts of “Alleluia! Christ is Risen!” on
Easter Day, we celebrate the joy of Christian hope.
