The Hosanna Shout

When Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, people waived palm branches and shouted “Hosanna.” (Matt. 21:9, 15). In the Book of Mormon, after Jesus appeared to the people at the temple, they likewise shouted “Hosanna,” and fell at his feet and worshipped him. (3 Nephi11:15-17).

The word Hosanna is a modern pronunciation of the Hebrew words Hosha na, which mean, “Save now.” We see the term used in Psalm 118, which rejoices in the coming of the Savior. These words were repeated each year at the feast of the tabernacles throughout Jewish history as praise, celebration, and pleading with God.

Shouts of celebration were given at Solomon’s temple, but they are recorded even earlier than that, during the pre-earthly Council in Heaven when “… all the sons of God shouted for joy." (Job 38:7).

Among Latter-day Saints, the first recorded use of the Hosanna Shout was at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, and it has since been used at temple dedications and other special, sacred events.

At these times, the congregation stands and, instead of palm fronds, we waive a white handkerchief while exclaiming the words "Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna to God and the Lamb.” This is repeated three times followed by the words, “Amen, amen and amen” which means, so be it or let it be so.

President Lorenzo Snow, fifth president of the Church, said of this practice, “This is …a sacred shout, and employed only on extraordinary occasions like the one now before us.

“We wish it also to be distinctly understood that we want the brethren and sisters not only to express the words, but that their hearts shall be full of thanksgiving to the God of heaven, who has accomplished, through our agency, this mighty and extraordinary labor.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church)