Because of the penitential character of the season of Lent, singing or saying the word "alleluia" has historically been suspended during Lent's forty days. This period of individual and congregational reflection on the quality of our baptismal faith and life suggests that the joyful nature of alleluia is more appropriately reserved for our Easter celebrations when it is given full and jubilant voice. An alternate gospel acclamation for Lent that omits the alleluia is provided for all settings of Holy Communion in
Evangelical Lutheran Worship.
The omission of alleluia during Lent goes back at least to the fifth century in the western church. The custom of actually bidding it farewell, however, developed in the Middle Ages. The hymn "Alleluia, song of gladness" (Evangelical Lutheran Worship #318) contains a translation of an 11th century Latin text that compares an alleluia-less Lent to the exile of the Israelites in Babylon. The text then anticipates the joy of Easter when glad alleluias will return in all their heavenly splendor.
Along with a sung farewell to alleluia, some congregations have embraced the practice of physically "burying" the alleluia. This may take the form of actually placing a visual representation of alleluia in a hole in the ground, or of hiding it away after carrying it in procession around the church or worship space. This ritual practice is especially delightful and meaningful for children.
When do we bury the alleluia?
Alleluia is appropriately bid farewell on the Sunday preceding Ash Wednesday (the Transfiguration of Our Lord, also called the last Sunday after the Epiphany). This is the last Sunday when alleluia will be used until the Vigil of Easter, or Easter Sunday for those congregations not holding a Vigil. The burial of the alleluia could otherwise be the culminating activity at a congregational Carnival (also known as Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday) celebration just before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.
How do we bury the alleluia?
If a simple suspension of the alleluia during Lent is all that is desired, the "burial," or farewell might simply consist of singing "Alleluia, song of gladness" (Evangelical Lutheran Worship #318) as the post-communion hymn on the Sunday preceding Ash Wednesday. If a fuller ritual is desired, however, there are multiple options. An alleluia made from paper, fabric, metal, wood, or some other natural material (see next section) may be carried in procession or might lead a parade accompanied by instruments and singing. Burial could take place in the ground, or the alleluia could simply be placed in a suitable container that will remain in the worship space as a visual reminder of alleluia's absence during Lent. Perhaps a volunteer in the congregation would build a small wooden box with a lid or even a small casket that could hold the alleluia. If the alleluia is created out of paper or fabric so that it can be rolled, a sturdy decorated cardboard mailing tube wrapped in protective plastic makes a fine container for outdoor burial. If the alleluia is buried outdoors, a procession during the sending hymn might lead the congregation out of the worship space to the place of burial. Especially in congregations where the omission or burying of the alleluia for Lent is a brand new or relatively new practice, a paragraph of explanation will be a helpful addition to the bulletin or worship folder.
How do we make an alleluia to bury?
A Sunday school or confirmation class might be invited to construct an alleluia using a long sheet of good quality paper. Pairs of students could be responsible for designing and creating each of the word's eight letters. Alternately, a congregational sewing group might consider creating an alleluia from rich, beautiful, supple fabrics. Such a creation might take the form of a banner to be carried in procession, but might just as effectively be designed to resemble a table runner in length and width so that it could be rolled rather than folded when put away. Still another possibility would be to invite a wood- or metalworker to carve or fashion an alleluia that could be fastened temporarily to the congregation's processional cross. The processional cross, thus adorned, could then lead the way to the place of burial.
When and how do we "resurrect" the alleluia?
If the alleluia was buried as part of worship on the last Sunday after the Epiphany, the resurrected alleluia may appropriately be carried in a festive procession during the hymn of praise or as part of the gospel procession (if used) at the Vigil of Easter or on Easter Sunday. Hearty congregational singing of multiple alleluias proclaims the resurrection, unleashing pure Easter joy. The Lenten fast has now ended. If the congregation buried the alleluia during a parish Carnival or Mardi Gras celebration, the congregation's Easter breakfast (if it holds one) might provide the best parallel venue for resurrecting it. Several youth could be enlisted to carry the resurrected alleluia among the breakfasters as those gathered sing a familiar Easter hymn containing multiple alleluias such as "Jesus Christ is risen today" (Evangelical Lutheran Worship #365). If the alleluia was physically buried in the ground, provision should be made to have the burial container unearthed a day or two in advance so that the alleluia itself can be easily removed when needed.
Is it appropriate to use alleluias at funerals during Lent?
The historic practice of most western liturgical churches is to fast from alleluias even at funeral during Lent. However, Christian funerals properly recall and celebrate our death and resurrection with Christ in baptism. The paschal candle is lighted at all funerals to remind us of the presence of the risen Christ with us. Christian funerals always proclaim the resurrection, pointing us toward Easter and toward the promise of eternal life with God. Because of their Easter orientation, it seems reasonable and pastoral to conclude that funerals may appropriately suspend the "rule" against using alleluias during Lent.
Resources
History and Practice
Constructing an alleluia to be buried: helpful principles