Hymns are ancient songs of praise that have shaped worship across cultures and religions, evolving into distinct traditions such as Christian hymnody, gospel music, and contemporary Christian music.

The word hymn comes from the Greek hymnos, meaning "song of praise," often directed to gods or deities. The Latin adopted the term as hymnus, which entered Old English as ymne. Hymns existed in ancient Greece (Homeric Hymns, 8th century BC), in Egypt, and in the Hebrew Bible'sPsalms. Early Christian hymnody grew out of psalm singing in Jewish worship, with preserved examples such as Phos Hilaron (O Gladsome Light) from around 2000 AD.

A hymn is a sacred song of praise, prayer, or devotion, often metrical and strophic. A hymnist is a writer of hymns, while a hymnodist is a scholar or compiler of hymns, often analyzing or organizing hymnody. Hymnody is the practice and study of hymn writing and singing, and a hymnal is a collection of hymns, often arranged for congregational use.

Hymns are typically metrical, with consistent syllable counts per line, making them easy for congregational singing. They use elevated, reverent language and imagery. Designed for group singing, they unify worshippers as they praise deities, narrate truths, or invoke the divine presence.

The Eastern Church preserved some of the oldest Christian hymns, such as Phos Hilaron (3rd century) and the Odes of Solomon. In the Byzantine tradition, hymns became highly poetic and theological, often composed in elaborate forms such as the kontakion (a short homiletic hymn) and the canon (a multi-ode hymn). Greek was dominant, and later joined by Syriac, Coptic, Armenian, and Slavonic. Hymns were often chanted, emphasizing mystical theology and liturgy.

In Western Christianity, early Latin hymns (Ambrose of Milan, 4th century) were simple, metrical, and designed for congregational singing. Ambrose's hymns helped spread hymnody in the West. Gregorian chant dominated in medieval times, although metrical hymns continued alongside it. Hymns like Dies Irae and Veni Creator Spiritus became central. The Protestant Reformation split Western hymnody into Catholic and Protestant streams.

The liturgical focus of Catholic hymns was tied to the Divine Office (daily prayers) and feast days. In the post-Tridentine era, hymns were standardized, with Latin texts dominating until Vatican II (1960s), which encouraged vernacular hymnody. Modern Catholic hymnals like Gather and Glory and Praise blend traditional hymns with contemporary styles.

Protestant hymnody soon divided on denominational grounds. In what became the Lutheran tradition, Martin Luther championed congregational singing in the vernacular. His hymns (A Mighty Fortress Is Our God) emphasized theology accessible to laypeople. The Calvinist tradition preferred psalm singing (metrical psalters) over hymns, emphasizing scripture alone. The Anglican tradition combined psalms, chants, and hymns, which writers like Isaac Watts and Charles Wesley later enriched. Evangelical movements in the 18th and 19th centuries brought about a flowering of English-language hymns, with Wesleyan hymns emphasizing personal devotion and revival.

Early Anabaptists (16th century) produced hymn collections like the Ausbund, which is still used by Amish communities. Anabaptist hymns often reflected martyrdom, suffering, and steadfast faith. The style was simple, unaccompanied singing, emphasizing communal devotion over musical sophistication.

Some of the most widely used Christian hymnals are The Hymnal 1982 (used by the Episcopal Church), The Baptist Hymnal, The Presbyterian Hymnal, The Methodist Hymnal (UMC), The Lutheran Book of Worship, and Songs of Faith and Praise (Churches of Christ).

The Hebrew Psalter is the foundation of Jewish hymnody, influencing Christian traditions. The Piyyutim are liturgical poems sung in synagogue services, especially during festivals.

In Islam, the Nasheeds are devotional songs praising God, the Prophet Muhammad, or moral themes. Sufi hymnody is mystical poetry set to music, such as Rumi's verses, used in dhikr (remembrance rituals).

In Hinduism, Vedic hymns, such as the Rigveda (c. 1500 BC), contain some of the oldest hymns in human history. The Bhajans and Kirtans are devotional songs praising deities, often sung in communal gatherings with instruments.

In Buddhism, there are hymn-like recitations of sutras and praises to the Buddha, as well as gathas, which are short hymnic verses used in meditation and ritual.

Indigenous hymns often blend praise with storytelling, invoking spirits, ancestors, or natural forces. They are deeply tied to ritual and oral tradition.

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