Let's break down the history of both "meet" and the significance of singing hymns. ---

The History of "Meet" The word "meet" has a rich history and has evolved somewhat in its usage, though its core meaning of "coming together" has remained remarkably stable. 1. **Old English Roots:** * The word comes from the Old English verb **_metan_**, which meant "to find, encounter, assemble, fall in with, get to." * It's related to the Old Frisian *meta*, Old Saxon *motian*, Old Norse *mæta*, Old High German *muozan*, all meaning "to meet." * These Germanic roots trace back to a Proto-Germanic verb ***mōtijaną***, meaning "to encounter, come together." 2. **Proto-Indo-European Connection:** * Further back, the root is thought to be Proto-Indo-European ***mod-***, which also carried the sense of "to meet, gather." 3. **Evolution of Meaning:** * **Physical Encounter (Old English to Present):** The primary meaning has always been about two or more things/people coming into contact or proximity. "We met at the crossroads." * **Formal Gathering (Middle English Onward):** By the Middle English period, it also began to refer to more organized gatherings, leading to the noun "meeting." "A town hall meeting." * **To Fulfill or Satisfy (14th Century):** The sense of "to encounter and deal with," and subsequently "to be adequate for, to satisfy, to comply with," emerged. Examples: "to meet expectations," "to meet a deadline," "to meet a challenge." * **To Be Fitting/Proper (Archaic/Poetic):** There's an older, now largely archaic or formal usage of "meet" as an adjective, meaning "fitting, proper, suitable, appropriate." This usage is derived from the idea of "meeting" or "being adequate for" a standard. You might still encounter it in phrases like "it is meet that we do so" (meaning "it is right/proper that we do so"). This particular sense might subtly connect to the sentiment of "right it is to sing hymn." ---

"And right it is to sing hymn." This statement reflects a deep-seated tradition and theological understanding within many religious, particularly Abrahamic (Christian, Jewish), and other spiritual traditions.

# The History of "Hymn" 1. **Ancient Origins (Greek):** * The word "hymn" comes from the Greek **_hymnos_** (ὕμνος), which referred to a song or poem of praise, often dedicated to a god, hero, or a significant event. * These were part of ancient Greek religious and cultural practices. 2. **Jewish Tradition:** * The Psalms in the Hebrew Bible are essentially hymns—songs of praise, lament, thanksgiving, and instruction. They were sung in the Temple and synagogues. 3. **Early Christianity:** * Early Christians adopted and adapted the practice of singing hymns. The New Testament mentions singing "psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16). * This practice was central to communal worship, expressing faith, teaching doctrine, and fostering unity. Early Christian hymns often celebrated Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the events of salvation. 4. **Medieval to Modern Era:** * Hymnody continued to develop, with various traditions creating their own rich bodies of hymns. * The Reformation saw a resurgence in congregational singing, with figures like Martin Luther emphasizing the importance of the laity participating in worship through hymns. * Later movements (e.g., Methodism) further popularized hymn-singing, often emphasizing personal spiritual experience.

# Why is it "right to sing hymn"? The phrase "right it is to sing hymn" encapsulates several profound reasons why this practice is considered appropriate, necessary, and good within religious contexts: 1. **Act of Worship and Praise:** * Fundamentally, singing hymns is an act of **adoration and praise to God** (or to a divine entity). It is seen as a fitting and beautiful way to express reverence, gratitude, and love. Many religious texts explicitly command or encourage making a "joyful noise unto the Lord." 2. **Communal Expression of Faith:** * Hymns unite a congregation. When people sing together, it fosters a sense of **community, shared belief, and collective identity**. It's a powerful way to express faith publicly and collectively. 3. **Theological Instruction and Memory:** * Hymns often contain profound theological truths, stories, and moral lessons. Singing them helps **embed these doctrines in the hearts and minds** of believers, making complex ideas memorable and accessible. 4. **Spiritual Formation and Comfort:** * For individuals, singing hymns can be a source of **comfort, encouragement, and spiritual upliftment**. It can deepen personal faith, provide solace in times of trouble, and inspire virtuous living. 5. **Historical and Traditional Practice:** * As noted, singing hymns has been a continuous practice for millennia. It connects present worshippers to a vast cloud of witnesses from the past, reinforcing the **continuity and tradition** of their faith. 6. **Emotional and Artistic Expression:** * Music and poetry are powerful forms of human expression. Hymns allow for the **emotional and artistic outpouring of faith**, adding beauty and solemnity to worship. In essence, "right it is to sing hymn" means it is **proper, fitting, morally correct, spiritually beneficial, and historically established** as a core element of religious devotion and communal life.