What does "Hosanna" mean?
The short answer
"Hosanna," shouted as Jesus entered Jerusalem, is associated with rejoicing. It comes, St. Jerome held, from Hebrew words in Psalm 118 meaning "save, now" (hoshi'a na), repeated so often in the Feast of Tabernacles processions that it was shortened to "hosanna."
Palm Sunday
The crowds shouted "Hosanna" as Jesus entered Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9). The word is associated with rejoicing.
Its origin
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, the common view is St. Jerome's: the word comes from two Hebrew words in verse 25 of Psalm 118 (Psalm 117 in the Latin numbering). That psalm was recited daily by a priest in procession around the altar during the Feast of Tabernacles, when the people were told to rejoice before the Lord (Leviticus 23:40). At verses 25-26 the people waved branches and shouted with the priest a plea — "save, now" (hoshi'a na) — and blessed the one who comes in the Lord's name. Repeated so often, the plea was shortened to "hosanna."
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