Novena: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
novena
[ nษหviห.nษ ]
religious practice
A novena is a form of communal or private prayer in Christianity that lasts for nine days. Traditionally, it is offered to obtain special graces or fulfill specific intentions, often involving a particular saint. Novenas can be done through various formats, including reciting prayers, singing hymns, and meditating on scripture.
Synonyms
devotion, prayer, supplication.
Examples of usage
- She participated in the novena for the feast of her patron saint.
- Every year, the parish holds a novena leading up to Christmas.
- He prayed the novena for healing after his surgery.
Translations
Translations of the word "novena" in other languages:
๐ต๐น novena
๐ฎ๐ณ เคจเฅเคตเคพเค
๐ฉ๐ช Novene
๐ฎ๐ฉ novena
๐บ๐ฆ ะฝะพะฒะตะฝะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ nowenna
๐ฏ๐ต ใใดใงใ
๐ซ๐ท neuvaine
๐ช๐ธ novena
๐น๐ท novena
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ ธ๋ฒ ๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ูููููุง
๐จ๐ฟ novรฉna
๐ธ๐ฐ novรฉna
๐จ๐ณ ไนๅคฉ
๐ธ๐ฎ devetnica
๐ฎ๐ธ nรณvenda
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฝะพะฒะตะฝะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ novena
๐ฒ๐ฝ novena
Etymology
The word 'novena' comes from the Latin term 'novem', which means 'nine'. This derives from the fact that a novena is traditionally prayed over a period of nine days, often leading up to a significant feast or event in the Christian calendar. The practice of novenas has roots in early Christianity, as early Christians would pray for nine consecutive days in preparation for a major feast or to seek divine help during times of need. The tradition was also influenced by the Jewish practice of counting the Omer, which is the period of seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot. Novenas became more formalized in the Middle Ages, when specific prayers and rituals were established. Today, many Christian communities continue to observe novenas, often as part of their liturgical traditions, combining prayer, reflection, and community participation.