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Encyclopedia of Religion entry for

Canonical Hours

Hours or times of prayer, which were prescribed by rule or canon. They were observed by the early Christians. in the days of persecution, there were Nocturns or Vigils, prayers at night. The early morning prayers were called Lauds. The following are the names of the canonical hours. 1. Matins, in Old English " Uhtsang," at break of day. 2. Prime, or " Primesang," at the first hour of the day, 6 a.m. Tierce, or " Undersang," at 9 a.m. 4. Sext, or " Midday Sang," at 12. 5. Nones, or " Noon-Sang," at 3 p.m. 6. Vespers, or " Evensang," public evening service. 7. Compline, or " Night-sang," the closing service (Latin complere, to finish) of the day. See W. R. W. Stephens, Common Prayer, 1901; Prot. Dict.

citations: Encyc. of Rel., Canney

article created 2006-04-12 , last updated 2006-04-12

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