Recessional Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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recessional
[rɪˈsɛʃənl ]
Definition
music, ceremony
A recessional is a piece of music played during a formal procession, often at the end of a ceremony or service, as participants exit. It marks a departure and can set the tone for the transition from the formal event back to everyday life.
Synonyms
departing tune, exit march.
Examples of usage
- The choir sang a beautiful recessional after the wedding ceremony.
- The recessional music filled the hall as guests began to leave.
- The band played a lively recessional to send off the graduates.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In Western culture, recessional music is commonly played at weddings, funerals, and graduations, providing a musical farewell.
- Different cultures have unique traditions for 'recessional' music, often reflective of their values and beliefs.
Music Composition
- Recessional music can vary in tempo and tone, often chosen to evoke a sense of celebration or solemnity depending on the occasion.
- Many famous composers, like Mendelssohn and Pachelbel, have works that are frequently played during recessions.
Psychological Impact
- The type of music played during a recessional can influence the emotions of those present, helping to mark the end of a significant moment.
- Uplifting music at a recessional can help guests feel joy and hope as they leave a ceremony.
Literature and Arts
- Recessional themes appear in literature and poems, often symbolizing closure or a farewell to a chapter of life.
- Notable works, such as Rudyard Kipling's poem 'Recessional', reflect the themes of the temporal nature of life and the importance of remembering one's roots.
Origin of 'recessional'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'recessional' comes from the Latin word 'recedere', which means 'to retreat' or 'to go back'.
- Initially used in church services, the word denotes the music that accompanies the procession out.
The term 'recessional' originates from the Latin word 'recessus', meaning 'a going back' or 'retreat'. It came into use in English in the early 20th century, initially associated with religious and formal services. The word was adapted to describe music specifically played during the exit of participants from such events. Over time, it has also been utilized in various ceremonial contexts, expanding its usage beyond just religious services to include weddings, graduations, and other formal gatherings. This evolution reflects how music functions as a crucial part of social rituals, marking transitions and changes in communal settings.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #36,650, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.