medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Dr. Gordon Arthur wrote:
>
> Over the past few years, I have been to advent carol services based
> around eight Great O antiphons. The first seven are the standard
> ones, but I was unfamiliar with the eighth (O virgo virginum). This
> year, I was told that it comes from the Sarum usage. Would any of our
> liturgical experts care to enlarge on this:
>
> 1. Is the statement correct?
> 2. Is the eighth antiphon exclusive to Sarum?
> 3. If so, why did Sarum adopt it, and what are its origins?
I can answer part of that: the Sarum Calendar had eight O Antiphons
(starting with O Sapientia on 16 December and adding O Virgo Virginum on 23
December). The general question tends to come up every year, particularly
if Bill East can be persuaded to discuss the O Antiphons.
I am still lacking a Sarum Breviary, and am still vaguer about its origin,
but in general terms the Sarum Use tends to be more elaborate than others,
but it may well have its origins in those of Normandy, specifically Rouen, I
believe. I have a suspicion that starting on 16 December was more
widespread in the Middle Ages, and that other Uses employed O Virgo
Virginum. There is a suggestion of a ninth Antiphon, O Thoma Didyme for 21
December, but I can't get to the bottom of that!
John Briggs
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