Hello, listmembers. I have a question regarding the canonical hours: How was time
measured in the middle ages and renaissance, especially at night? I've heard
something about the existence of candles with marks on them to indicate hours. Also,
that in winter night hours were longer than sixty minutes and day hours shorter to
account for twelve hour days and nights. I'm curious about by what parameters would
the time for Maitins be established. I would appreciate any pointers/books on the
subject. Thanks in advance for your help. Happy holidays to all.
Patricia Legorreta
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Bill East wrote:
> Collect for Prime - 1
>
> And now the promised word about Prime. This is "Prima Hora", the first hour
> of the day, that is, an hour after sunrise. At the Equinox, this would
> occur at 7 am; in the winter, rather later, in the summer, rather earlier.
> It is one of the "canonical hours" at which the Church has traditionally
> offered prayers. The full schedule is as follows:
>
> Matins - said at midnight, or in the early hours.
> Lauds - said at dawn.
> Prime - as aforsaid, said soon after dawn.
> Terce - i.e. "Tertia Hora", the third hour. At the Equinox this would be 9 am.
> Sext - i.e. "Sexta Hora", the sixth hour, which is actually noon whatever
> the time of year.
> None - i.e. "Nona Hora", the ninth hour, mid-afternoon.
> Vespers - said at sunset.
> Compline - "Completorium", the completion of the daily round of prayer, said
> at bed-time.
>
>
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