What Does Requiem Mean?
Miscellanea / / July 04, 2021
It is a Latin word, and although it is a dead language, this word is often used, but what does requiem mean?
Requiem means "rest." The word requiem is basically an exclusive word of the Catholic religion. They determine some Masses as Requiem Masses, because they are referring to Masses and prayers dedicated for people who have already passed away. They usually occur when the person has just died, that is, before the burial occurs. They are also applied to Masses that are made in remembrance, either because 40 days have passed since his death or the year, it also happens when they are special dates for family members.
It should be noted that despite being famous, the Requiem Catholic Masses. It is documented that other churches that do not belong to Catholicism also carry them out, such as the Anglican and Orthodox churches.
The words used in Latin or Spanish during Mass are these:
"Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis".
Meaning Grant them eternal rest, Lord, and let perpetual light shine for them.
On the other hand, requiem is also identified to certain compositions of music that are used for masses or liturgical services that are performed for the deceased or their memory. Where it was not only music but also accompanied by songs.
At present, the name requiem is not so common, so the faithful can receive ecclesiastical service with other denominative names.
There are two renowned authors who have used requiem in their compositions, they were Mozart and Verdi. On the part of Mozart there are antecedents that he was inspired by the Latin texts of the Catholic Church. But he did not do it on his own initiative, but first it was on a commission from an unknown person who made the request under the cover of anonymity, however Mozart did not He could finish the requiem composition since it was half elaborated so the irony of life his life escaped and it was a disciple of him who finished what it started.
Now if someone asks you what requiem means, you can answer with a correct answer.