Canticle

A canticle is a short hymn or song, especially one of a religious nature. The term denotes a liturgical or biblical song that is not a psalm, and it is often used for passages that express praise, thanksgiving, or prophecy. The word origin is Latin canticulum, meaning “little song,” derived from cantus, “song.”

In biblical usage, canticles include well-known hymns beyond the Book of Psalms. Examples include the Song of Moses in Deuteronomy, the Song of Miriam in Exodus, and the Song of Hannah in 1 Samuel. In the New Testament, canticles include the Magnificat (Mary’s song), the Benedictus (Zechariah’s prophecy), and the Nunc dimittis (Simeon’s song). The Song of Solomon, a book within the Old Testament, is also referred to as the Canticle of Canticles or the Song of Songs in some traditions.

Liturgically, canticles are often sung or recited within daily or seasonal services. In Catholic and many Anglican (and other Protestant) traditions, the Magnificat is used at Vespers, the Benedictus at morning prayers, and the Nunc dimittis at evening or close of service. Canticles may be assigned to specific hours, seasons, or feast days and are sometimes called canticles by designation in prayer books.

Beyond scripture, the term can apply to religious poems or musical compositions inspired by such texts, and it appears in titles of secular works, such as literary or musical pieces named Canticle.