Hosannas is a plural form of the word "hosanna" which is commonly used in Christian liturgy as a joyful expression of praise or adoration. The word is spelled "həʊˈzænə" in IPA phonetic transcription, with the emphasized syllable being "zan" and the "a" sound being pronounced as "æ" similar to "cat". Hosannas can also be spelled with a single "n" at the end, but the correct spelling with two "n"s is preferred in most English-speaking countries.
Hosannas are religious expressions of praise and adoration, specifically used in Judaism and Christianity. The word originated from Hebrew, appearing in the Psalms of the Hebrew Bible, and was later adopted by Christians as a term of exultation, typically used in liturgical settings.
Within religious contexts, Hosannas are typically sung or chanted, often accompanied by music or congregational participation. They serve as fervent declarations of praise and reverence towards God or a divine being, expressing gratitude and awe at their presence and power.
In Christian traditions, the term "Hosanna" gained prominence during the festival of Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. According to the Gospel accounts, as Jesus entered the city riding on a donkey, the crowd greeted him by waving palm branches and chanting "Hosanna to the Son of David!" This exclamation was a cry of adoration and acknowledgment of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.
Beyond religious contexts, the term "Hosanna" can also be used metaphorically to express enthusiasm, acclaim, or enthusiastic support for a person, cause, or event. In this sense, it is reminiscent of the heartfelt praise and celebration associated with its religious origins.
The word "Hosannas" is derived from the Greek word "hosanna" (ὡσαννά), which itself comes from the Hebrew word "hoshiʿa na" (הוֹשִׁיעָה נָּא). This Hebrew phrase roughly translates to "please save" or "save now". In religious contexts, "Hosanna" is used as an exclamation or shout of praise and adoration, particularly within the Christian tradition during Palm Sunday. Over time, the plural form "Hosannas" has been used to refer to multiple instances of this exclamation.