virsikirja

Virsikirja is a hymn book used in Christian worship, especially within Estonian Lutheran and other churches. It is a collection of hymns, metrical psalms, canticles, prayers, and liturgical texts arranged for congregational singing and daily devotion.

A virsikirja typically follows the church year, providing hymns for Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost, as well as orders of service, readings, and, in many editions, musical notation or guidance for choir use. Hymns are numbered and may be grouped by theme or liturgical occasion; many editions include morning and evening canticles and prayers.

The word virsikirja derives from virsi, hymn, and kirja, book, reflecting its function as a book of hymns and liturgical texts. The tradition of hymn singing and the formation of virsikirjad developed from the Lutheran Reformation in Estonia.

In Estonia, the hymn book tradition began in the early modern period with the introduction of Estonian-language hymn collections for congregational use. Over the centuries editions were revised and expanded to reflect changes in language, theology, and musical taste. The virsikirja has played a role in liturgy as well as in cultural life, particularly during periods of national awakening and independence.

Today, virsikirjad are produced for various denominations and in multiple editions, including revisions using modern Estonian. In addition to printed volumes, digital editions and apps are common, allowing online accompaniment and personal study, while still serving as a standard resource for congregational singing.