The Most Popular Easter Hymn, Ranked

Choose the hymn you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 19, 2024 07:02
Easter, a time rich in tradition and reflection, offers a range of hymns that resonate deeply with many. With numerous beautiful melodies and lyrics, it can be challenging to identify which hymn truly touches the hearts of the most people. By participating in the voting process for the most beloved Easter hymn, you help paint a clearer picture of the global favorites. This activity not only reveals what resonates with communities but also helps preserve the significance of these hymns for future celebrations.

What Is the Most Popular Easter Hymn?

  1. 1
    55
    votes
    Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
    Charles Wesley (words) · Public domain
    This is a classic Easter hymn that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is often sung in churches on Easter Sunday and is known for its joyful melody and lyrics.
    Christ the Lord Is Risen Today is a well-known and beloved Easter hymn. It proclaims the resurrection of Jesus Christ and celebrates his victory over death. The hymn is often sung in churches and is a joyful reminder of the hope and salvation found in the resurrection.
    • Title: Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
    • Composer: Unknown (traditional hymn tune)
    • Lyrics: Charles Wesley
    • Year of Publication: 1739
    • Language: English
  2. 2
    43
    votes

    Hallelujah Chorus

    George Frideric Handel
    While technically not a hymn, this chorus from Handel's "Messiah" is often performed during Easter services due to its triumphant tone and message of praise.
    The 'Hallelujah Chorus' is a choral piece from Handel's oratorio 'Messiah'. It is one of the most well-known and beloved Easter hymns, traditionally performed during the Easter season to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
    • Composition Date: 1741
    • Genre: Baroque choral music
    • Language: English
    • Duration: approximately 4 minutes
    • Voices: SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass)
  3. 3
    42
    votes
    Thine Be the Glory
    Raffaellino del Garbo · Public domain

    Thine Be the Glory

    Edmond Louis Budry
    This hymn was written in French in the 18th century and has since been translated into several languages. It is popular in many countries and is often sung in churches on Easter Sunday.
    Thine Be the Glory is a popular Easter hymn that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a triumphant and joyful hymn that emphasizes the victory of Christ over death.
    • Title: Thine Be the Glory
    • Genre: Hymn
    • Language: English
    • Publication Year: 1884
    • Lyrics: Edmond Louis Budry
  4. 4
    9
    votes
    This hymn is a favorite among many Christians for its powerful message of Christ's resurrection and victory over death. It has been sung in churches for over a century.
    Up from the Grave He Arose, also known as Low in the Grave He Lay, is a popular Easter hymn that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a joyful and triumphant hymn that conveys the victory over death and the hope of new life. The hymn is often sung during Easter Sunday services and has been performed by various church choirs and congregations around the world.
    • Title: Up from the Grave He Arose
    • Alternate Title: Low in the Grave He Lay
    • Composer: Robert Lowry
    • Year: 1874
    • Genre: Easter hymn
  5. 5
    8
    votes
    While not specifically an Easter hymn, this song is often sung during the Lenten season and on Good Friday. It speaks to the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for our sins.
    The Old Rugged Cross is a heartfelt Gospel song that celebrates the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Its lyrics and melody invoke a sense of reverence and gratitude towards the crucifixion. The song points to the cross as a symbol of hope, redemption, and salvation.
    • Genre: Gospel
    • Year of Creation: 1913
    • Length: Approximately 3 minutes
    • Original Key: B-flat Major
    • Chorus: Catchy and easy to sing
    The Old Rugged Cross in other rankings
  6. 6
    13
    votes
    This hymn is a poignant reminder of the suffering that Jesus endured on the cross. It is often sung during Holy Week and on Good Friday.
    O Sacred Head, Now Wounded is a popular Easter hymn that focuses on the sufferings and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The hymn highlights the deep love and sacrifice of Jesus for humanity, emphasizing the intense physical and emotional pain he endured.
    • Hymn Type: Christian hymn
    • Liturgical Use: Primarily used during Lent and Holy Week, particularly on Good Friday
    • Language: Originally written in Latin (Salve caput cruentatum), translated into various languages over time
    • Melody: Composed by Hans Leo Hassler, with influences from earlier chant melodies
    • Meter: 7.6.7.6 D
    O Sacred Head, Now Wounded in other rankings
  7. 7
    10
    votes

    Because He Lives

    Bill Gaither
    This modern hymn has become a favorite among many Christians for its message of hope and assurance in Christ's resurrection. It is often sung in churches on Easter Sunday.
    Because He Lives is a popular Easter hymn that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a powerful declaration of the hope, joy, and peace that comes from the assurance of Christ's victory over death. The song's lyrics reflect on the significance of Christ's resurrection and how it gives believers confidence and strength to face life's challenges.
    • Year of Creation: 1971
    • Genre: Christian Hymn
    • Lyrics by: Gloria Gaither
    • Music by: William J. Gaither
    • Key: Eb Major
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    This song is a traditional African American spiritual that speaks to the experience of witnessing the crucifixion of Jesus. It is often sung during Holy Week and on Good Friday.
    Were You There? is a hymn that focuses on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his sacrifice on the cross. It portrays the deep emotions and spiritual reflections of the individual singing the hymn, inviting them to personally contemplate the events of Jesus' crucifixion. The hymn is often sung during the Easter season as a means of collective remembrance and worship.
    • Genre: Spiritual Hymn
    • Lyrics Language: English
    • Melody Structure: Strophic
    • Meter: 12.8.12.8
    • Key: D minor
  9. 9
    5
    votes
    This hymn is based on a passage from the book of Job and celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It has been sung in churches for over two centuries.
    I Know That My Redeemer Lives is a popular Easter hymn that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It proclaims the assurance of the believer that their redeemer lives and gives hope for eternal life.
    • Year of Creation: 1775
    • Lyrics Language: English
    • Melody Composer: Unknown, traditional American melody
    • Hymn Meter: 8.6.8.6 (CM)
    • Genre: Christian hymn
  10. 10
    8
    votes

    Alleluia! Sing to Jesus

    William Chatterton Dix
    This hymn is often sung on Easter Sunday and celebrates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It has a joyful melody and is known for its uplifting lyrics.
    Alleluia! Sing to Jesus is a popular Easter hymn that celebrates the risen Lord and his reign in heaven. The hymn expresses praise and adoration for Jesus, inviting believers to rejoice and worship. It is commonly sung by Christian congregations during the Easter season.
    • Genre: Christian hymn
    • Year of creation: 1866
    • Meter: 8.7.8.7 D
    • Tune name: Hyfrydol
    • Language: English

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Ranking factors for popular hymn

  1. Lyrics
    The content and message of the hymn should be relevant to the Easter theme, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The lyrics should be theologically accurate, meaningful, and have a profound impact on the listeners.
  2. Music
    The melody and harmony of the hymn should be pleasing, and evoke feelings of joy, hope, and reverence associated with the Easter season. The music should be memorable, singable, and accessible to a wide range of musical abilities.
  3. Popularity
    The hymn should have a wide appeal and be recognized and enjoyed by a large number of people across different denominations and traditions.
  4. Timelessness
    A popular Easter hymn should have proven its staying power over time and continue to be a favorite in worship services year after year.
  5. Emotional impact
    The hymn should evoke strong emotions of gratitude, devotion, and praise associated with the Easter message.
  6. Liturgical use
    The hymn should be suitable for various Easter worship settings, such as sunrise services, Easter Sunday morning services, or other special services throughout the season.
  7. Cultural significance
    The hymn should have a meaningful connection to the culture and history of the Christian church, reflecting the significance of the Easter story through the generations.
  8. Universal themes
    The hymn should be able to speak to people from different walks of life, with themes and messages that resonate with a wide audience.
  9. Musical and lyrical depth
    A popular Easter hymn should offer a combination of substantial lyrics and music that inspire reflection, contemplation, and deeper spiritual engagement.
  10. Adaptability
    The hymn should be easily adaptable for various arrangements, instruments, and styles of performance, ensuring its relevance and appeal to different musical settings and preferences.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Easter hymn. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Hymn is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1638 views
  • 190 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Hymn once every 24 hours. The rank of each Hymn is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular easter hymn

Easter is a time of celebration for Christians around the world, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Music has always played an important role in Easter celebrations, with hymns being a particularly popular form of expression. From soulful classics to modern renditions, there are countless Easter hymns that people around the world love to sing and listen to during this special time of year. But which hymn is the most popular? Let's take a closer look at some of the top contenders and see what makes them so beloved by Christians everywhere.

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