Bury the Alleluia

One way Christians have historically turned their hearts toward the season of Lent is by “burying the Alleluia.”

Throughout the year, most traditional, liturgical worship services end with the congregational exclamation, “Thanks be to God! Alleluia! Alleluia!” Since the fifth century, it has been the tradition to fast from the “alleluia” during Lent. It is not sung or said.

Alleluia is a derivative of “hallejuah” meaning “Praise the Lord!” It’s a joyful word and inappropriate to the somber and penitential tone of the season of Lent. In the medieval ages, it became customary to “bury the alleluia.” That is, to “place it in a tomb” that it may be “resurrected” at Easter. This was done by literally burying an “alleluia” banner in the ground. Sometimes this is done the last Sunday of Epiphany by the Church congregation and sometimes by individuals and families on Fat Tuesday. It is a great activity to help your children mark the shift from one season or another.

Simply take a long piece of paper (or a regular sized one, whatever you have) and write “Alleluia!” on it. Decorate it as brightly and joyfully as you can. Then fold it or roll it up, put it in a plastic bag, and bury it in your yard (just don’t forget where you put it!). On Easter, resurrect it and display it!

If you’d prefer to not free-form this tradition, you can download two different, printable Alleluia “banners” here: