The Alleluja Mass: history and practice

History

Hallelujahs or allelujas date back to the late fourth century. The following centuries saw their developpment, coinciding with a period of Byzantine influence in Rome.

Originally, the Hallelujah is an hebraic acclamation. Among Jews, it was used with a score of psalms called Alleluja psalms (104 to 106, 110 to 118, 134 to 135, 145 to 150). This acclamation was initially linked with the consideration of the wonders of the Lord, which makes it a cry of joy.